Sabah FC has officially named Slovakian-born coach Martin Stano as their new head coach, succeeding Datuk Ong Kim Swee, who recently departed to manage Indonesian club Persis Solo.
The announcement marks a new chapter for The Rhinos, who are looking to build on their strong performances under Kim Swee’s leadership over the past two years.
Since taking the reins in September 2021, Ong Kim Swee left an indelible mark on Sabah football. Under his guidance, Sabah secured top-three finishes in the Malaysian Super League for two consecutive seasons, demonstrating consistent growth and competitiveness. Additionally, Kim Swee led the team to the semi-finals of the ASEAN Zone in the AFC Cup last season, further solidifying their reputation on the regional stage.
Stano, no stranger to Malaysian football, brings extensive experience to Sabah. The Slovakian coach was a key part of the Harimau Malaya coaching staff from 2017 to 2022, where he contributed to the development of Malaysian football at the national level. His familiarity with the local football landscape is expected to be a significant advantage as he takes charge of Sabah.
Sabah’s immediate focus will be on their upcoming Malaysia Cup clash against Kuching City this Sunday. Stano’s debut match as head coach offers an opportunity to make a strong first impression and set the tone for the team’s campaign moving forward.
The club’s management has expressed confidence in Stano’s ability to continue Sabah’s upward trajectory while injecting new ideas and strategies to elevate their performance further.
Credit Photo : Sabah FC
