Following his official unveiling on Wednesday evening, Juan Torres Garrido has officially begun his duties today as the new head coach of Sabah FC. The Spaniard, who previously managed the national Under-23 squad, replaces Jean-Paul de Marigny. Garrido's first task is to lift the "Rhinos" from their current 11th-place standing in the Super League, where they have struggled this season. 

His first match in charge will be this Saturday at Likas Stadium against Negeri Sembilan FC. Interim coach Alto Linus has now returned to his former role as assistant coach. Management has expressed hope that Garrido’s familiarity with the Malaysian league and young local talents will provide the necessary boost to reach their target of a MFL Challenge Cup final.        

The appointment has been met with high expectations from fans in Kota Kinabalu, who are eager to see a more disciplined and tactically sound performance. Meanwhile, defending champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) remain the team to beat in domestic competitions, having just crushed Melaka 5-0 to book their spot in the Malaysia Cup semifinals earlier today.