By FRANCIS XAVIER Francis@newsabahtimes.com.my
KOTA KINABALU: KDMM FC are ready to make their presence felt at this year’s FAM Cup challenge, which is scheduled to kick off next month.
The club, under the umbrella of KDM Malaysia, will be making their debut in the league, dubbed as the country’s third division, after the Super League and the Premier League.
KDM Malaysia President Datuk Peter Anthony said he was happy and satisfied with the team’s preparations. “The development of the team is progressing well and they are at a level that we have expected from them. Our overall squad, from team management led by team manager Henry Saimpon, and coaching staff headed by Andrew Majanggim as head coach as well as players, have shown superb commitment and are in high spirit ahead of the kick off.
“I hope this is a sign of a good start for KDMM FC in facing the FAM Cup challenge, which is expected to kick off on February 28,” said Peter, at the launching of the team’s jersey and introduction of players ceremony on Thursday. The function cum dinner was launched by UMNO Vice President Datuk Seri Shafie Abdal, who is also the patron of the KDM Malaysia Football League 2014-2015.
At the function, KDMM FC unveiled its 25-member squad as well as team officials.
“As I have said in my speech, KDMM FC have formed a complete squad, and now we are only waiting for the league to kick off,” said Peter, adding that the formation and developing the team is a process of continuity.
“We will give it a good try in realising our target of a top-four finish in the group challenge in order for us to qualify for the quarter-finals before setting a bigger target,” said Peter.
Eighteen teams are said to see action in this year’s edition of the FAM Cup. These teams will be drawn in two groups with the top four teams in each group making it into the quarter-finals.
In the meantime, Peter expressed his sincere thanks to the FA of Malaysia for granting their request to use the Keningau Sports Complex field as their home venue.
“In principle, they have granted us the wish to use the Keningau Sports Complex as our home venue. But there are a few things that we need to upgrade, and it is being done now.
I believe that the complex will be ready in time for our first match,” said Peter.
On why they picked Keningau as their home venue, Peter said it is in response to requests made by the people, especially from the Interior, who want Keningau Sports Complex to be the venue for this national level league. “In fact, this is historical moment for us because this is the first time ever that the FAM Cup is being staged in Keningau,” he said.
Now that the Interior folks have their wish granted, Peter hopes that they will come in full force to support KDMM FC during their home matches.
Meanwhile, Shafie said that he was confident that KDMM FC are capable of springing surprises in the league this season.
“Nothing is impossible in football.
Majority of the players have seen action in the KDM League, which is a local league full of challenges.
“Even though we know that other teams have their own weapons and are having better players, but it doesn’t mean that we cannot beat them. I hope the team (KDMM FC) will be able to lift the FAM Cup crown one day,” he said.
