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| TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT … Yusof (3rd left) with the various coaches and team managers at the KK Junior League meeting at the Sabah FA office on Tuesday. Scott is 2nd left while Hasbullah 3rd right. |
Sabah FA Vice President II, Datuk Yusof Kassim said there is no more time to waste, and that they must act from now if they want to make Sabah the football powerhouse in the country in the near future.
He added that the development of the game is a shared responsibility of coaches, players, parents and so on.
On the part of the Sabah FA, Yusof said they are serious in developing the sport, and he revealed that the FA is on the brink of bringing Englishman Ken Shellito as Director of Development for Sabah football.
Yusof said this at the KK Junior League team managers’ meeting held at the Sabah FA office here on Tuesday.
Also present were former Rhinos star and organiser of the KK Junior League, Scott Ollerenshaw, Sabah FA executive secretary, Hasbullah Yahya and representatives from the various participating teams.
He then called on coaches and football development leaders in the district to play their roles more effectively in grooming young players to be more dedicated to the sport.
Yusof said coaches and leaders must be more responsible in grooming the young players under their care.
“I like to think that football development is taking a turn for the better in Sabah, particularly in the state capital with the continuation of the KK Junior League.
“And with all our involvement in each new edition of this grassroots development tournament, we must strive to improve our leadership abilities and the discipline of players.
“Coaches and all levels of leadership must be more responsible in giving the proper guidance to all their young players, who in turn are expected to show better discipline from year to year.
Yusof said they are also contemplating on sending a development team (Under-14) to Australia for exposure.
“If we can form a team that is good enough to warrant the expenses of sending them to Australia, then that is what we must try to achieve.
“This is where all you football leaders can play a role. Take your duties more seriously and groom your players to become more disciplined and committed to the sport.
“Once we have some good players then maybe we can make the Australia initiative a reality. Imagine the inspiration this would bring to the sport if we can make it come true,” said Yusof.
Meanwhile, this year’s tournament, which is scheduled for kick-off at the Sukma fields in Likas this weekend with eight teams in each of the Under-13, 14 and 16 categories.
