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| 1SAFA … from left, Bobby, Farid, Rahman, Joehari, Juil, Hasbullah Yahya (Sabah FA Executive Secretary), and Razak at the press conference yesterday. |
“We will leave no stone unturned and will also bring professionalism into the teams. We will also work together for the betterment of the teams with the motto 1Safa,” said Joehari, who is also one of the FA’s four Vice Presidents, after chairing the committee’s first meeting, held at the FA’s office in Likas here yesterday. He also announced the appointment of Rahman Zakaria as the new team manager of the State senior side, while Datuk Juil Nuatim has been retained as the team boss for the President’s Cup.
For Rahman, this will be his second stint as the team manager of the squad having taken up the role from 2005 to 2009. Joehari said Rahman will be assisted by Mohd Joh Wid, the Cebagoo Football Club President. Juil, Rahman and Joh are among the eight elected Supreme Council members of the association. Joehari went on to reveal that Justin Ganai has been promoted to assistant coach of the senior side following the departure of Johnny Dominicus, whose contract was not renewed.
On his mission, Rahman said: “We will try our best (in the coming season). I have confidence in Milomir and Justin … they are very experienced and know what to do with the team.” The main aim, Rahman added is to help Sabah gain promotion into the Super League as well as to qualify for the Malaysia Cup after failing to make it in the last two seasons.
As for Juil, after failing to qualify for the second round this 2013 campaign, he is hoping to do one step better next year. “The aim is to get into the semi-final and if possible the final (of the President’s Cup). Last season we had too many draws and we need to improve that. “We already have the players for the new season, and hopefully everything will come good for the team next year,” said Juil.
And Juil will have a new head coach for his team, as Joehari revealed that Burhan Ajui will take over Justin’s position. Burhan will be assisted by former teammate Jelius Ating. “It is a pity that he (Justin) has been promoted, but it is for the good of the senior team. Burhan has been around with us for quite a while now, and I think his combination with Jelius looks promising.
I just hope they will do their best in guiding our young talents,” Juil added. For the record, the team management committee will oversee the State Premier League and President’s Cup squads. The newly formed Safa Team Management Committee full list include Joehari, Alijus Sipil, Rahman, Hj Nizam DSP Abu Bakar Titingan, Hj Razak Sulaiman, Juil, Mohd Joh Wid, Justin, Dr Farid Abdullah, Bobby Chua, Andrew Majanggim, Burhan, Jelius and Seslija Milomir.
In another development, Sabah will play a two-legged friendly against archrivals Sarawak, the 2013 Premier League champions, in what is expected to be their last pre-season matches. Joehari said the first match will be hosted by Sarawak on December 23 before the teams face off for the second time here on January 4, 2014.
