Tambadau beef up squad

New Sabah Times
By FRANCIS XAVIER and UMESH RAJAN

 KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Football Association (Safa) have beefed up its squad with the signing of Serbian attacker and Korean defender as the new season looms. Luka Milunovic and Park Taesu were unveiled by Safa Acting President, Datuk Peter Anthony on Tuesday during the team’s training session at the Likas Stadium, near here.

 Also present during the unveiling ceremony were Safa Secretary General, Andrew Majangkim and team manager, Henry Soimpon. Luka, 26 is the second Serbian in Sabah’s line-up this season alongside Roduljub Paunovic while Park, 29 is the third import as the Tambadau continue their search for the fourth import. According to Paunovic, Luka, who is likely to be deployed behind strikers, is a big name back home.

After all, he is a Serbian former Under-21 international. Back to Peter, he stated that they are currently eyeing another attacker to strengthen the team’s chances of Super League promotion this season. When commenting about the signing, he told reporters that both players signed a one-year deal and are set to make their Premier League debut against Johor Darul Ta’zim II (JDT II) at Likas Stadium this Saturday.

Sepanggar among early pacesetters

New Sabah Times

By FRANCIS XAVIER

 KOTA KINABALU: Sepanggar FC made a strong start to their campaign after trouncing Kiulu 4-1 in a Group A opener in the KDM Malaysia Football League 2018-2019 challenge on Sunday. Star-studded Telupid also recorded a comfortable 2-0 win over their Group E rivals Labuan, while Papar, Ranau and Karambunai also sounded an early warning after recording the league’s biggest wins thus far. Papar, who are the first edition’s FA Cup winners, thrashed Kuala Penyu 6-1 in a Group D battle, while in another Group D encounter Ranau demolished Kedamaian 5-1 with Karambunai strolling to a 6-3 win over Kundasang in a Group E tie.

 But the story of the opening week of the second edition of the competition organised by Kadazan Dusun Murut Organisation (KDM) Malaysia with the cooperation of the Youth and Sports Ministry Sabah certainly belongs to Sepanggar FC. The club was giving away attractive lucky draw prizes to the fans that turned out for the match. Among the prizes were electrical goods such as television sets and so on.

 And that is not all as club patron, Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman was also among the hundreds of fans that turned up to support the team. The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs also distributed club T-shirts as well as club stickers to the fans. Others that were also present at the match were Sabah Football Association Deputy President I Hamid Abdal and Vice President Mohd Ismail Ayub. On the field, the team did well enough to reward their fans by nicking a victory. Sepanggar FC, coached by former national women’s head coach, Mohd Asyraaf Fong Abdullah, took a 1-0 lead at half time through Mohd Razle Puteh’s spot-kick two minutes before the break.

Tambadau ready to charge!

New Sabah Times

By FRANCIS XAVIER

 KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will go into the new season with a new identity. The stateside want to be known as Tambadau, which is local slang for Seladang (Gaurs), replacing Sabah Rhinos as they were known for the past years. The change of identity or mascot was revealed by Sabah Football Association (Safa) acting president Datuk Peter Anthony during the launching of the team’s jersey cum players’ introduction for the new season held at a local hotel here yesterday. Apart from that, there was no major surprise at the event as they unveiled a squad which looked rather familiar with only minor changes being brought into the team.

 On the local front, it is almost the same faces that will spearhead the State’s challenge with only three players from last year’s squad failing to make the cut, namely Leopold Alfonso Otong, Penang’s Dawira Sazan and youngster Mohd Aidil Safee. Leopold is now believed to be playing for a local team featuring in the KDM Football League 2018-2019 challenge, while Dawira has returned to his home state while Mohd Aidil has been dropped to the President’s Cup side.

 Another youngster Hamran Peter is also yet to pen a new deal. But the striker, who just went for an operation on his injury, is likely to be offered a contract during the mid-season transfer window. The rest of the players have been retained, namely Robson Rendy Rining, Mohd Sakri Masri, Rawilson Batuil, Dendy Lowa, Jenius Karib, Ummareng Bachok, Randy Baruh, Mohd Azzizan Nordin, Ricco Nigel Milus, Maxsius Musa, Sabri Sahar, Mohd Azwan Abd Fattah, Alto Linus, Rahman Shah Marajeh, Stanley Sulong, Evan Wensley, Rozaimi Rohim and Elias Sulaiman.

Peter wants Sabah to finish among top two

New Sabah Times

By FRANCIS XAVIER

 KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Football Association (Safa) acting president Datuk Peter Anthony has made his intentions clear by wanting the stateside to go for a top-two finish in the Premier League 2019 campaign. The new Safa Supremo knows it is a tall order, but believes it is within their reach if everyone works towards the same objective, particularly the players.

 The no-nonsense Peter said gaining promotion to the country’s elite football competition, the Super League, in 2020, will be their top priority in the upcoming season. He added that despite a slow and difficult start to the squad’s pre-season, it will not stop the team, now known as Tambadau, from mounting a strong challenge in the country’s second-tier competition.

 “Our preparations for the new season were affected by various factors including various changes in the Safa administration. However, I am sure through close collaboration between the management and coaching staff as well as the existing players, we will be able to pose a strong challenge this new season.

Sabah end tour unbeaten

New Sabah Times

By FRANCIS XAVIER

 KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Rhinos ended their pre-season tour to Manila with an unbeaten record after holding hosts club, Kaya FC, to a one-all draw in their last match of the tour yesterday. The tie that was played at the Philippines Football Federation training centre field at San Lazaro Leisure and Business Park in Carmona, Cavite saw the visiting Sabah Rhinos take a 1-0 lead at half time.

 Nippy flanker Maxsius Musa blasted home the opener before Kaya FC replied with a second-half goal. For the record, last year, Sabah Rhinos, who also went for a pre-season tour to the neighbouring country, were beaten 1-2 by the same side. Sabah Rhinos had won their first game by defeating Stallion FC 2-1 on Tuesday.

Yesterday, head coach Jelius Ating started three imports in his first team. All three are currently on trials with Brazilian striker Vinicius Calamari being the latest arrival. Petru Leuca, who was said to be injured, was a surprise starter for Jelius’ side. The former Moldova Under-21 international insisted to see action despite carrying an injury. Leuca, 28, and Calamari, 30, spearheaded the attack for the stateside.

Sabah Under-19 coach finalises 30-man squad

Daily Express

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Under-19 coach Billyton Vun Ket Ming has finalised his 30-member squad for the impending Youth Cup season after one week of training and two friendly matches. His team selections who had earlier lost 1-3 to the President Cup selection at Likas synthetic pitch on Friday, won their second friendly 2-1 against Kepayan selection comprising of Prisons Department and KDM Kepayan players at the Prisons Department football field on Monday.

 “The match result was not important to me. My task was to look for the right players to assemble a team for the new season and the two friendly matches has given me the chance to see how each player performed in a competitive situation. “It was not an easy task to select the players I wanted especially after the first match against the President Cup selection.

“My initial list of players went up in smoke after the game as all 40 of them displayed tremendous fighting spirit and were way better than they had shown during training sessions even though they lost the match. “They did what I wanted them to do by showing their special ability, commitment and hard work on the pitch.

Hunt for striker goes on

New Sabah Times

By FRANCIS XAVIER

 KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Rhinos will not be signing former Moldova Under-21 striker Petru Leuca despite the latter scoring a goal in their 4-2 win over Stallion FC in their pre-season friendly in the Philippines on Tuesday. The stateside has closed its door on the lanky striker due to injury. Head coach Jelius Ating had been hopeful of having another look at the 28-year-old in their second friendly against Kaya FC at the Philippines Football Federation training centre field at San Lazaro Leisure and Business Park in Carmona, Cavite today.

 Unfortunately, due to the injury, Leuca will play no part in the team to face Kaya FC, who finished runners-up in the Philippines Football League last season. With the latest development, Jelius’ search for a striker goes on. Instead, Jelius is forced to try out a new striker, a 30-year-old Brazilian Vinicius Calamari, who is expected to join the team today. He will be joined by Korean hopeful Park Tae Su, who was part of the side that played against Stallion FC.

 “I’m hopeful that the new player will give a good show and impress our head coach,” said team manager Henry Saimpon when contacted yesterday. Meanwhile, Jelius said he is also hopeful that both the new player (Vinicius) and Park will play to their true colours. “Tomorrow (today) our opponents will be stronger than the first. So I believe this date with Kaya FC will test our true potential,” said Jelius.

Sabah begin Philippine tour with a win

Daily Express

Sabah Rhinos stormed to a 4-2 win over Stallion FC in their first pre-season match in the Philippines at Stadium Binan, Laguna on Tuesday. Two potential foreign import signings were given the opportunity to start the match with South Korean Park Taesu in defence and Petru Leuca from Moldova in the striker’s role.

 The others starting players were Rozaimie Rohim, Rawilson Batuil, Dendy Lowa, Sabri Sahar, Randy Baruh, Maxsius Musa,Justin Samaan, Azizan Nordin and Ricco Nigel Milus. The 1.91m Petru made a good impression by scoring the third goal for Sabah in the first half after captain Rawilson Batuil opened the scoring followed by Maxsius Musa’s strike to put Sabah 3-0 up at half time. Azizzan Nordin then extended Sabah’s lead at the start of the second half from the spot before head coach Jelius Ating made some changes with reserve players.

 The substitutions allowed the hosts to reduce the deficit with two goals, but were unable to find the third until the final whistle. Team manager Henry Saimpon when contacted said it was a good match for Sabah Rhinos. “This match is not about winning but what is important is the team was given the real test by the hosts who finished fourth in the Philippines Football League (PFL) last season,” he said. He also said the two foreign players will continue to be monitored by the coaches and management before any decision is made.

‘Manila stint will gauge us’

New Sabah Times

By FRANCIS XAVIER

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Rhinos will have to do without its striker-in-chief Rodoljub Paunovic when they take on top sides from the Philippines Football League (PFL) during their pre-season friendly in Manila, this week. The Serbian will not be part of the travelling squad that will leave the state capital this evening. Paunovic, who is Sabah Rhinos’ sole foreign players in the team at the moment, is said to be suffering from a minor injury and that head coach Jelius Ating is not willing to take the risk as their season opener is just around the corner when they return home from the five-day trip on Friday (Jan 25).

 Jelius has named a small squad of 19 players for the trip where they will be playing two friendly matches during their stay in the Philippines’ capital. Surprisingly, a Korean defender, Taesu Park, who is still on trial with the team, has been included in the travelling list. The rest of the 18 players are locals namely Rozaimie Rohim, Robson Rendy Rining, Mohd Azizan Nordin, Justin Samaan, Rawilson Batuil, Ummareng Bacok, Ricco Nigel Milus, Jenius Karib, Dendy Lowa, Mafry Balang, Randy Baruh Samson, Maxsius Musa, Sabri Sahar, Evan Wensley Wenceslaus, Mohd Azwan Abd Fattah, Rahman Shah Marajeh, Melky Balang and Elias Sulaiman. Without Paunovic, Jelius will be short in numbers as far as his attacking option is concerned. Rahman Shah Marajeh is the only striker making the trip.

 But they do have a few attacking minded players travelling such as Maxsius, Justin as well as Mohd Azwan. However, these players are mostly deployed at either side of the flanks. Sabah Rhinos first test will be against Stalion FC at the Binan Stadium on Jan 22. Stalion FC finished fourth in the PFL, which is Philippines’ top division, last season. Their second match is against Kaya FC, who finished as runners up in PFL last season, on Jan 24.

Justin to finalise names of 30 players Tuesday

Daily Express

KOTA KINABALU: President Cup head coach Justin Ganai will finalise the names of the 30 players to be registered for the new season by Tuesday. The veteran coach disclosed this after the team’s friendly against the State Youth Cup selection at the Likas synthetic pitch, Friday night. “I should be able to identify who will make the final squad on Tuesday.

The 16 players retained from last season are likely to stay and what I am hoping to look for are players who can play in more than one position, but that is also not a major issue as it can be taught. “At the moment we have 35 players training with us and Mohd Izzat Aziz who played for Selangor United in the President Cuplast season really caught my attention with his composure and intelligence playing as centre back.”

 On the 3-1 win over the Youth Cup selection in the friendly, he played down the result and said it was not a very good team performance as expected by him. “I was not very pleased with the overall performance of the team even though we won the game. “All of the players obviously can play but I can see that the combination is still not up to the mark and that is probably because we only had five days of training before that.” “I will like to see them in more friendly matches and hopefully we can get at least two more against local teams next week,” he added. -GL Oh

Preparations smooth despite limited budget – Peter

New Sabah Times

By FRANCIS XAVIER

 KOTA KINABALU: Finances are often a challenge for football teams in the country and Sabah Football Association (Safa) is no exception as far as money is concerned. In fact, they are still struggling to improve on their financial muscle and due to that fact, they will be running on a tight budget for the new season. Even newly-appointed acting president Datuk Peter Anthony admits they are having a limited budget to work with.

When met at the team’s training cum selection trials for foreign players at the Likas Stadium on Wednesday, Peter, who is also the State Infrastructure Development Minister, said they are still in search for the right foreign imports to complete their squad. “We are having a bit of difficulty in completing our full squad for the new season. Our problem is we are still searching for the right players (foreign) players with the right price.

 “There are good import players we’ve wanted before this but we have missed out on them to other teams, who give better and higher offers that we cannot afford. “Our financial capabilities are limited after paying off some of the debts from the previous administration, including the salaries of our players from the senior team that was overdue for four to five months,” said Peter. “Due to this bad debt by the previous administration, it affected our preparations for the new season.

Jelius hoping to finalise squad before pre-season tour

New Sabah Times

By FRANCIS XAVIER

 KOTA KINABALU: Jelius Ating admits the clock is ticking in his search for import players, as he hopes to finalise his full squad before they leave for a pre-season tour to the Philippines next week. The Sabah Rhinos head coach said with the new season set to kick off on February 2, there is not much time left to waste. For the record, Sabah Rhinos will face off with JDT II in the Premier League season opener at the Likas Stadium.

 “We have more or less completed the list of the local players. Our main worry now is looking for the right foreign footballers. “We need to be a little cautious in looking for suitable players to fill in the foreign players’ quota … but hopefully we will be able to do it by the end of the week,” said Jelius when contacted yesterday. Serbian striker Rodoljub Paunovic is the only foreign player in Jelius Ating’s squad as he has a contract until the middle of the year, leaving another three foreign slots to fill. Jelius said at the moment, only South Korean defensive midfielder Heo Jaenyeong, who is eyeing a second stint with the Rhinos, is still training with the squad.

 He revealed that another South Korean, a defender, also impressed him, during his trials here recently. But Jelius said he would make a decision on the Korean defender after assessing new arrivals vying for the foreign players’ slots. “We are expecting three more to arrive here this week and that another hopeful, a midfielder from Australia, is already in town and we hope that he will come for the trials.

Sabahan players who playing outside Sabah

2019 Season

No	Name	D.O.B	Team	Latest season  with Sabah
Super League ( No Info Yet)
Premier League
1	Bobby Gonzales	15.02.1984	Sarawak	2012
2	Rozaimi Abd Rahman	11.06.1992	JDT II	2015

2018 Season

No	Name	D.O.B	Team	Latest season  with Sabah
Super League
1	Shahrul Azhar	15.09.1985	PKNS FC	2013
2	Muhammad Mohd Safar	10.01.1992	PKNP FC	2016
Premier League
3	Bobby Gonzales	15.02.1984	Sarawak	2012
4	Rozaimi Abd Rahman	11.06.1992	JDT II	2015
FAM League
5	Ronny Harun	19.01.1984	PJ Rangers	2012
6	Didie Arizal	28.12.1992	PJ Rangers	2015
7	Masran Masri	18.02.1996	PJ Rangers	2017
8	Rusmanizam Roseland	11.10.1993	Marcerra	N/A

Justin modest on target

New Sabah Times

By FRANCIS XAVIER
 KOTA KINABALU: The vastly experienced Justin Ganai is not about to brag nor is he going to set any unthinkable target for his young side in the State President’s Cup challenge this new season. The veteran coach, who is no stranger to the State football scene where his last stint with the stateside was in 2017, also with the Under-21 squad, rather opts to be modest and realistic on their target.

 “Of course we want to achieve the best, but then again, we have to see what the team are capable of doing. “We have about one month or so to prepare the team, and for now, what I’m hoping for is our preparations will go on smoothly because time is not on our side. “There is little time to waste from now.

The league will kick off at the end of next month, and we just have to start to get cracking,” Justin, who was attached to the Malaysia Sports School Sabah, handling the national girls’ Under-16 and 19 teams, prior to making a comeback into the State fold. Justin said he has 35 players to work with now before he finalises the squad to 30, who will spearhead their challenge in the competition. “We will only register 30 and whether we like it or not, we have to drop five players. So, my advice to the players is to work hard during the coming days because we will only pick the best and those with good discipline and attitude,” the Junior Rhinos head coach said.

Tough task awaits Billyton

Daily Express
Ten days to prove worth

KOTA KINABALU: The Under-19 players shortlisted for the State squad in the Youth Cup competition this season will have only 10 days to prove their worth, according to newly appointed head coach Billyton Vun Ket Ming. The 40 hopefuls had their first day of training at the Likas Stadium running tracks on Monday morning and Billy told them to give their very best to convince him and his coaching team.

 “Time is a factor right now and I need to finalise the 30 names that will make the list within 10 days. “So the players will need to give their best shots during this period to show their special ability, commitment and hard work.” Billyton, who was the assistant coach for the Under-21 squad in the President Cup competition last year, admitted that he was slightly taken aback by his appointment as Youth Cup head coach.

 “I have to thank the management for their trust in me but I have to admit that I was a bit surprise with the appointment as well. “I was focusing on the Under-21 squad which I had involved in the selection of players earlier, and I guess with this appointment I will have to work extra hard because I did not handle the selection from the start. “I do not know most of the players, so first I need to know their individual skills then I can apply based on their ability to play either possession or direct football.

Trouble brewing for Safa

New Sabah Times

By FRANCIS XAVIER
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Football Association (Safa) could be in trouble. There has been a complaint filed by a certain individual or party against them for alleged irregularities when they conducted their extraordinary congress last year. However, it is unclear which rules or regulations in its constitutions that they did not adhere to or comply, when they conducted the extraordinary congress that was held on December 12, 2018.

 Following the complaint, the FA of Malaysia (FAM) in a letter dated January 11 that went viral in social media, is now seeking an explanation from Safa. The national football governing body also wants a complete report on the extraordinary congress. The letter was signed by FAM Secretary General Stuart Michael Ramalingam and addressed to Safa Secretary General Andrew Majanggim, who was appointed to the post right after the extraordinary congress.

 A copy of the letter was also extended to the Malaysia Sports Commissioner office. Andrew, when contacted, said they will look into the letter before making any statement. Ironically, before conducting the extraordinary congress, Safa sought advice from the Sabah Sports Commissioner office where its officer, Sempini Binti Langiton, was even seen at the Safa office in Maksak Hall, a day before the congress was held. For the record, the extraordinary congress was held to fill in some of the association’s top positions, including the President’s post that was left vacant following the resignation of Alijus Hj Sipil.

Justin appointed new Sabah President’s Cup head coach

New Sabah Times

By FRANCIS XAVIER

 KOTA KINABALU: Justin Ganai has been named as the new head coach of the State President’s Cup squad succeeding Johnny Dominicus. The vastly experienced coach will lead the State Under-21 team for the new season. “Frankly, I didn’t see this coming (to be appointed as head coach of the President’s Cup squad), but due to the fact that a representative from Safa came and met me and offered me the job, it is with great pleasure for me to accept it.

 “I wish to express my sincere thanks to Safa Honorary President Datuk Peter Anthony for giving me this opportunity and I will try to do my level best to guide this young talent,” he said when contacted yesterday. Interestingly, the veteran Justin, who was formerly attached to Malaysia Sports School Sabah, taking charge of the national Under-16 and Under-19 girls’ teams, will be assisted by Johnny Dominicus with new-blood Dante S. Tipay named as the goalkeeper coach.

 The coaching staff for the state Youth Cup squad has also been unveiled with rookie coach Vun Ket Ming @ Billyton being named as the head coach replacing the out of favour David Aiyyman. Vun will be assisted by Faizal Ahmad with Jasrih Jabidin being the goalkeeper coach. Safa Secretary General Andrew Majanggim said they have also named a provisional squad for both the President’s Cup and Youth Cup squads for the new season.

Sabah Rhinos open campaign at home

New Sabah Times

By FRANCIS XAVIER

 KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Rhinos are to kick off their Premier League 2019 challenge at their home den – the Likas Stadium. In the updated Premier League 2019 fixtures released by Malaysian Football League (MFL) yesterday, they are scheduled to take on Johor Darul Ta’zim II on February 2. Their second match of the season will be away to Kelantan on February 8, followed by a home tie against Terengganu FC II on February.

 Their fourth and final match for the month of February is a Borneo Derby clash against Sarawak away on February 23. After returning from their neighbouring State, Sabah Rhinos will face off with Royal Malaysia Police or PDRM as it is fondly known, which stands for Polis Diraja Malaysia, at the Likas Stadium on March 2, followed by an away date with Negeri Sembilan on March 9. After the Negeri Sembilan clash, the Premier League is taking an 18-day break and would only resume on the final week of the month where Sabah Rhinos will be home to Penang.

 However, only a tentative date has been fixed which is between March 29-31. The dates for the rest of the fixtures have (also) yet to be fixed with mere tentative dates stated in the fixtures. After the Penang clash, Sabah Rhinos will be away to Premier League new boys Selangor United FC (April 5-7), before taking on UiTM FC at home (April 12-14). This will be followed by a home fixture against UKM FC (April 19-21), before they conclude their first round challenge up against Perlis away (April 26-28).

Rhinos not in rush for imports

Daily Express

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Rhinos will not rush into signing players to fill its foreign imports quota, said Sabah Football Association (Safa) acting president Datuk Peter Anthony on Tuesday night. Peter, who is also Infrastructure Development Minister was at the Likas Stadium accompanied by newly appointed team manager Henry Saimpon and other Safa officials to watch the team training session.

 “We have to be very careful in selecting import players to ensure that we can get the best for the team. We have no problem on the local players but there is still time for foreign imports,” he said. Sabah are currently still looking for three players to fill up the available quota with Croatian Rodoljub Paunovic from last season still having a contract with the team. So far more than 10 players have turned up for the trial and only South Korean Heo Jae-Nyeong who played for the team in the beginning of last season is still around.

 The latest to turn up on Tuesday are English striker Hakeem Araba striker who previously played for Finland first division outfit PS Kemi and Serbian defender Milan Nikolic who last played in the Philippines league, while another defender Matej Bagaric from Croatia was set to show up Wednesday.

Sabah trio in Kim Swee’s training squad

New Sabah Times

By FRANCIS XAVIER

 KOTA KINABALU: Three Sabah footballers have been retained in the National Under-22 training squad that is preparing for the 2020 AFC U-23 Championship Qualifiers scheduled for March, this year. The trio, Ariusdius Jais, Evan Wensley Wenceslaus and Jordan Ollerenshaw, left for the national capital yesterday to report for centralised training camp at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya.

 They were among the 26 players that have been short-listed by national Under-22 head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee. Late November, last year, the trio was also part of Ong’s 30-member provisional squad, but only Ariusdius and Evan made it into that 20-member team that took part in the Newspaper Cup Under-21 football tournament in Nah Trang City, Vietnam, last month. This time around, Kim Swee short-listed 26 names for the training camp.

 After a few days of training, Ong and his boys will be heading to Thailand on Sunday to play three international friendly matches where they are scheduled to take on Bangkok Glass FC (Jan 14), Army United FC (Jan 16) and Ayutthaya United FC (Jan 18).

Sepanggar FC eye FAM Cup League

New Sabah Times

By FRANCIS XAVIER

 KOTA KINABALU: Newly-formed Sepanggar Football Club is aiming high. They are hoping to make it big by competing in the national football league. For a start, they have set their sights on making their entry in the national level competition next year. The club’s patron, Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman revealed their plans after the meet-the-players session at the University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Stadium on Monday.

 The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs insisted that he is serious in wanting to see the team do well before pledging his fullest support, not only in terms of morale support but also financially. However, he said they will be taking things one step at a time, at least for now. “We don’t want to be a one-season wonder. We want to have a long-term plan and for a start, our target is to compete in the FAM Cup League next year (2020),” Mohd Azis said.

 “We want to be one of the best clubs in the state and eventually in the country,” he added. He said they will continue to develop and build the team by bringing in the best talent around. Mohd Azis, who is also Member of Parliament for P171 Sepanggar, added that their immediate task is to do well in the KDM Football League, which is scheduled to kick off later this month.

Staggering RM330,000 at stake

New Sabah Times

By UMESH RAJAN

 KOTA KINABALU: The second edition KDM Malaysia Football League Tournament will kick-off on January 26 with matches to be played every weekend. And it promises to be a tournament that one won’t easily forget. This 2018-2019 league campaign features a total of 32 teams, divided into eight groups where they will play a single round league format to decide on the top two teams of each group.

 And now comes the tricky part. The league’s top 16 teams then qualify for the knock-out stage where matches will use return leg format to determine the teams advancing into the quarter-final stage. During the tournament group draw held at Likas Stadium on Saturday, inaugural (2014-2015) league defending champion, Keningau was drawn together with Inanam, Sandakan and Sugut in Group F.

 Whereas the first edition FA Cup winner, Papar are in Group D together with Ranau, Kedamaian and Kuala Penyu while Group B consisting of Kota Marudu, Kimanis, Sook and Penampang tipped as the most exciting group this season. Speaking after chairing the managers’ meeting and tournament draw, tournament secretary Jellysius Saimpon informed that all preparations are almost ready including the tournament schedules.

Sabah football grabs the headlines

Daily Express

Kota Kinabalu: There was no doubt football, both on and off the field grabbed the sporting headlines here in 2018. On the pitch, despite featuring mostly local players, the senior team started very well in the league and was unbeaten in the opening seven matches before suffering their first loss against UKM.

 They never recovered from their early form after the defeat and eventually finished in sixth place with 28 points from seven wins, seven draws and six losses. They did not fare well in the FA Cup competition where they were eliminated by JDT in the second round despite a spirited display.

However, the Malaysia Cup was a different story with the team surprising everyone to come out top in their group stages comprising Super League teams Selangor, Pahang and PKNP to progress to the knockout stage. They continued their good form to reach the semi final at the expense of another Super League team, Kelantan, with the away goal rule after they lost the first leg 1-2 away and won the return home leg 1-0 in the quarterfinal.