Keningau: State Infrastructure Development Minister, Datuk Peter Anthony is the new Sabah Football Association (Safa) President after weeks of uncertainty following the recent resignation of Alijus Sipil. He confirmed this in his speech during the launch of the Kadazan Dusun Murut Malaysia (KDMM) Football League 2018-2019 at the Keningau Sports Complex, here, Saturday.
He said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has given him the mandate to take over Safa, which he admitted is a very heavy task. "I was one of the candidates nominated after the resignation of Alijus. I have to admit it that it is a very big responsibility but I accept it for the sake of Sabah football.
"We will act as soon as possible, including looking into the constitutions in Safa and the Sports Commissioner, and if it goes well, we will establish a new committee with immediate effect," he said. Among the many responsibilities that must be implemented immediately is to solve the outstanding salaries of the players, he said.
"I understand that the amount is about RM6 million which stretched to about five months and we need to settle that as soon as possible because the players also need money for their livelihood. I'm sure it will be resolved before the Christmas celebrations." The team's preparation for the Premier League next season will also be one of the main agenda to be resolved by the committee.
"We will make a decision as soon as possible including the status of Jelius Ating as head coach. Obviously, we are rather late in our preparations but we will try our very best to settle the issue and with three months before the start of the season, apart from the imports, we may employ local Sabah players to make a strong challenge next season," he added. - GL Oh
