New Sabah Times
By FRANCIS XAVIER
KOTA KINABALU: KDM Keningau are ready in their title defence of the 2nd Kadazan Dusun Murut Malaysia (KDMM) Football League 2018-2019.
Majority of their players who won the title in the inaugural edition in 2014-2015, will still be around to spearhead their challenge this time around.
They vowed to warn the rest of the rivals in the new season when they take on the FA Cup title holders KDM Papar for the Charity Shield match this Saturday.
The season opener will be played at the Keningau Stadium. “Keningau have brought in several new faces apart from retaining almost 80 per cent of the players from our title winning squad in 2014-2015.
“Among the new faces are former Sabah and Melaka United striker Rexjeson Pitirus and ex-President’s Cupper Dexy Mildy Juanis,” team manager Jackson Taguah said yesterday.
According to him, they have also retained their coaching staff, led by head coach Sueli @ Well Apin, who will be assisted by Yuszaime Abdullah and Dante S. Tipay.
He also hinted that they might be strengthened by an out-of-contract Sabah footballer for the 2016-2018 season. However, Jason is tight-lipped on the identity of the said player, but it is believed that the said player could be the veteran Alto Linus.
“All would be known on Saturday’s season opener…let’s wait and see,” he added. He said they are ready to face Papar for the Charity Shield match.
“We have undergone intensive training since last week, including playing against Interior-based teams. I’m happy with the progress of the squad…their fitness level as well as combination and understanding on the pitch.
“We are ready (for Papar) and I think playing in our own backyard (Keningau Stadium) would be an extra advantage for us. I urge the football fans from Interior, especially around Keningau, to come in numbers and support the team.
The Charity Shield offers RM10,000 for the champions and RM3,500 for the runners-up.
The match will start after the official opening by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung at 4pm.
Meanwhile, there will also be side activities on the day including a seven-a-side football tournament played on a double knockout format involving teams registered with the KDMM Football League (except for Keningau and Papar), sports carnival and blood donation campaign that starts at 8am.
