Mickels: Sabah can make impact despite Champions League underdog status

Rwanda international Joy-Lance Mickels says Sabah FK are determined to make an impact in the Champions League despite going into the competition as underdogs.

Mickels scored 19 goals last season as Sabah won their first-ever league title, earning the Azerbaijani club a place in the Champions League league phase.

The 32-year-old acknowledges the challenge facing Sabah but believes their historic qualification presents an opportunity for the club to test themselves against Europe’s best.

“Reaching the league phase is a historic opportunity,” Mickels told the BBC.

“We want to be competitive in every match and demonstrate the qualities that brought us this far.

“We know that the level will be extremely high, but we believe in ourselves and the strength of our team.

“We want to gain valuable experience, create memorable moments for our supporters and earn as many points as possible.”

Sabah’s achievement has also provided a remarkable chapter in the career of manager Valdas Dambrauskas.

The Lithuanian coach used winnings from an appearance on the Lithuanian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? to help forge his career in football.

For Mickels, featuring in the Champions League league phase represents a special moment for everyone connected with Sabah, but he insists the club are not simply there to make up the numbers.

“It is a special feeling for everyone at the club,” he said.

“We want to make the most of it whilst enjoying the challenge and continuing to grow as a team.

“We want to go out with some points and we’re going to make it difficult for everybody to get points on us. This is the target.”

Sabah’s maiden league title has already secured their place in the club’s history.

Mickels now hopes their Champions League adventure can produce another memorable chapter as they face the demands of competing at the highest level of European club football.

The forward’s goalscoring form was central to Sabah’s success last season, and he will be expected to play a key role as the Azerbaijani side seek to prove they can compete beyond their domestic achievements.