New Sabah Times
By FRANCIS XAVIER
KOTA KINABALU: It will be a decisive day for the Sabah Football Association (Safa) today as they race against time in getting themselves ready for the new Malaysian League campaign.
Leadership crisis plus their empty coffer has been jeopardising their preparations and they could face the possibility of being left out of the national league if they fail to solve the many problems they are facing.
For the record, all teams are required to submit their first registration of players by December 13, which is tomorrow.
However, Safa can make a request to the FA of Malaysia to delay their registration should they find a solution to solve their problems, which includes the outstanding players’ salary which is believed to be between four to five months.
And now, president-in-waiting Datuk Peter Anthony could be their saviour.
However, at press time, everything was still pretty much a waiting game, at least until Safa holds its Extraordinary Congress (to be attended by Safa district affiliates), that has been scheduled for today at its office in Maksak Hall at 2.30pm.
It is understood that among the top agenda to be discussed at the meeting is to fill in several posts that have been left vacant following the resignation of several top officials, including its President Alijus Hj Sipil.
And Peter is all set to take over Safa’s leadership should all its affiliate members give the green light.
Yesterday, when met by reporters, Peter revealed that he will make an important announcement after Safa holds its Extraordinary Congress.
He said the announcement will include the naming of the Sabah squad to face the Malaysian League 2019 as well as on Safa administration and management issues.
He made the remarks to reporters before meeting the state footballers at the Safa office.
“There are some very urgent matters that need our serious attention before we can decide on the next course of action. All these will depend much on the outcome of the Extraordinary Congress tomorrow (today).
“But I’m confident that a favourable decision (will be achieved) that will help Safa get back on track.
Peter, who has received the blessing from the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Abdal to lead Safa, said there are many issues that need to be resolved.
“That will be our top priority now because it needs urgent attention. We need to put our house in order before we can mount a strong challenge in the M-League.
“I say this because there are those who claimed that we want to take over and get rid of the existing officials in the association.
“There is no truth at all in that because there are several posts that need to be filled, including for the president post after the incumbent resigned recently.
“We only want to fill the posts and help solve the various problems including finance to settle the players’ salaries,” said Peter.
Peter, who is also the Infrastructure Development Minister, who met with Malaysia Sports Commission Sabah Branch officials prior to his press conference, also met with each of the players personally to discuss their fate with the team.
He said there were some who have been courted and offered contracts by other teams, but assured that he has received the list of players as recommended by the Sabah Rhinos 2018 head coach Jelius Ating.
“I’ve been a footballer myself and I know the hardship they face, more so when they have not been paid five months’ salary.
The players’ welfare needs to be taken care of and if not, it will affect their performance on the pitch.
“If possible we want to close the old chapter and create a new era. I’m confident we will be heading for the right path. Hopefully, all will run smoothly tomorrow and if we get the favourable decision (from the Extraordinary Congress), we are going to play in the Premier League next season.
“Let’s wait for the announcement,” said Peter, who is also the President of the KDM Malaysia.
