2013 FAM League

2013 FAM League

No	Date	VS	Result	Scorers	POS	MVP
1	17 Feb	Melaka (H)	W 2-0	Reithauddin, Nizam	3rd	Reithauddin
2	27 Feb	Kuantan FA (H)	L 0-1	-	6th	-
3	3 Mar	Melayu Kedah (A)	W 1-0	Nur Syahri	3rd	-
4	6 Mar	PBAPP FC (A)	L 0-1	-	4th	-
5	10 Mar	Tentera Darat (H)	L 2-3	Billyton, OG	5th	-
6	17 Mar	YBU FC (A)	W 2-0	Rainol, Arfiyansah	4th	Billyton
7	24 Mar	Kuantan Port (H)	D 1-1	Arfiyansah	4th	Reithauddin
8	31 Mar	Penang (A)	L 0-1	-	5th	-
9	7 Apr	Tumpat FA (H)	D 0-0	-	5th	Reithauddin
10	21 Apr	Harimau Muda C (A)	L 1-3	Arfiyansah	7th	-
11	28 Apr	Harimau Muda C (H)	D 1-1	Rainol	7th	Saiful
12	8 May	Melaka (A)	L 0-2	-	7th	-
13	12 May	PBAPP FC (H)	L 0-4	-	7th	-
14	19 May	Kuantan FA (A)	L 0-1	-	7th	-
15	26 May	Melayu Kedah (H)	W 3-0	Menang Percuma	7th	-
16	2 Jun	Tentera Darat (A)	L 0-6	-	8th	-
17	9 Jun	YBU FC (H)	D 3-3	Rainol, Azuan, Arfyansah	7th	-
18	16 Jun	Kuantan Port (A)	D 1-1	Shapawi	7th	-
19	23 Jun	Penang (H)	L 1-7	Arif	7th	-
20	30 Jun	Tumpat FA (A)	D 0-0	-	7th	-

MVP= Man of the Match selected by FAM

Tough to make quarters despite win over Forces

New Sabah Times

MISSED … the young Mohd Farris Mahamud (right) unleashes a shot at Armed Forces goalmouth that went wide.

KOTA KINABALU: Despite nicking a 3-1 win over basement side Armed Forces, the Sabahawks Juniors’ chance of making it into the quarter-finals of the President’s Cup challenge remains gloomy. With only two matches left to play, both Negeri Sembilan and Penang are still holding the edge over the State Under-21 side.

 Negeri Sembilan currently sits on the last slot for the last eight with 50 points. Yesterday, they blanked Kuala Lumpur 2-0 on the road while Penang dropped a rung down to ninth on 48 points after succumbing to an embarrassing 1-6 defeat to Kelantan, also playing away. But the win over Armed Forces at the Likas Stadium yesterday was not enough for the Sabahawks Juniors to improve their position, as they remain in 10th on 47 points.

 Yesterday, Sabahawks Juniors had a bad first half that left team manager Datuk Juil Nuatim fuming. “We were not playing football. They seemed to lack interest. Things looked much better in the second half after a pep talk during the break,” said Juil. Both sides were scoring blanks in the opening 45 minutes. The match only came to life at the start of the second half.

No room for complacency

New Sabah Times

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabahawks Juniors have been urged to show the right character when they take on Armed Forces in a President’s Cup challenge at the Likas Stadium today. Datuk Juil Nuatim said that despite the fact that they are taking on a side that has conceded the most goals in the competition, there is no reason for them to take their opponents lightly.

 “There is no place for complacency. Although they have conceded the most goals in the league, but their scoring record is better than ours. “We have to be at our best and go out there to get the three points,” said the Sabahawks Juniors team manager. Juil admitted that their hope of making the quarter-finals is hanging by a thread following their 0-1 defeat to Terengganu on Monday.

 However, he added, they are not going to throw in the towel just yet. “I’m sure everyone is thinking about the slim hope that we have but I don’t want it to be a distraction to the players. They must give their full concentration. “I want the players to fight until the end no matter whether we make it or not. The most important thing is we win our remaining three games, starting with this one against the Armed Forces,” said Juil.

Sabah make playoff despite loss

Daily Express

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Premier League squad made it to the Malaysia Cup playoff despite suffering a heavy 1-6 defeat to Johor FA at the Pasir Gudang Stadium on Monday evening. PDRM who had a chance to bring the game to the last match of the preliminary round suffered a 2-3 loss to Perlis in the earlier match thus handing Sabah and Pos Malaysia an unassailable lead sitting comfortably in the fifth and sixth position for the playoff.

 Pos Malaysia only managed a 1-1 draw with KL Spa in the afternoon match and they are still three points behind Sabah with a match to go. Sabah's final match is at home on July 5 to Sarawak who had already claimed the Premier League title with a 4-0 thrashing of Kuala Lumpur on Monday. Meanwhile, the State juniors failed to take advantage of their home ground and were beaten 1-0 by Terengganu on the same night.

The match which was supposed to kick off at 4.15pm was delayed until 8.15pm because of the late arrival of the match referee from Pahang due to the haze. The home players playing at night for the first time this season were unable to mount any meaningful attacks in the first half. The visitors with their superior physical presence were able to stop any Sabah attempts at goal with ease.

Sobri dashes Juniors last-eight hope

New Sabah Times

PRESIDENT’S CUP ACTION … Jenius Karib (right) and Terengganu players battle for the ball.

KOTA KINABALU: A second-half stunner by Terengganu’s Syed Sobri dashed Sabahawks Juniors hope of making the quarter-finals in the President’s Cup challenge that is approaching its end. The Terengganu midfielder struck a well-executed dipping shot from about 25 metres out that defeated Sabahawks custodian Endre S. Tipay in the 55th minute.

 The goal turned out to be the winner for the visiting Terengganu, who eventually sealed their place in the last eight after collecting 56 points from 16 wins, eight draws and seven defeats. As for the host, it was a big blow, as their chances of making it through are now as good as over. Even winning their remaining three matches, Armed Forces (home), away to Tengku Mahkota Sports School Johor, and Sarawak (home) may not be good enough, as they are now trailing by five points from eighth placed Penang, who drew one-all with Tengku Mahkota Sports School Johor and four points behind ninth placed Negeri Sembilan, who edged Melaka 2-1 on the road.

 The match, which was initially scheduled to kick off at 4.15pm, was played at night (8.15pm) due to a technicality. It was learnt that the match officials for the clash had their flight delayed due to the haze. Last night it was a match of not many chances for both sides. Apart from Syed Sobri’s effort, there was nothing really interesting from both sides, although Sabahawks Juniors had a chance to draw level late on through Rexjeson Pitirus.

Sabah teams facing crunch ties

Daily Express

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah's senior and junior teams will see action today (Monday) and both have a big task ahead as they face their respective opponents. The senior team are hoping to build on their 5-3 win over PDRM on Friday for an away victory against Johor to book themselves a place in the Malaysia Cup play-off.

 With two matches to go, Sabah are in sixth place, five points ahead of Pos Malaysia and another three points will definitely confirm their place for the play-off with the fifth place finisher and the bottom two teams from the Super League. A draw is risky business as they still have to face the unbeaten Sarawak team at home in their final match.

 The match today is unlikely to see any major changes in the starting line-up apart from the goalkeeper where a final decision will be made before the start. The management will have to choose whether to retain Shahril Saa'ri who was a bundle of nerves in the previous match but still managed to produce a string of saves or former international Syamsuri Mustafa.

Cebagoo humiliated, suffer heaviest defeat

New Sabah Times

BAD PATCH … Rainol Masaat of Sabah Cebagoo FC (front) challenges a Penang player during the FAM Cup tie at the Penampang Stadium yesterday.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Cebagoo FC ended their FAM Cup home challenge with a 1-7 drubbing by newly crowned Penang at the Penampang Stadium yesterday. This was their heaviest home defeat all season as they were taught a footballing lesson by the visitors, who were a class above the State’s sole representative in the League.

 Despite having a bright start to the game when Arif Awang drew first blood as early as the sixth minute, it was Penang which showed why they are the deserved FAM Cup 2013 champs. Playing in unfamiliar territory having had to switch their home venue from UMS Stadium to the Penampang Stadium that have just undergone a facelift, Cebagoo FC seemed to be running out of steam a little too early.

 And just when Penang started to settle down, they finally found the equaliser at the half hour mark through an effort from Syahwan. Then Norizam stunned hundreds of the home crowd when he put Penang in the lead in the 43rd minute before the Penang captain added his second on the stroke of half time to make it 3-1 for the visitors at the end of the opening half.

2013 Cebagoo FC Goalscorers

2013 FAM League Goalscorers

#	Scorers	Goal
1	Mohd Arfiyansah Abd. Jafar	4
2	Rainol Masaat	3
3	Mohd Reithaudin Awang Emran	1
"	Mohd Nizam Jefferi	1
"	Nur Syahri Saili	1
"	Vun Kit Ming @ Billyton	1
"	Nur Azuan	1
"	Mohd Shapawi Maiddin	1
"	Mohd Arif Awang	1
-	Own Goal	1
#	Total	15

last updated: 23 June 2013

13 receive AFC coaching certificate

Daily Express

Kota Kinabalu: Thirteen persons received their Asian Football Confederation (AFC) licence 'B' coaching certificate which was held at the Universiti Malaysai Sabah (UMS) from Jan 7-27. The course which was organised by UMS Sports Centre with the cooperation of the Malaysia Higher Education Ministry saw a total of 23 participants, of whom only three failed while seven others who passed partially will have to re-sit the course for another week.

 The 13 who passed are Azaman Soaibah, Rosmadi Wasli, Razeki Rashid, Jorry Jakiwa, Mohd Faizal Marjus, Mohd Aiyyman Shah @ David Johnny, Kamaruddin Junit, Sueli Apin, Billyton Vun Kit Ming, Roslan Wasli, Michael Wong, Muhamdin Abdul Ajid and Itnes Kalang.

 The seven who are requested to attend the course again are Maran Kuba, Slybester Justin, Sjaifuddin Abdul Wahind, Ardi Sida, Darus Abdul Wahab, Tommy Amir and Mohamad Jaafar. Meanwhile, a One Malaysia Futsal tournament for men and women organised by the Sabah Football Association (Safa) futsal and beach football committee in conjunction with the Merdeka Day celebration will be held at the Yayasan Sabah Futsal centre on September 15-16. It is open to all clubs and teams throughout Sabah and there will have three categories namely Open, Under-18 and Under-15.

Cebagoo FC going all out against Penang

New Sabah Times

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Cebagoo FC will take on newly crowned FAM Cup champions Penang in their penultimate match of the season at the Penampang Stadium today, kicking off at 4.15pm. This will be their last home tie before concluding their 2013 campaign away to Tumpat FC of Kelantan on June 30. Head coach Razali Zinin hopes that since this will be their last home game, it will give his charges extra motivation to go all out against their opponents.

 While anticipating a tough encounter, Razali insisted that it is not impossible to turn the table on the Premier League-bound Islanders. “It will be a tough game, but if we go out there and do our best, we will always stand a chance of getting what we aim for. The most important thing is to give the best we could,” said Razali, when contacted yesterday.

 Cebagoo FC, Sabah’s sole representative in the competition, has had a positive start to the season by chalking up a 2-0 win over Melaka in the season opener last February. But as the season progressed, they found it tough going, and they are currently sitting in the bottom half of the 11-team standings on 16 points from four wins five draws and nine defeats.

Thaore wira Sabah

myMetro

Kota Kinabalu: Pemain import Sabah, Koh Thaore dijulang sebagai wira apabila menjaringkan lima gol untuk membantu tuan rumah menewaskan PDRM, 5-3 pada saingan Liga Perdana di Stadium Likas, petang semalam. Thaore memulakan aksi dengan gol pertama pada minit ke-10 sebaik menerima lorongan Zainizam Marjam dan terus merembat menerjah gawang pasukan pelawat.

 Kelekaan pertahanan tuan rumah membuka peluang buat Kaye Edrisar menyamakan kedudukan apabila berdepan satu lawan satu dengan penjaga gol, Shahril Sa’ari pada minit ke-21. Traore mengambil peluang menambah jaringan pada minit ke-32 hasil hantaran Alto Linus di dalam kotak penalti. Empat minit selepas itu, Traore mencipta hatrik apabila merembat kencang bola ke gawang lawan pada minit ke-36 bagi membolehkan Sabah mendahului 3-1.

 Kegagalan penjaga gol tuan rumah, Shahril Sa’ari menampan bola memberi peluang buat Khairul Izuan Abdullah menjaringkan gol kedua PDRM pada minit ke-41. Pada babak kedua, Sabahawks menambah jaringan keempat hasil percubaan Thaore pada minit ke-57 yang menerima hantaran lintang Alto Linus dalam kotak penalti pelawat.

Joh: All must play roles to improve Sabah football

New Sabah Times

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Cebagoo Football Club President Mohd Joh Wid has expressed his support towards bringing in energetic young blood into the Sabah Football Association (SFA). He agreed with Hafez Yamani Musa that the SFA needs a comprehensive transformation in order to function more effectively in the development of football in Sabah.

 However, Joh said for Sabah football to return to its glory days, everyone must play their respective roles, and not just the SFA. “I totally agree with Hafez’s statement. A major overhaul in the SFA needs to be done, and at the same time, district FAs also need to play their part. “Making changes and bringing in new faces into the SFA is not enough. SFA cannot be left alone in the development of the game.

We have to do it together, or else it will be the same old story. “Coaches, ex-players, former officials or even the Youth and Sports Ministry, could play their part and give Sabah football a helping hand. “For coaches, they must have the desire to play their part by getting more involved in the game, and the same goes to ex-players, so as former officials.

Playoff berth up for grabs

New Sabah Times

KOTA KINABALU: Caretaker coach Johnny Dominicus will be eyeing victory when they return to Premier League action after a one-month break by taking on Police at the Likas Stadium today. Johnny, who shares the responsibility of managing the team alongside fitness coach Andrew Majanggim and goalkeeper coach Mark Damun, following the resignation of head coach David McCreery on Monday, insists a win is a must in order to strengthen their grip on fifth spot, which would guarantee them one of the two Malaysia Cup playoff slots.

 “We will surely need to win this tie, no doubt about that,” he said, when contacted yesterday. “Despite what is going on around the team, the spirit in the camp is still pretty much high. I don’t think there is any problem, because I have been with the team all this while,” said Johnny, who was McCreery’s assistant before the latter’s shock departure.

 “We will stick to the same game plan or formation, but with a slightly different approach,” he added. With automatic entry as good as out of reach, a win over Police will virtually seal their spot in the Malaysia Cup playoff, which will be played at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on July 10.

Juniors thump Selangor to keep last-eight hope alive

New Sabah Times

KOTA KINABALU: Sabahawks Juniors kept their quarter-finals hope alive after thumping Selangor 3-1 in a President’s Cup challenge at the Shah Alam Stadium yesterday. The State Under-21 side fought their way back from a goal down before they turned on the screw on the host to eventually register the crucial win. Anything less than the three points could have seen their hope as good as gone.

 However, they were forced to play with one man lesser following the sending off of goalkeeper Rendy Robson, who was punished for retaliation. It was alleged that a Selangor striker had kicked the lanky custodian, who has been in brilliant form, before he retaliated with similar action that prompted him to be shown a red card.

 The Sabahawks Juniors had a nervous start and saw themselves trailing by a goal as early as in the third minute when Selangor drew first blood through Muhammad Asnan’s effort. However, as they settled down, midfielder Sabri Sahar scored the leveler in the 36th minute, before Hafizan Jahar put them into the lead three minutes before the break.

Sabah overwhelm Selangor in President’s Cup

sports247.my

SABAH keep their President’s Cup quarterfinal hopes alive by beating Selangor 3-1 at the Shah Alam Stadium today. Muhammad Asnan gave the hosts a bright start with a third minute goal but Sabri Sahar levelled the tie on 35 minutes.

The evening turned for the better for the Justin Ganai-coached Sabah when Hafizan Jahar made it 2-1 seven minutes later. Sabah confirmed the three points when the unfortunate Salomon Raj deflected Mohd Farris’ effort, for an own goal in the 84th minute. Team manager Datuk Juil Nuatim hailed Sabah’s performance which he described “the best from the team this season”.

“We should have played like that from the start of the campaign. Now we are in the final stages and still trying to get into the last eight. “The three points today gave us hope and we will definitely fight to the end,” he said after the match. Sabah moved to 44 points in the 18-team table but still trail eighth placed Penang, who took the last quarterfinal spot, by three points after their 4-0 demolition of Malacca.

Justin: A match we can’t afford to lose

New Sabah Times

KOTA KINABALU: Sabahawks Juniors continue with their do-or-die mission in the remaining matches of their President’s Cup challenge by taking on Selangor on the road at the Shah Alam Stadium today. The match, which is scheduled to kick off at 4.45pm, is one of the remaining five matches left in the competition, and the one that they just cannot afford to lose, or their hope of making the quarter-finals will be gone with the wind.

 For that reason, head coach Justin Ganai is seeking fullest concentration from his charges against Selangor, whom they lost to in the first round (0-1). Justin also revealed that the team’s failure to stay focused throughout the 90 minutes in matches is one of the reasons why they have failed to add to their nine victories in the league.

 “First of all we need to score goals but we must not neglect the duties at the back. We have been conceding goals with just minutes or even seconds to play and it has cost us valuable points,” he said, before adding one of the fine examples was when they were held to a one-all draw against Johor, who scored the equaliser with three minutes remaining on the clock after Sabah took a first-half lead.

Sabah football needs new blood

New Sabah Times

KOTA KINABALU: Yamani Hafez Musa, who has taken a brave step in calling for the Sabah Football Association (SFA) to make a comprehensive transformation, including its leaders, in order to function more effectively in the development of football in Sabah, is not alone in his cause! There had been a lot of response to the call, who all concurred with him that it is time for a change. Former team officials, coaches and players alike are among those who have expressed their support for Hafez. 

They all described the call as timely! Ronald Cooke, a former Sabah team manager, said that Sabah FA must keep Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman as its president as it is important for the football association to get the support of the state government in their bid to be a major football team in Malaysia. “I believe that the deputy president and below should make way for younger blood to take Sabah out of the decades of rut,” Cooke said, adding that they have overstayed their welcome.

 Coaches such as Faisal Yee from Lahad Datu, Rahman Madnoor (Tawau) and Rusli Hassan from Sandakan, all agreed with Hafez’s statement. They said the statement from the SFA Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee Chairman should be taken seriously and viewed from a positive angle for the sake of Sabah football.

Hafez: SFA needs comprehensive transformation!

New Sabah Times

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Football Association (SFA) needs to make a comprehensive transformation in order to function more effectively in the development of football in Sabah. Yamani Hafez bin Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman said this transformation must also include its leaders. He opined that SFA should be aware that at the moment, their efforts in bringing the sport to a new level are not enough, and that they merely seemed to be moving on a normal flow.

 “Proactive measures must be taken to change the scenario of Sabah football as a whole. Transformation must be bandied about, and leaders at all district FAs must also have the enthusiasm, passion to win and desire to see the development of the game, especially the State senior team,” said Hafez when met at the State Sukma futsal team training held at the Borneo Sports Arena in Kolombong here yesterday.

 Hafez, who heads the SFA Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee, added that if there is enthusiasm, passion to win and the desire to be successful, it will give a positive impact that is needed in the development of the sport, which eventually helps instill greater interest among the fans towards football as well as the State teams.

McCreery resigns

New Sabah Times

TOP GUNS … from left, Alijus, Yusof, Lawrence, Hasbullah and Junaidi at the SFA Executive Committee Meeting yesterday.

KOTA KINABALU: David McCreery has decided to opt out of the State Premier League team. The former Manchester United man tendered his resignation letter late Monday, citing personal reasons to quit the team, less than a month before his one-year contract ends early next month. McCreery, who is believed to be on medical leave due to an ear infection for the last week or so, could not be reached for comment.

Attempts to contact him since Monday proved futile. Sabah Football Association (SFA) Deputy President Datuk Lawrence Gimbang told reporters yesterday that they have accepted McCreery’s resignation. He was met after chairing the SFA executive committee meeting yesterday. “We have decided to accept David McCreery’s resignation.

He cited personal reasons for stepping down (head coach). “In his letter, he thanked the association for giving him the chance to coach the State team but when a coach wants to resign, we have to make a decision, and the show must go on. SFA Vice President Datuk Yusof Kassim, who is also the team manager, Secretary General Alijus Hj Sipil, Assistant Secretary General I Junaidi Ahmad Fauzi and Executive Secretary Hasbullah Yahya were also present at the meeting.

Juniors close the gap

New Sabah Times

GOAL-SCORER … Hafizan (No 17) being mobbed by teammates after netting the opener for Sabah in the 10th minute.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabahawks Juniors are clinging to their slim hope of making the quarter-finals after registering a narrow 1-0 win over Perlis in a President’s Cup challenge at the Likas Stadium yesterday. The slim win has helped them close the gap with Penang, who occupy the last slot for the last eight. The Sabahawks Juniors went into yesterday’s game trailing by six points from the Islanders, but now it has been reduced to three points, as the Islanders succumbed to a 2-0 defeat away to Pahang, also played yesterday.

However, the Sabahawks Juniors are not alone in fighting for a place in the quarter-finals. Negeri Sembilan too have an equal chance to pip Penang from the eighth spot. They won 2-1 away to Perak (yesterday) and are still level on 41 points with the Sabahawks Juniors, but they stay ahead in ninth place on superior goal difference.

 The defeat to Pahang has left Penang stagnant on 44 points. “Our chances are now quite slim because we need to depend on the results of teams above us. The only thing we can do now is to do a good job in our remaining matches, otherwise it will be very difficult to make it through,” said head coach Justin Ganai when met after the Perlis match yesterday.

SFA decision today

New Sabah Times

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Football Association (SFA) will hold a meeting today to decide on the fate of its Premier League team head coach David McCreery. McCreery’s contract ends early next month, but a rumour in the social network such as Facebook or even Twitter yesterday, had it that the Northern Ireland man has resigned.

 McCreery could not be reached for comment. However, SFA Secretary General Alijus Hj Sipil when contacted yesterday refused to comment on the matter other than confirming that he had not received any official resignation letter from the former Manchester United man.

 “I have not received any official letter (resignation) from him. So, I cannot give any more details other than that. I will only be able to give more on his status after our meeting tomorrow night. Until then, there is nothing more I can say,” said Alijus.

Top eight target for Sabahawks Juniors

New Sabah Times

KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Juil Nuatim has urged his charges to fight till the end in their quest for a place in the quarter-finals of the President’s Cup challenge 2013. The Sabahawks Juniors team manager said they must not give up hope, even if it is a slim one, insisting that in football, anything can happen. “We must not stop trying.

We have to go on. We have another six more matches to play, and if we do well in all those matches, I believe we still have a good chance of making the top eight,” said Juil yesterday. The Sabahawks Juniors are currently in 10th place in the 18-team standings on 38 points, six behind Penang, who occupy the last slot for the quarterfinals.

 Ninth placed Negeri Sembilan are level on points with the Sabahawks Juniors, but stay ahead on better goal difference. Sabahawks Juniors take on Perlis at the Likas Stadium at 4.15pm today before their trip to Selangor on June 20. Upon their return, they would host Terengganu on June 24 followed by another home tie against Armed Forces three days later.

‘Propel Sabah to greater heights’

New Sabah Times

FIRST STEP … Yusof (seated, 3rd right) is flanked by Gopal (3rd left) and Hasbullah after the opening ceremony held at the SFA office in Maksak Hall yesterday.

KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Yusof Kassim has called on all football enthusiast to help develop the sport and propel it to greater heights. The Sabah Football Association (SFA) Vice President II said they must try to bring and lift Sabah football to a better position than ever. “We must try and aim to make Sabah football better than ever.

Without disrespect to those who have brought glory to the State and made Sabah proud (in the past), what is more important now is the future. “We must instill this aim or determination, as this will give us the motivation to do what is best for football in Sabah,” Yusof said. “We must try and function well and be more matured in the development of the game.

On the part of the association we are serious in our development efforts,” said Yusof, who is also the Development Chairman of the association. Yusof said this when gracing the opening ceremony of the AFC Licence ‘C’ Course held in the State Capital here. The course is organised by the SFA with the cooperation with the FA of Malaysia and is attended by 24 participants.

Cebagoo share spoils in Temerloh

sports247.my

A second half goal from Mohd Shapawi Maiddin saved Sabah Cebagoo FC from further disappointment in the FAM League. The match against Kuantan Port ended 1-1 at the Temerloh Stadium in Pahang on Sunday. “The homesters got an early goal from a freekick but we fought hard to find the equaliser.

It came in the second half when we were awarded a penalty kick. Shapawi made no mistake from the spot,” said coach Razali Zinin when contacted today. The shared points did little to improve Cebagoo’s league standing, where they are currently in the bottom half of the table on 17 points from 18 matches.

Meanwhile, Cebagoo will host newly crowned champions Penang in their penultimate FAM League match on June 23. The Sabah club side will conclude their league campaign away to Tumpat FA seven days later.

Sabahawks Juniors leave their scoring boots at home

New Sabah Times

KOTA KINABALU: It was another tale of a blunt attack for the Sabahawks Juniors as their hope of making the quarter-finals started to fade away after merely managing to settle for a 0-0 stalemate against Penang in a President’s Cup tie at the City Stadium in Penang yesterday. With the draw, the State Under-21 side is now left with a mammoth task of making the last eight as they still trail Penang by eight points, who currently occupies the last slot for the quarter-finals, with only six games to go before the seasons ends.

 A win would have reduced the gap to three points, but unfortunately, the Sabahawks Juniors seemed to have left their scoring boots at home, where both midfielders Sabri Sahar and Jenius Karim must be cursing their luck after squandering their chances. In the first half, Sabri only had the Penang keeper to beat only to see his close range attempt sail above the crossbar.

 In the second half, Jenius’ attempt had already beaten the Penang keeper, but this time, it was the goalpost that denied them the winner. “It was a close game. We had a difficult first half because we were playing against a pretty strong wind that made our movement difficult. Even then, we managed to create two or three chances with Sabri having the best of them,” said assistant coach Burhan Ajui when contacted yesterday.

Full points only option

New Sabah Times

MIDFIELD PRESENCE … Sabri Sahar, (right), will be the main man at the Sabahawks Juniors engine room.

Full points only option MIDFIELD PRESENCE … Sabri Sahar, (right), will be the main man at the Sabahawks Juniors engine room. 13th June, 2013 KOTA KINABALU: The Sabahawks Juniors will be aiming for all the three points when they take on Penang in a President’s Cup challenge at the City Stadium in Penang today.

 Assistant coach Burhan Ajui insisted they are left with no other option but to go for a win if they harbor hope to make the quarter-finals. “We cannot afford to end this tie empty handed. If we look at our position in the standings, even a draw is not good enough,” said Burhan, who will take charge of the team in the absence of head coach Justin Ganai, who could not make the trip due to work commitment.

 This will be the second consecutive game that Bob, as he is fondly known, takes charge of the State Under-21 side. Prior to this date with Penang, he was also in charge when the team nicked a one-all draw against high-flying Johor on Monday. “So our target is crystal clear, and that is to win. Hopefully, the players will play to instruction and play their hearts out.

Juniors’ quest for last-eight berth takes a knock

New Sabah Times

KOTA KINABALU: Sabahawks Juniors’ quest of making the President’s Cup quarter-finals took a knock after merely managing to salvage a one-all draw against Johor at the Pasir Gudang Municipal Council Stadium yesterday. The State Under-21 squad was heading for all the three points until the high-riding southern State side scored the equaliser from the spot three minutes from regulation time. 

Defender-turned-midfielder Benerlys Raim nodded home for the Sabahawks Juniors from an ensuing corner in the first half. “We were leading after 12 minutes of play through Benerlys. We managed to hold on to our slender lead for a long period. “But they (Johor) got a lucky break when they were awarded a penalty kick, which I thought was unnecessary,” said team manager Datuk Juil Nuatim when contacted yesterday.

 For the record, in the first round, both teams also ended their tie in a draw (0-0). This was the Sabahawks Juniors’ 13th drawn game after 27 matches into the season. They won the remaining eight matches and suffered six defeats. With Penang, who occupy the last slot for the quarter-finals, registering a 7-2 win over Armed Forces, Sabahawks are now trailing six points behind as they sit at 10th placing on 37 points.

Demanding ties… Sabahawks Juniors eyeing quarter-finals

New Sabah Times

KOTA KINABALU: Sabahawks Juniors are on two consecutive away ties, a journey that will be a telling factor on where their fate lies in the President’s Cup challenge that is nearing its end. Currently ninth in the 18-team standing, the State Under-21 side have a lot of catching up to do to make it to the quarter-finals. 

On paper, they not only need to win the remaining battles ahead but also hope that teams ahead of them will fumble. There are eight matches left to play before the season ends, and there is little room for error for the State side. Datuk Juil Nuatim is fully aware of the predicament his side is in and is hoping his charges will go for nothing less than the maximum points. Sabahawks Juniors’ first opponent in this trip will be Johor, who are currently sitting second in the standings.

 Today’s clash will be played at the Pasir Gudang Municipal Council Stadium at 4.45pm today before taking on Penang on Thursday. “We need a positive result (against Johor). A good outing (against Johor) will be just the right tonic for our game against Penang (June 13),” the Sabah team manager said. “This is going to be a difficult trip, but we have to believe in ourselves in getting the job done.

Cebagoo rues 20-minute horror show

New Sabah Times

FUMING … Cebagoo club president Mohd Joh Wid (right) vents his anger at the men in black.

KOTA KINABALU: Emotional Sabah Cebagoo FC was forced to share the spoils with Perak YBU FC after squandering a three-goal lead in a FAM Cup challenge at the UMS Stadium yesterday. The visiting YBU FC scored the equaliser in the sixth minute of injury time to eventually return home with a point which left the hosts fuming in a match they could have bagged all three points.

 This they blamed it on the match official whom they claimed played the injury time longer than that of the four minutes shown by the fourth official. Things could have gone out of control right after the final whistle as the hosts, led by the club president Mohd Joh Wid together with some supporters, showed their dissatisfaction towards the men in black.

 Fortunately, the security men at the stadium were able to handle the situation led by the Police force, albeit small in number. But this action could see them facing the wrath from the FA of Malaysia, should a report is lodged against the hosts. The hosts were heading for what could have been an easy win after easily cruising to a 3-0 lead, until things went out of control in the last 20 minutes or so where they were forced to play with two men lesser after two of its players got the marching orders.

Sabah Cebagoo FC playing for pride

New Sabah Times

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Cebagoo FC will take on Perak YBU FC in a FAM Cup tie that is of not much consequence apart from completing their fixtures at the UMS Stadium today. With promotion to the Premier League long gone, it is also a game to fight for pride, after they suffered a huge 0-6 defeat to Tentera Darat FC, in their last fixture away.

 The match has been set to kick off at 4.15pm. For the record, Cebagoo are on 15 points having won four times, drawn thrice and losing on nine occasions. One of the victories came against basement side YBU FC 2-0 on March 17 where striker Rainol Masaat and midfielder Mohd Arifyanshah Japar scored the goals.

 After today’s game, Cebagoo will travel to Kuantan to face Shahzan Muda FC on June 16, before playing their last home game on June 23 against Penang, who have earned promotion to the Premier League. They would conclude their challenge away to Kelantan Tumpat FA on June 30.

Sabah U-19 football squad finish fourth

Daily Express

Kota Kinabalu: An exhausted Sabah Under-19 squad finished in fourth place at the just concluded National Youth Cup Under-19 football competition which was held in Pahang on Saturday. In the 3rd/4th place play off, the team who were leading 1-0 with nine-men before being reduced to eight with two more yellow card offences by two other players at the start of the second half resulted them going down 2-3 to Perak at the final whistle.

 Team Manager Jumat Jimy blamed the tight schedule for the team failing to win the play-off. "It was a carnival format and with the long journey from KK and seven days of non stop playing, it finally got the better of the players and with the tired legs, fouls committed are unavoidable," he said. He said the team could have done better with better preparation.

 "We were definitely short of preparation as we only did a week of centralised training before coming over. Nonetheless I am very proud of the players and credit must give also to the two coaches Awang Sabtu and Roslan Wasli as they have done one better than last where we only made it to the quarterfinal." He also disclosed that four of the players have been selected to attend a Harimau Muda 'C' selection trial.

Safa to get own venue

Daily Express

Kota Kinabalu: A Sabah Football Association's (Safa) owned building with its own training ground as well as a hostel equipped with gym facilities are on the cards according to Safa Deputy President Datuk Lawrence Gimbang. He was speaking to the press on Saturday after chairing the association's first Annual General Meeting held after the registration with the Malaysian Sports Commissioner which was attended by representatives from all 26 districts throughout the state including Labuan.

 "This is in response to one of the demands from the delegates to have our own office building and training field. It is our main aim now and we will definitely pursue the matter immediately and having our own training facility will also cut the cost down significantly in the long run." Various matters were raised during the meeting including the development of sports and Lawrence said the state body will propose an inter-districts league competition akin to the previous inter-zone competition.

 "And we will name the challenge trophy as "Datuk Musa Trophy" with the President's approval. It is likely to be held after the Malaysia Cup competition somewhere in October when there will not be much activities." He said it will be loosely based on the Sabah Games (Saga) format where a qualifying round will be held at the respective districts before the final rounds.

SFA plots success

New Sabah Times

SERIOUS BUSINESS … from left, Alijus, Gimbang, Yusof and Hasbullah during the press conference yesterday.

KOTA KINABALU: Professionalism was one of the hot topics brought up at the Sabah Football Association (SFA) Annual General Meeting held at the Le Meridien Hotel here yesterday. Most of the delegates want the State body to be more professional in a sense that they must have their own stadium; own building, hostel as well as training grounds.

 They also want to see the SFA revive the state level championship from an open tournament to age groups, which is to be competed among its affiliate members. The financial aspect of the game was also brought up. These were revealed by SFA Deputy President Datuk Lawrence Gimbang at a press conference after chairing the AGM, which was their first since their registration under the Malaysian Sports Commissioner early last year.

 The AGM was for the 2011-2012 term. Gimbang, who was accompanied by its Vice President II Datuk Yusof Kassim, Secretary General Alijus Hj Sipil, Assistant Secretary General II Junaidi Ahmad Fauzi and Executive Secretary Hasbullah Yahya, also revealed that their next AGM, which will be for the 2012-2013, will be held in December that would see the election of new office bearers.

Cebagoo FC keep heading South

sports247.my

SABAH CEBAGOO FC’S season went from bad to worse when they lost 6-0 to Army in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. It was Cebagoo’s heaviest defeat in the FAM League. Army led 4-0 at halftime before adding two more goals to add misery to Cebagoo, who had an encouraging start to the season. The defeat saw the East Malaysian club side drop to eighth with 15 points, having won four times, drawn three and losing on nine occasions.

 “We lost out in the fitness battle against Army,” said head coach Razali Zinin yesterday. “We will be playing for pride in the next four game … we want to finish in a better position.” Up next for Cebagoo is a home game against Perak YBU FC on June 9 and Shahzan Muda FC in Kuantan on June 16.

 Cebagoo will then host Penang, who have already earned promotion to the Premier League, on June 23 before wrapping up their league campaign away to Kelantan Tumpar FA on June 30.

Bobby Gonzales: I owe everything to Sarawak FA and the fans

Goal.com

Bobby Gonzales (L) scored 19 goals for Sarawak FA this season

Sarawak FA striker Bobby Gonzales may be regarded as the man of the moment in Borneo but the 29 year-old forward has credited his impeccable form to Sarawak FA and its fans. The Crocs have already secured promotion to the Malaysian Super League next season and it was definitely due, in no small part, to the 19 goals that was scored by Bobby - something that the man was extremely humble about.

 "I would have to say that it all boils down to teamwork," he said in an exclusive interview with Goal. "Every Sarawak FA player has been terrific this year and the understanding between all of us contributed to all the goals that I have scored this season. "Guy Bwele in particular, has been the heartbeat of the team with his energetic displays.

 "With players like these in the side, more chances were created and I just did my best to finish them off. "The fans have been equally amazing as well. "Considering the difficult season that Sarawak had last year, the fans have stood strong as the backbone of the team, which inspires me to do my best for the side." Bobby's form has unsurprisingly seen him being linked with a call-up to the national team set-up, which is terribly lacking of an on-song striker.