Fazli moving on

sabahfa.com

By FRANCIS XAVIER Francis@newsabahtimes.com.my
 KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Number One ball stopper Md Fazli Paat is bidding goodbye to the Sabah Rhinos. The Johor-born custodian will not prolong his relationship with the Sabah FA after deciding not to renew his contract, which ends on November 30, 2015.

 Fazli, who celebrated his 28th birthday yesterday, has been the Sabah Rhinos top ball stopper for the last two seasons. When contacted yesterday, the soft spoken Fazli, who hails from Pekan Nanas, confirmed his departure, but was tight lipped when asked on his new destination. “There are a few teams that want my services, but I will only make my decision after my current contract ends (with Sabah),” he said.

 “I have learnt a lot of new things here, so I would like to thank the Sabah FA for giving me the opportunity to don Sabah colours, for which I have given my level best. “I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the “extraordinary” Sabah fans for giving me all the support while I have been here.

Musa - Govt determined to boost Sabah football

By IZHAM B. HASHIM & MARRYAN RAZAN
New Sabah Times

 KOTA KINABALU: The state government is determined to improve the performance of the state football team, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman. Musa who is also the Sabah Football Association (SAFA) president said he had met with the players and told them to give their level best. “Football is the most popular sport not only in Sabah but throughout the world. And, understandably, many fans are unhappy with the dismal performance of the state team.

 “However, allegations over the lack of spending for football is incorrect when SAFA spends millions for the state football team,” he said, noting that the state government even aided SAFA to write off the large amount of debt accumulated over the years. Responding to questions posed by Kuala Penyu Assemblyman Limus Jury at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here yesterday,

 Musa assured the state leadership is committed to football development and will bolster efforts to bring the state team to greater heights. The Chief Minister stressed many football fans were unaware of the high cost of managing the state football team which involved millions of ringgit. SAFA, he said spent between RM7 million and RM8 million every year on player transfers and their salaries, among others.

Harimau 2015

Harimau 2015

No	Date	VS	Result	Scorer
1	26/3	Oman	L 0-6	-
2	6/6	Hong Kong	D 0-0	-
3	11/6	Timor-Leste	D 1-1	Safee
4	16/6	Palestine	L 0-6	-
5	29/8	Bangladesh	D 0-0	-
6	3/9	UAE	L 0-10	-
7	8/9	Saudi Arabia	L 0-3	-
8	8/10	Laos	W 3-1	Christie(2), Azamuddin
9	13/10	Timor-Leste	W 1-0	Amri
10	12/11	Palestine	L 0-6	-
11	17/11	UAE	L 1-2	Baddrol

#	Scorers	Gol
1	Christie Jayaseelan	2
2	Safee Sali	1
3	Azamuddin Akil	1
4	Amri Yahyah	1
5	Baddrol Bakhtiar	1
#	Total	6

2018 FIFA World Cup qualification

2018 WC Qualification

No	Date	VS	Result	Scorer
1	11/6	Timor-Leste	D 1-1	Safee
2	16/6	Palestine	L 0-6	-
3	3/9	UAE	L 0-10	-
4	8/9	Saudi Arabia	L 1-2 (Officially L 0-3)*	Safiq
5	13/10	Timor-Leste	W 1-0	Amri
6	12/11	Palestine	L 0-6	-
7	17/11	UAE	L 1-2	Baddrol
8	29/3	Saudi Arabia	L 0-2	-

Note*: MATCH FORFEITED

#	Scorers	Gol
1	Safee Sali	1
2	Safiq Rahim	1
3	Amri Yahyah	1
4	Baddrol Bakhtiar	1
#	Total	4

KDM Malaysia eager to feature in FAM Cup

BY FRANCIS XAVIER Francis@newsabahtimes.com.my

 KOTA KINABALU: KDM Malaysia declared they are ready to see action in the FAM Cup League next season. The team, said KDM Malaysia President Datuk Peter Anthony, will be made up of players featured in the KDM Malaysia Football League 2014-15 that brought its curtain down at the Likas Stadium here on Saturday.

KDM MALAYSIA FOOTBALL LEAGUE 2014-15 CHAMPS ... KDM Keningau players, coaches and officials celebrate after receiving their prizes on Saturday.

 “We will be banking on the best players that we have in the league,” Peter said, before revealing that they have already made the first step in realising their dreams. “In fact we have already submitted our request to the Sabah Football Association and the FA of Malaysia to feature in the FAM Cup next season.

 “If we are given the opportunity to do so, of course we are ready to taste action and we will select players from the 16 teams competing in the inaugural KDM Football League,” Peter said when met after witnessing the final match of the KDM Malaysia Football League FA Cup finals between KDM Kota Belud and KDM Papar.

New Rhinos head coach expected by month-end

By FRANCIS XAVIER Francis@newsabahtimes.com.my

 KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah FA could name their man to take charge of their Premier League squad as early as this month end. Its Deputy President II Datuk Lawrence Gimbang hinted that at the moment, they have at least three candidates, both local and foreign, whom they have identified to prepare the team for the new season.

 The Sabah Rhinos hot seat was left vacant following the departure of Mohd Azraai Khor Abdullah, who parted ways on mutual understanding with the FA last week after merely one month and six days in the job. Speaking to reporters after chairing the FA’s annual congress held at a leading hotel in 1 Borneo here yesterday, Gimbang assured that they will do their best in selecting the best candidate for the job.

 “We have two or three short-listed candidates, both local and foreign coaches, and we hope to find a new coach as soon as possible. “We have ample time because the Premier League will only start in March next year so we have until February to prepare. He said that among other issues raised at the congress was for them to find ways to improve the performance of the State teams in the national scene.

Keningau pip Papar for title

By FRANCIS XAVIER Francis@newsabahtimes.com.my

 KOTA KINABALU: KDM Keningau bagged the RM100,000 prize money after emerging as the champions of the inaugural KDM Malaysia Football League 2014-15 that put its curtain down at the Likas Stadium here last night.

 They clinched the crown after concluding their challenge by accumulating a total of 63 points, edging their closest rivals KDM Papar by a mere one point, who had to be content with second best despite staying on top of the 15-team standings for the most part of the season. KDM Papar settled for RM50,000 for finishing in second.

 The winning points came from their 2-1 victory over KDM Central team, which was played yesterday (Likas Stadium). KDM Keningau went into the tie needing a simple win, and they did just that as they held on to their 2-0 first-half lead until finish. Kaidi Kukus drew first blood for KDM Keningau with his sixth-minute effort before Frankie Ayoh extended their lead at about the half-hour mark.

 After the break, it was a nerve-wrecking finish for the eventual champions as Zenelter Dangku reduced the deficit for KDM Central in the 74th minute. Late on, KDM Central created at least three golden opportunities to level the scoreline, but KDM Keningau’s keeper Usman Baalon was on top of his game to thwart all their efforts.

 “It was an equally contested tie. We controlled the first half, but they made a strong comeback in the second half. “I would like to thank all the players for their efforts in working really hard to snatch this victory. “We did not occupy the top spot throughout the season, so this is a sweet victory as it helped us move to the top spot and eventually emerge as the champions,” said KDM Keningau team manager Jickol Taguah after the match.

 KDM Kota Belud, who accumulated 56 points, finished in third and received RM20,000, while KDM Bandaraya claimed the fourth spot on 49 points and they received RM10,000. KDM Papar and KDM Kota Belud will be able to double their prize money as they met in the FA Cup final last night. However, at press time, full result is still unavailable. The FA Cup champions will receive RM50,000 and RM10,000 for the runners-up.

2014 FIFA World Cup qualification

2014 WC Qualification

No	Date	VS	Result	Scorer
1	29/6	Chinese Taipei	W 2-1	Safiq, Aidil
2	3/7	Chinese Taipei	L 2-3	Aidil, Safiq
3	23/7	Singapore	L 3-5	Safee(2), Abdul Hadi
4	28/7	Singapore	D 1-1	Safee

#	Scorers	Gol
1	Safee Sali	3
2	Aidil Zafuan	2
3	Safiq Rahim	2
4	Abdul Hadi Yahya	1
#	Total	8

2010 FIFA World Cup qualification

2010 WC Qualification

No	Date	VS	Result	Scorer
1	21/10	Bahrain	L 1-3	Bunyamin
2	28/10	Bahrain	D 0-0	-

#	Scorers	Gol
1	Bunyamin Omar	1
#	Total	1

2006 FIFA World Cup qualification

2006 WC Qualification

No	Date	VS	Result	Scorer
1	18/2	Hong Kong	L 1-3	Rosdi
2	31/3	Kuwait	L 0-2	-
3	9/6	China	L 0-4	-
4	8/9	China	L 0-1	-
5	13/10	Hong Kong	L 0-2	-
6	17/11	Kuwait	L 1-6	Amri

#	Scorers	Gol
1	Rosdi Talib	1
2	Amri Yahyah	1
#	Total	2

2002 FIFA World Cup qualification

2002 WC Qualification

No	Date	VS	Result	Scorer
1	4/3	Qatar	L 1-5	Rosdi
2	8/3	Hong Kong	W 2-0	Akmal(2)
3	11/3	Palestine	L 0-1	-
4	20/3	Qatar	D 0-0	-
5	23/3	Hong Kong	L 1-2	Hairuddin
6	25/3	Palestine	W 4-3	Akmal, Hairuddin(2), Irwan

#	Scorers	Gol
1	Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli	3
2	Hairuddin Omar	3
3	Rosdi Talib	1
4	Irwan Idrus	1
#	Total	8

1998 FIFA World Cup qualification

1998 WC Qualification

No	Date	VS	Result	Scorer
1	16/3	Bangladesh	W 2-0	Azman, Idris
2	18/3	Saudi Arabia	D 0-0	-
3	20/3	Chinese Taipei	W 2-0	Che Zambil, Rosdee
4	27/3	Chinese Taipei	D 0-0	-
5	29/3	Saudi Arabia	L 0-3	-
6	31/3	Bangladesh	W 1-0	Zainal

#	Scorers	Gol
1	Azman Adnan	1
2	Idris Abdul Karim	1
3	Che Zambil Ahmad	1
4	Rosdee Sulong	1
5	Zainal Abidin Hassan	1
#	Total	5

1994 FIFA World Cup qualification

1994 WC Qualification

No	Date	VS	Result	Scorer
1	1/5	Kuwait	D 1-1	Azman
2	3/5	Saudi Arabia	D 1-1	Mubin
3	5/5	Macau	W 9-0	Azman(3), Azizol(2), Elangovan, Mubin(2), Zainal
4	14/5	Kuwait	L 0-2	-
5	16/5	Saudi Arabia	L 0-3	-
4	18/5	Macau	W 5-0	Azman(2), Azizol, Ravindran(2)

#	Scorers	Gol
1	Azman Adnan	6
2	Mubin Mokhtar	3
3	Azizol Abu Hanifah	3
4	P. Ravindran	2
5	A. Elangovan	1
6	Zainal Abidin Hassan	1
#	Total	16

1990 FIFA World Cup qualification

1990 WC Qualification

No	Date	VS	Result	Scorer
1	23/5	Nepal	W 2-0	Lee, Dollah
2	25/5	Singapore	W 1-0	Dollah
3	27/5	South Korea	L 0-3	-
4	3/6	Singapore	D 2-2	Lim, Dollah
5	5/6	South Korea	L 0-3	-
4	7/6	Nepal	W 3-0	Dollah(2),Zainal

#	Scorers	Gol
1	Dollah Salleh	5
2	Lee Kin Hong	1
3	Lim Teong Kim	1
4	Zainal Abidin Hassan	1
#	Total	8

1986 FIFA World Cup qualification

1986 WC Qualification

No	Date	VS	Result	Scorer
1	10/3	South Korea	L 0-1	-
2	16/3	Nepal	D 0-0	-
3	31/3	Nepal	W 5-0	Zainal(3), Dollah, Yunus
4	19/5	South Korea	L 0-2	-

#	Scorers	Gol
1	Zainal Abidin Hassan	3
2	Dollah Salleh	1
3	Yunus Alif	1
#	Total	5

1982 FIFA World Cup qualification

1982 WC Qualification

No	Date	VS	Result	Scorer
1	21/4	South Korea	L 1-2	James
2	25/4	Kuwait	L 0-4	-
3	27/4	Thailand	D 2-2	Ibrahim(2)

#	Scorers	Gol
1	Ibrahim Din	2
2	James Wong	1
#	Total	3

1978 FIFA World Cup qualification

1978 WC Qualification

No	Date	VS	Result	Scorer
1	1/3	Thailand	W 6-4	James(4), Isa(2)
2	3/3	Indonesia	D 0-0	-
3	6/3	Singapore	L 0-1	-
4	8/3	Hong Kong	D 1-1	Bakri

#	Scorers	Gol
1	James Wong	4
2	Isa Bakar	2
3	Bakri Ibn	1
#	Total	7

1974 FIFA World Cup qualification

1974 WC Qualification

No	Date	VS	Result	Scorer
1	17/5	Hong Kong	L 0-1	-
2	19/5	Israel	L 0-3	-
3	21/5	Korea Republic	D 0-0	-
4	23/5	Thailand	W 2-0	Shaharuddin, Harun

#	Scorers	Gol
1	Shaharuddin Abduallah	1
2	Harun Jusoh	1
#	Total	2

Explosive encounters on the cards this Saturday

By FRANCIS XAVIER Francis@newsabahtimes.com.my

 KOTA KINABALU: Explosive encounters are on the cards as the KDM Malaysia Football League 204-2015 closes its curtain with two matches that will be played at the Likas Stadium on Saturday. The first match will see KDM Keningau taking on KDM Central team in a must-win tie for the Interior side, where a victory over a side that has nothing to play for apart from completing their fixtures, will see them lifting the inaugural crown.

 The tie is scheduled to kick off at 4pm. The second match is the FA Cup final between KDM Papar and KDM Kota Belud. It is scheduled to kick off at 7.30pm. “These two are both big matches as both ties will determine the champions of the league as well as the FA Cup,” commented Datuk Peter Anthony when contacted yesterday.

 “We are expecting the matches to be explosive and exciting. We believe that all teams have made solid preparations for the clashes. Furthermore, they have gone through or played more than 30 matches this season, including in the FA Cup,” the KDM Malaysia president added. Peter, who is also the organising committee chairman of the league, said what makes the two matches more interesting is that their previous meetings ended in draws.

FA, Azraai part ways

By FRANCIS XAVIER Francis@newsabahtimes.com.my

 KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah FA dropped a bombshell with their announcement of parting ways with Mohd Azraai Khor Abdullah barely a month after appointing him as the Head Coach for the State Premier League squad.. Azraai’s departure was announced by its Deputy President II Datuk Lawrence Gimbang in a brief statement to the press yesterday.

 No reason was stated for the decision, but it is understood that both sides could not work together in bringing about the team to a new level next season. In the statement, Lawrence said: “After having a discussion with Mr Azraai Khor Abdullah, Safa and Mr Azraai have come to a mutual agreement to part ways before the commencement of the new season.”

 “Both Safa and Mr Azraai Khor have agreed to this on amicable terms and Safa wishes Mr Azraai Khor the very best for the future. Safa further wishes to thank Mr Azraai for his contribution as coach for the month of October 2015,” the statement reads.

Azraai aims to form team by Dec

By FRANCIS XAVIER Francis@newsabahtimes.com.my

 KOTA KINABALU: Mohd Azraai Khor Abdullah is taking a cautious approach in forming the State Premier League squad for the new season. Looking at how things are developing within the team right now, the newly-hired Sabah Rhinos head coach seems to be taking things one step at a time.

 At the moment, it seems that his main focus (now) is selecting the best local players around before going into the next stage of bringing local imports before switching his focus on foreign signings. Azraai has about 50 players to pick from where 27 of them were from the recent open selection trials, while former state midfielder Joey Ryan Gundok was also seen attending training with the team alongside the current 20 players, whose contract with the Sabah FA ends at the end of this month.

 “We already had two training sessions (the 27 players), so far one player was injured during the Community League,” said Azraai when met at the team’s training at the Likas Stadium yesterday. “There was one last-minute inclusion. We saw him playing when we played against DYS FC recently, and I have already communicated with him. He has a slight injury, but we have asked him to report, but he has not shown up yet,” he said, referring to DYS FC’s Md Asrie Basalie.

Ex-Sabah players among AFC Licence B Coaching Course participants

By FRANCIS XAVIER
Francis@newsabahtimes.com.my

 KOTA KINABALU: A total of 22 candidates attended the Sabah Football Association’s AFC Licence B Coaching Course that is ongoing here since Sunday. The three-week course is being conducted by AFC Instructor Gopalkhrishnan A/L Ramasamy.

 Four former state players Mohd Jaya Kassim, Salvester Sindeh, Mohamad Hashim @ Hashim bin Hamzah and Omar Maya are among them. It has also attracted participants from as far as Kelantan, Pahang and Sarawak. Former Pahang player Shahrulnizam Sahat was also among them.

 The rest of the participants are Affendy Lasiman (Ranau); state Under-19 goalkeeper coach Jasrih Jabidin, Sylvester Doni, Saharuddin Kamarudin (Johor); Amsir Chin Amsir Abdullah, George Gembor (Pitas); Fazir Johnes Onis (Pitas); Petronella Douny (Tuaran); Zalimi Matali (Tawau); Mohd Farriz Mohamad (KK); Adzrein Harun (Tawau); Noris Marlin (Pitas); Mohd Faizal Ahmad (KK); Yusop Alai (Tawau); Law Beng Sui (Kelantan); Abdullah Tuah (Sarawak) and Nichol Agoi (Sarawak). Sabah FA Vice President II Datuk Yusoff Kassim was there to grace the opening of the course held at the Sabah FA office at the Maksak Hall in Likas yesterday. Sabah FA executive secretary Hasbullah Yahya was also present at the opening ceremony.

Azraai far from impressed with below-par performance

By FRANCIS XAVIER Francis@newsabahtimes.com.my

 KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Rhinos’ newly appointed head coach Mohd Azraai Khor Abdullah is far from happy with the performance of his side in the 0-0 draw against FAM Cup hopefuls DYS FC in a friendly match at the Likas Stadium on Friday.

 “Obviously I am not impressed with yesterday’s game as well as the performance of the players. But to me there is another month for them to impress me and technically they have to improve and so on and I hope they will change their attitude and improve … Otherwise (they face the consequences),” said Azraai, when asked to comment on the tie.

 “I told them, you guys have to impress me in this coming month. I was up there to evaluate the team and I didn’t give any instructions because I wanted to see how good you guys are,” Azraai told his charges after the clash. “Against a team hoping to play in the FAM Cup you all struggled. It showed there is something wrong even though there were a few former state players there (DYS FC).