New Sabah Times
KOTA KINABALU: Mohd Asyraaf Fong Abdullah has been named as the new head coach for FAM Cup outfit Cebagoo FC for the new season succeeding Razali Zinin.
The former State caretaker coach will also act as the team manager of the team as the Sepanggar-based club side heads for more professionalism in running the show.
Asyraaf’s appointment was announced by the club’s President Mohd Joh Wid yesterday, who insists that this time around, their mission is to try to gain Premier League promotion.
“He (Asyraaf) has been with the team for a while now, but we only made the official announcement on his appointment after we completed all the procedures including the signing of contract between the two parties,” said Joh, adding that they have agreed on a one-year deal.
“With this appointment, we are all ready to go full swing in our preparations.
“With his experience and capabilities, and commitment from all parties involved, as well as the players, we believe that our promotion target is something pretty much within our reach,” Joh said.
According to Joh, their debut in the league, which is dubbed as the country’s third division league after the Super League and the Premier League, last year, has given them a lot of experience, and would use it as a yardstick in their challenge in the new season.
Meanwhile, Asyraaf expressed his sincere thanks to the club, especially its president, for giving him the trust in managing the team.
He also expressed his thanks to University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Vice Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr Mohd Harun Abdullah for supporting and giving him the green light in taking up the job with Cebagoo FC.
For the record, Asyraaf, who is a FAM Licence A holder, is the varsity’s Sports Centre Director.
“The trust and appointment that has been given to me by the club president and the support from the Vice Chancellor are indeed an honour for me.
So I will not waste this opportunity, but will try my best to bring the club to a new level.”
Meanwhile, Cebagoo FC will have the opportunity to test their strength when they take on the State Premier League outfit in a friendly tie at the UMS Stadium at 8pm tonight.
“This will be a good opportunity for both sides. No matter what the outcome of the game is, I hope we will both benefit from it.
“For me, I will be using it to assess and gauge the performances of my players from all aspects, including their mentality and character when facing competitive opponents such as our State team,” Asyraaf said.
For the record, Cebagoo will kick start their new season by playing in the FA Cup first round, where they will face Premier League outfit Penang PBAPP on January 21 away.
The FAM Cup League is only expected to kick off in March.
