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.
“We have identified 35 players for each of the teams for the final phase of centralised training. Only 30 players for each team,” he said, adding that these players were selected from the Safa Cup and the final selection trials that were held last month. He said that the selected players are to report for camp this Sunday (Jan 13) at 2pm at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex hostel.
According to Andrew, the President’s Cup and Youth Cup competitions are expected to kick off at the end of February.
The selected players are (President’s Cup) Syahrul Norsyahrizuan, Mohd Hizaz Lokman, Mohd Syahmil Nizam, Jordan James, Mohd Hasrul Nizam Roslan, Muhd Faqhrurazi Ahmad, Mohd Shariman Mukarim (Kota Kinabalu), Leornado Lisua, Asrel Asrah (Pitas), Fedric Fadzly Gusmia (Telupid), Suhaizan Nazmie Etin (Lahad Datu), Kelvin Pengiran (Sipitang), Gerald Gadit (Tenom), Mohd Azmizan Ruslih, Muhd Aidil Muhimian (Tuaran), Faizulnizam Aziz, Abdul Rahim Razali, Abdul Razik Khan Rishad Khan, Aisamuddin Mohammad (Kinabatangan), Mohd Shah Mizie Abd Rahim, Rohaizzad Rosman (Sandakan), Hilarion Andrew, Cornelius George, Dazzly (Keningau), Zulkifly Harun (Beaufort), Joslan Aping (Nabawan), Pican Piok (Kota Marudu), Abd Hanafie Tokyo Abd Hasim (Tongod), AK Mohd Farhan AK Tamin (Membakut), Mohd Danish Anuar, Faid Abas (Labuan), Owen Piou, Arick Odo, Mohd Faizal Jamrah and Mud Shazwien (Kota Belud).
For the Youth Cup, the selected players are Ahmad Irwanto, Mohd Fakrol Idris (Tawau), Ali Sainuddin, Fami Ikhwan Md Azmi (Lahad Datu), Asymawi, Fyellonarllye Mcaxora Zappri (Kota Marudu), Azri Asli (Labuan), Beckham Agustin (Kepayan), Calvin Sagunting (Matunggong), Dani Adli Saiful Azuan @ Joe (Kota Belud), Daniel Gabriel Francis, Mohd Azlizan Mohd Azlan, Nevile Remen (Keningau), Dannish Danial Omar Maya, Mohd Ariszam Jainol (Kinabatangan), Faizul Ibrahim, Mohd Zahid Rasid (Kinarut), Johan Mansor (Putatan), Laister Latimin, Syahrul Alex (Tenom), Mohamad Syukri Suaimi, Mohd Shahrizan Saidin (Sandakan), Mohd Adiff Chairiel (Tambunan), Mohd Aiezad Azman (Papar), Mohd Farhan Airil Aziz, Zumadil Eflan Maskur (Sepanggar), Mohd Sharizam Sabang (Kunak), Mohd Sharriezan Jefrin (Pitas), Mohd Syabree Fazree, Mohd Syaiful Firdaus (Beaufort), Mohd Zainal Hasyir (Kota Kinabalu), Muhammad Syafaat Awang Din (Ranau), Rayner Doliente (Tongod), Rozacklye Yanam (Nabawan), Radzie Eqmal Radzi (Inanam) dan Xsevidr Xcico Felex (Tuaran).
