By FRANCIS XAVIER
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Rhinos captain Rawilson Batuil is going nowhere.
The tough-tackling defender is certain to lead the state side in their M-League challenge next season. Sabah Football Association (Safa) President Alijus Haji Sipil yesterday confirmed that the Kota Marudu-born defender has penned an undisclosed new deal with the association just recently.
He said Rawilson, or Jipun as he is fondly known among his team-mates and friends, together with midfielder Mohd Azzizan Nordin, are the two players that have had their contracts extended.
“Yes, they have already signed a new contract, and now it is only a matter of making an official announcement,” said Alijus, when contacted yesterday.
Rawilson, 24, who is the product of the state Reserve League team, was roped into the senior side in 2014 and was named captain when Jelius Ating took over the team middle of last season (2017).
Rawilson received his first national call-up in March following his impressive display in the just concluded season and made his international debut against Cambodia on September 10.
Influential midfielder Azzizan also earned his first national cap in the game against Cambodia. However, Rawilson’s name was missing when national coach Tan Cheng Hoe announced his 26-member squad in preparation for the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018.
With that, only Azzizan remains in the national team, and he reported for the national camp yesterday. It remains to be seen whether he will make the final 23-member squad for the AFF Suzuki Cup challenge that kicks off on November 8.
In another development, Alijus said that Jelius Ating will remain as the head coach for the state senior team.
“For now, yes, he will be retained,” he said.
Alijus also said that they will be having a meeting early next month to discuss among others, about their preparations for the new season.
“We will try to hold the meeting as soon as possible. I can see that it is likely to be held early next month. We need to get cracking to get our teams ready for the new campaign.
“It is not only about our senior team, but also our Under-21 and 19 sides,” he said.
“I guess, our preparations for the new season will top our agenda, that also includes our financial capabilities, coaching personnel as well as players,” he added.
For the record, Sabah Rhinos are currently on a two-week break and would report back for training on November 5.
