New Sabah Times
By UMESH RAJAN
KOTA KINABALU: Tournament favourites, Tankur FC take on KDM Labuan in the much anticipated Sabah Unity League final match, kicking off on Sunday (March 31) at Penampang Stadium at 3.30pm.
With a few former state players in the team such as Jeffery Omopor, Sumardi Hajalan and Mohd Reithaudin, Tankur FC have an advantage to lift the coveted prize.
However, KDM Labuan’s consistency and determination throughout the early stages as well as knockout stages gives them the title of dark horse for the tournament, which could see them upset Tankur FC in the final.
Earlier in the knockout stage, Tankur FC defeated Kudat Cool in the quarter-finals before ousting Tawau’s NABT in the semis, while KDM Labuan thrashed Kota Belud’s Plus 1 in the quarter-finals, followed by victory over their compatriots, Komplex Labuan in the last four.
For the record, about 32 teams from Sabah took part in the tournament which started last year using the FIFA World Cup format with a luxurious prize pool of more than RM25,000 plus medals and trophies for the top four finishers.
Tournament organiser, Edwin Jomiji urges all football fans to come and give their moral support to their favourite team as the final match is expected to be entertaining.
He also thanked all the sponsors especially club patron Datuk Darell Leiking who is also the International Trade and Industry Minister as well as Cement Industry Sabah Chairman, Terrence Siambun for their support.
This closing ceremony is expected to be officiated by Penampang District Officer, Robert Stidi who will give away the prizes to the winners.
