New Sabah Times
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah FA will be holding a three-day open selection trials at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex field B from Nov 9 to 11, 2012.
Alijus Hj Sipil said this will be the final venue for them to unearth hidden talents before they finalise their squad for the 2013 season.
The FA Secretary-General added that a few foreign players are also expected to attend the trials.
“Our priority is to look for another foreign player (preferably a striker) to fill in one of the two slots for import players.
“One of the slots for foreign imports will almost certainly go to a defender. This potential candidate has been training with the team since attending earlier trials, last month,” said Alijus obviously referring to a former Arsenal academy graduate Rhys Weston, who was here on trial for almost two weeks before heading home.
“As for the local players, the list is almost finalised, and there are only a few slots left for local imports, which is still left vacant,” said Alijus via SMS yesterday.
He said that the FA will announce its final squad on November 15, which will be followed by a contract-signing ceremony a few days later, after which the team will begin intensive pre-season training.
In a related development, Alijus also revealed that they are also on the verge of finalising its President’s Cup (Under-21) and Youth (Under-19) squads.
He said the ongoing state-wide roadshow that began in September (2012) will end at the Sukma field on November 10 and 11.
Interested players are advised to report for the trials to be conducted by Justin Ganai and assisted by Matasan Ahmad, at 8am on both days.
Alijus revealed that thus far, they have shortlisted 23 players from the selection trials tour held across the State.
Five each are from Tawau and Sandakan, three from Keningau, two each from Labuan, Pitas and Kinabatangan, and one each from Ranau, Matunggong, Nabawan and Kuala Penyu.
As for the President’s Cup squad, 20 candidates have been shortlisted from Keningau (4), Labuan (4), Kinabatangan (2), Ranau (2), Pitas (2), Tawau (2), Sandakan (2), Kudat (1) and Telupid (1).
“This will be the final tour, and we hope that those who missed the previous selection trials will come and attend this trials,” said Alijus.
