New Sabah Times / Daily Express
KOTA KINABALU: About a dozen ex-State players will feature in the 3rd edition of the KDM Malaysia Football Tournament, which is happening in Keningau on December 7 and 8, 2013.
The championship, which offers more than RM40,000 in prize money, will see former State midfield maestro Yap Wai Loon, the much travelled Dominic Minci, lanky defender Henry Parsi, in action during the two days of competition.
The almost forgotten names such as Sylvester Saini, Gilbert Junior, Ian James Wong, Azrul Ejati Damsah and Restu Emat will also be there, so as Jufrey Omopor, Benerlys Raim, Denisi Mekhan and Eyo Matthew.
Both Yap and Dominic are all set to don Papar colours, Sylvester will play for Kiulu, Jufrey for Nabawan, while Henry, Restu and Ejati will feature for Kota Marudu and Tamparuli respectively.
Gilbert and Ian will play for Tambunan while former President’s Cup trio of Benerlys, Denisi and Eyo will spearhead Keningau’s challenge.
There will be 20 teams from throughout the State vying for top honours in the competition organised by KDM Malaysia.
The teams have been drawn into four groups with Beaufort, Kiulu, Kudat, Penampang and Keningau making up Group A, while Group B comprises Membakut, Nabawan, Tenom, Tamparuli and Kundasang.
Papar, Tambunan, Pitas, Kota Marudu and Kimanis make up Group C, while Bingkor, Ranau, Inanam, Kemabong and Kota Belud are in Group D.
A handsome RM20,000 awaits the winners, while the runners-up will receive RM10,000, and RM5,000 for the third placed winners. Fourth, fifth and sixth placed teams will each receive RM3,000, RM2,000 and RM1,000 respectively.
The organiser is also giving away Best Player, Top Scorer, Best Goalkeeper and Best Team awards.
The opening ceremony will be held on December 6, which is to be graced by KDM Malaysia President Datuk Peter Anthony at 6.30pm.
To make the opening merrier, the organiser has also decided to bring along the eight finalists of the KDM Idol 2013.
Peter said that this championship is their annual event, which is aimed at strengthening the rapport among the public, especially the KDM communities throughout the State.
“This championship is a place to bring everyone together, especially the KDM young generation in a family spirit. I hope all teams will display great sportsmanship,” said Peter while urging the public to come and support the tournament, including today’s opening where besides the KDM Idols’ performances, attractive lucky draw prizes are also up for grabs.
Among the main prizes to be won are one unit of motorcycle, one television set, one washing machine, 10 bicycles and 50 hampers.
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Kota Kinabalu: Past and present national and state players will be the main attraction as they are set to represent various teams in the 3rd KDM Malaysia Football Championship 2013 to be held in Keningau starting tomorrow (Dec 7).
Fomer international Yap Wai Loon and Dominic Minci will play for Papar, Sylvester Saini (Kiulu), Juffry Omopor (Nabawan), Henry Parsi (Kota Marudu), Restu Emat and Ejati Azrul (Tamparuli), Gilbert Junior and Ian James Wong (Tambunan), President Cuppers Benerly Raim, Denisi Makeddan dan Eyo Mathew (Keningau).
A total of 20 teams divided into four groups will be featured in the RM40,000 tournament and Group A will consist of Beaufort, Kiulu, Kudat, Penampang and Keningau; Group B: Nabawan, Tenom, Tamparuli, Kundasang; Group C: Papar, Tambunan, Pitas, Kota Marudu, Kimanis and Group D: Bingkor, Ranau, Inanam, Kemabong, Kota Belud.
The champions will receive RM20,000, second place RM10,000, third RM5,000, fourth RM3,000, fifth RM2,000 and sixth RM1,000.
There will also be prizes for best player of the tournament, top scorer, best goalkeeper and the best team.
The opening ceremony featuring eight of the KDM Idol 2013 finalists will be held today starting at 6.30pm at the Keningau Stadium.
Meanwhile, KDM Malaysia President Datuk Peter Anthony said the annual event is a stage where it will bring all the youth in the KDM community to come together and he hoped the players will play with great sportsmanship.
He also urged the public to come for the opening ceremony where many lucky draws prizes including a motorcycle, television, washing machine, 10 bicycles and 50 hampers will be given to the lucky winners.
