Hamid is Safa’s interim boss

By FRANCIS XAVIER

Pic Credit: Berita Harian

 KOTA KINABALU: Hamid Apdal has been appointed the acting president of the Sabah Football Association (Safa). This was revealed by its assistant secretary general I, Reggie Sua @ Hafiz yesterday. He told reporters that the decision was made during its Supreme Council meeting, and was done according to Safa’s constitution.

Hamid’s elevation to the top post was necessitated following the resignation of Alijus Haji Sipil about two weeks ago or so. Alijus cited he wants to focus on his job as the President of the Tawau Municipal Council as among the reasons for his resignation. Hafiz said, Hamid, who is the association’s Deputy President I, at least in the eyes of Safa, will make a decision whether to agree to his appointment or otherwise.

 “At the moment, we just have to wait and see. We have issued a letter informing him (Hamid) about his appointment, but during my meeting with him just recently, he told me he needs a little time and will announce his decision soon. He will also inform me to call for a Supreme Council meeting once he has made up his mind,” said Hafiz, hinting that everything should be settled in the next couple of weeks.

 When asked on Hamid’s resignation last August, Hafiz said it was unanimously rejected by the Supreme Council members during a meeting. “If we looked at the resignation of our top leadership, we refer to the matter based on our constitution, which states that the Deputy President I will act as the president, and will carry out his duty as president.

He will be assisted by Deputy President II, which is Datuk Rahman Zakaria. “This matter (Hamid’s appointment as acting president) has been unanimously agreed during our Supreme Council meeting (recently),” he said. “We have been making our decision or carrying out our duties based on our constitution and we did not go against our constitution so that Safa is on the right track and followed its constitution accordingly under the Malaysia Sports Commission,” Hafiz said, adding that they have also accepted the resignation of its Vice President I, Joehari Datuk Ayub.

 “He wants to concentrate on his Vice President post with the FA of Malaysia. He is holding various roles in the national body, so we have to respect his decision,” said Hafiz. Commenting on their preparations for the new season, Hafiz revealed that they have submitted their entry for their Malaysia League campaign 2019, President’s Cup as well as Youth Cup. “We have fulfilled all requirements. Nevertheless, we have to solve several technical issues. The deadline to solve these issues is before mid-December,” he said. “In fact, our first team have already started their training. Although it is still not a full squad because we have yet to hold selection trials, but everything should be settled pretty soon,” he said.