KDM Malaysia bid to mount strong challenge

By FRANCIS XAVIER Francis@newsabahtimes.com.my 

HOPEFULS ... some of the hopefuls taking a break during the selection trials held at the State Prisons Department field in Kepayan on Tuesday.

KOTA KINABALU: FAM Cup League-bound KDM Malaysia continued with their search for the best talents around by holding another Open Selection Trials. This time, they have opted to hunt for talents in Keningau and its surrounding areas. Its President Datuk Peter Anthony said they will be holding the trials at the Keningau Sports Complex field from 2pm today (Dec 10).

 “We are calling on players, who wish to don KDM Malaysia colours to turn up for the trials. We are expecting those from Keningau as well as Tenom, Nabawan or even Kota Marudu, Kudat to turn up,” Peter said yesterday. “So far, we have conducted two selection sessions, which was held at the State Prisons Department field in the state capital on Dec 3 and 8.

 “The response was very encouraging where over 100 players turned up. From the two selection sessions, we have short-listed 15 players for the final phase of selection, which is expected to be held at the Penampang Stadium next week. “We are also planning to hold selection trials for players from Peninsular Malaysia, as we are serious in forming a formidable side to enable us to mount a strong challenge in our debut season next year,” Peter added.

 “We hope to complete the selection so that we can have a complete squad before the month end. According to Peter, there are several districts who have requested them to hold selection trials, but due to time constraints, they might not be able to fulfill their requests.

 “So, we are calling on all players to turn up and prove their worth to our selectors in Keningau tomorrow (today),” Peter said. On their application to compete in the FAM Cup, Peter said that they have already fulfilled all terms and conditions set by the FA of Malaysia, including the RM500,000 surety bond, RM51,000 deposit and so on.

 “I think there should be no problem with our registration to compete in the FAM Cup League. All terms and conditions have been met, and we have also received a letter from the FAM to inform us that they have already received our application. “Now our focus is to build a strong team,” Peter said.