By FRANCIS XAVIER Francis@newsabahtimes.com.my
KOTA KINABALU: Explosive encounters are on the cards as the KDM Malaysia Football League 204-2015 closes its curtain with two matches that will be played at the Likas Stadium on Saturday.
The first match will see KDM Keningau taking on KDM Central team in a must-win tie for the Interior side, where a victory over a side that has nothing to play for apart from completing their fixtures, will see them lifting the inaugural crown.
The tie is scheduled to kick off at 4pm.
The second match is the FA Cup final between KDM Papar and KDM Kota Belud. It is scheduled to kick off at 7.30pm.
“These two are both big matches as both ties will determine the champions of the league as well as the FA Cup,” commented Datuk Peter Anthony when contacted yesterday.
“We are expecting the matches to be explosive and exciting. We believe that all teams have made solid preparations for the clashes. Furthermore, they have gone through or played more than 30 matches this season, including in the FA Cup,” the KDM Malaysia president added.
Peter, who is also the organising committee chairman of the league, said what makes the two matches more interesting is that their previous meetings ended in draws.
“I think the best team will win,” said Peter, when asked to predict on the two ties. For the record, the league champions will receive a whopping RM100,000 in prize money. At the moment, the title is between KDM Keningau and KDM Papar.
KDM Keningau need a simple win over KDM Central team to lift the crown while anything less than three points will see KDM Papar crowned the champions.
KDM Papar, who have already completed their fixtures, are currently leading the standings on 62 points, while KDM Keningau are in second on 60 points.
KDM Kota Belud are in third on 56, followed by KDM Bandaraya (48) and KDM Central (44). The league runners-up would receive RM50,000 while the third and fourth placed teams will be rewarded with RM20,000 and RM10,000 respectively.
As for the FA Cup champions, they would walk home with RM50,000 prize money, while the losing finalists will receive RM10,000.
RM5,000 awaits the winners of the Best Team award, while Best Player, Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer award winners will be rewarded with RM,1000 each.
“Entry is free, and we are encouraging the public to come. We are also giving away attractive lucky draw prizes, including two units of motorcycles and 30 bicycles.
“The lucky draw is only opened to fans aged 18 years old and above,” he added. Registration for the lucky draw is open from 4pm to 7.30pm on Saturday.
