Maksak Kuching coach praises players’ resilience in 12-10 victory

KUCHING: Maksak Kuching coach Zulkaranainhisham Sarbini credited his ruggers’ never-say-die attitude for the 12-10 win over Maksak Sibu on Sunday (Oct 6) at UNIMAS synthetic rugby field.

He said that when Sibu scored the first try, which his team anticipated, his players knew they needed to respond.

Zulkaranainhisham

“We were confident in our ability to make a comeback. We came back twice — that’s the quality we possess.

“I congratulate both Sibu and Kuching; I believe both teams played exceptionally well.

“However, it seems Kuching had a slight advantage in terms of fitness, and possibly in gameplay and pattern play. It was a tough game, a good game,” he said.

He credited his team’s victory to the experienced players at his disposal, who have represented Sarawak in past Maksak Malaysia Games.

“We have experienced players who have represented Sarawak in the Maksak Malaysia Games for the past 2-3 years.

“In fact, Kuching has eight players in the sttate team,” he told Sarawak Tribune.

On his team’s strategic gameplay, he said his team’s strength was in the backline.

“Simply put, we need to get the ball into the backline quickly to create an extra player so we can score.

“Most of our tries are a result of this strategy. We scored because our running backs were effective, but our forwards were equally strong as well,” he added.

Mohd Adha.

Meanwhile, Maksak Kuching captain Mohd Adha Mohamed Zabidi, 38, the Man of the Match, said it was an intense final.

He said that during the final against Sibu they were fierce competitors; however, his teammates were able to contain their opponent’s attacks and ensure a win.

“It was a tough match, we were able to withstand the pressure and win the match.

“I didn’t actually expect it (to be named Man of the Match) because… as the team captain, that was my role to lead the team,” he said.