New Sabah Times
KOTA KINABALU: Former State skipper Md Reithuddin Ag Emran will lead Cebagoo FC’s charge when they make their maiden appearance in the FAM Cup against Melaka at the UMS Stadium which kicks off at 4:15pm today.
The lanky defender has also been given the honour to skipper the State’s sole representatives in the competition.
Club president Mohd Joh Wid said: “For me, his appointment will give additional inspiration to the team. He has captained the State side for several years, and also been the captain of the Melaka State side a few years back.”
“His experience will surely give us a huge advantage,” Joh said yesterday.
He also called on the fans to come in full force and support the team.
“All I could say for now is that we will surely go all out in search for a favourable result.
Reithuddin will not be alone in spearheading Cebagoo’s charge as another former State player Billyton Vun Ket Ming is also part of the Sepanggar-based squad.
Both the duo has been named in the 18-member squad for today’s clash.
Reithuddin when contacted believes that they have what it takes to kick start the season on a winning note.
“I think this team has the ability to go far in the league. With due respect to our opponents Melaka, I believe that we will be able to clinch the three points.
“We are well aware that Melaka is a State team with much experience … Cebagoo FC, on the other hand, is a club side but is not without quality. That is why I have the belief that if we can perform to the best of our ability, we can win the first game … that is my personal opinion of the first game,” added team captain Reithuddin who played for Melaka in 2009.
The 35-year-old has been without a team after being dropped from the Sabah senior squad at the end of last season.
He said this will be a new challenge for him, and is determined to give his fullest to Cebagoo FC.
Cebagoo FC is coached by former State and international footballer Razali Zinin and is assisted by Jelius Ating, a former teammate of Reithuddin in the State senior football squad.
The FAM League will comprise 11 teams playing in a two-round league system. The other teams are Yayasan Bina Upaya FC of Perak, Kuantan FA (Pahang), Melaka, Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang FC (Penang), Penang, Shahzan Muda FC (Pahang), Malaysian Army, PB Melayu Kedah (Kedah), Tumpat FA (Kelantan) and the national youth side Harimau Muda C.
Cebagoo FC’s probable line-up (from) Shairul Boidi (GK), Abd Tawfiq Bin Abd Haq, Adnan Arman, Zulfikri Jemai, Reithuddin Ag Emran, Mohd Arfiyanshah Jaafar, Mohd Nizam Jaferi, Gerard Smith Chin Chiu, Norswandy Jafry, Mohd Arif Awang, Rainol Masaat, Mohd Nazmeer and Dan Joseph.
