Written by: Khalis Rifhan

After successfully sealing the top-six position following their win over Harimau Muda in their final Round Two match of the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League, Balestier Khalsa coach Marko Kraljevic has set a new objective for his players going into the final five matches.

“We have reached our target of top six and now for the final half round, I am aiming for a top-three position,” said Kraljevic after their match against the Malaysian developmental team in Pasir Gudang, Johor.

Touching on his team performance against Razip Ismail’s side, the Croatian had nothing to complain about his charges.

“I am happy as they boys played well. This ten minutes, we got a red card and conceded a goal, this were a bit down,” said the Balestier coach whose team saw midfielder Poh Yi Feng given the marching orders, together with Harimau’s Qayyum Marjoni Sabil midway through the second half.

“We needed to adjust some things, new formation and after that we go back to go scoring the fourth and fifth goal to finish off the game.” explained the former Kelantan FA player before he ended the interview by reiterating his delight at the top-six finish with a huge grin.

For Razip, while he acknowledged he had face some obstacles in preparing for this match, he did not use it as an excuse for his team’s poor showing against the Tigers.

“I don’t have my full squad with me. Several players are out due to injuries and suspension. We only have 13 fit players to choose from this match and the forward you saw today are all defenders. But I have to work around this and continue to give our best in every match,” explained Razip.

“It is a heavy loss for us. After good results in the past two games (against Home United and Hougang United), I think the third one is very difficult as my boys are very tired.

“In six days, we have to play three games. It is quite heavy for them. I am also disappointed with the way we played from the beginning and it is maybe because of the tiredness,” added the ex-Malaysia international.