Sarawak FA's top scorer Ndumba Makeche hopes that his dangerous strike partnership with former Kelantan forward Gilmar will cause a major Malaysia Super League upset against Johor Darul Ta'zim when the two teams meet in Kuching on Friday night.
Defending champions JDT are top of the table and Sarawak are only one point above the relegation zone. But the Crocs, having won two of their last three MSL matches, could be dangerous opponents.
Makeche has scored eight goals this season -- six in the MSL -- while Gilmar has netted twice in their last three league matches. Both men joined the East Malaysian side at the start of the season.
"So far, Gilmar and I have started combining and understanding each other which has been good," said Makeche, who was previously with Felda United.
"Football is a funny game and on any given day anyone can beat anyone. It's always exciting facing the best teams and Johor is certainly one of them."
Sarawak drew 0-0 at JDT II in the Malaysia Cup on Wednesday night, having lost 2-0 in the MSL away to Pahang four days earlier.
Their up-and-down season saw former national boss Dato K. Rajagobal replaced by assistant David Usop in May and Makeche admits that the 1997 M-League champions face a struggle to avoid relegation.
"It's been a tough season so far because we haven't managed to get on a good winning run, with a lot of changes happening at the club recently," Makeche said.
"The team's main aim right now is to move up from the bottom and stay in the Super League.
"The move to Sarawak has been refreshing for me and I've learnt a lot. Football is all about the journey and experiences. I've appreciated both the good and the bad parts."
Makeche was born in Zambia and became an Australian citizen in 2012. But, facing up to a JDT team who have seen the international retirement of four senior players, the 24-year-old admits he'd be open to taking up Malaysian citizenship one day.
"You never know. In future, if they would welcome me to play for the national team, it would be something serious to consider, seeing how I'm not an international player yet."