Jelius Ating-led U-19 squad Safa Beaufort champs

BY FRANCIS XAVIER Francis@newsabahtimes.com.my

TRUE CHAMPS ... Yassin, standing extreme right, and head coach Jelius Ating, second left, with the winning team after the prize giving ceremony.

 KOTA KINABALU: The State Under-19 squad emerged as the champion of the Safa Beaufort Quadrangular Football tournament that ended at the Beaufort Sports Complex field on Sunday. They won all their matches in the round robin format competition. The Jelius Ating-coached state side thrashed Real Magrib of Labuan 5-1 in their opening game before registering a 3-1 win over Sipitang-based Asiau Team.

 They concluded their challenge trouncing Bingkul FC 4-0. Bingkul FC finished in second. They defeated Asiau Team 4-0 and drew one-all with Real Magrib. Asiau team was third after nicking one victory. They edged Real Magrib 4-2. “We are happy with the boys. I hope this good outing will spur them to train harder ahead of the new season, which is just around the corner.

 “This has been a great opportunities for the boys, as they not only gained the much needed time-game, but also it help improved numerous aspect of their game such as our combination and so on,” said the State Under-19 team manager Mohd Yassin Aman when contacted yesterday. “We still hope to get at least one more friendly before we kick off our challenge on February 28,” Yassin added. 

Sabah FA Deputy President II Datuk Lawrence Gimbang was there to present the prizes to the winners. Beaufort Umno Chief Datuk Isnin Aliasnih, Beaufort District Officer, Mohd Shaid Hj Othman, who is Sabah Beaufort Advisor, as well as Sabah Beaufort President Dato Razak Sulaiman were also present at the closing ceremony.