Bound for glory (The Malay Mail)

HOW James Wong wished he was born at the right time seeing his State of
Sabah going great guns.
 The passion for the game is still burning strongly in the former
international striker as Sabah captured the M-League title and reached the
Malaysia Cup final this season.
 James wished he could have been younger to lend his much-feared feet to
the Rhinos, who will take on Selangor in the Malaysia Cup final tomorrow.
 James said: "It is indeed a great achievement for Sabah soccer to be in
the Malaysia Cup final for the first time ever.
 "For Sabah soccer-loving fans, there never has been a greater moment
than now.
 "I wish I was part of the team, because it is the dream of any soccer
player in the country to play in the Malaysia Cup final."
 However, James said he too had his great moments. "Although I did not
play in a Malaysia Cup final, I certainly came close to it in 1979
(Stanley Chew was coach) when we qualified for the semifinals but lost to
Selangor."
 James, who now manages a band comprising his brothers (who also played
for Sabah), added: "Maybe this time around, Sabah will make amends for
that disappointment faced by Sabah fans 17 years ago."
 James believes that the Rhinos are capable of wresting the Malaysia Cup
from Selangor though it will be played at Shah Alam.
 "In a Cup final, there are no real favourites. It is always close and
the team that make the least mistakes will have the edge," he said.
 "Sabah have already bagged the League title and I see no reason why we
cannot lift the Malaysia Cup too.
 "Of course, Selangor have more depth and experience, but that does not
mean Sabah are not able to match them.
 "I see the match as a battle between the rookies of Sabah and Selangor's
experience and depth.
 "Sabah players may be inexperienced but they are fighters and equally
determined to taste glory.
 "Maybe Sabah's hunger to taste glory will see us emerge victors after
all.
 "I wish Sabah all the best and I am sure they will do East Malaysia
proud - win or lose," added James.
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