Local lads ready to kick off

KUCHING: Sarawak is aiming to turn the page on its SUKMA football disappointment when the national games kick off in August.

“The players are in top shape and ready to compete,” said team manager Khairulddin Qalam Daud.
“Under head coach Awangko Shahbudin, we’ve focused on building tactical cohesion, and the inclusion of key players from Kuching City FC has strengthened our lineup.”

The team, which includes players selected from the 2023 Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Cup/FAS-SSC League Championship, will begin their campaign on August 12 against Perak in Mukah.

Sarawak is in Group D with the Federal Territories, Perak, and Pahang.

On its Facebook page today (July 27), the state’s football association said the team had been undergoing rigorous training, including stints in West Malaysia and Brunei.

Sarawak will be looking to improve on their 2022 performance, when they crashed out in the quarterfinals after a 2-0 defeat to Johor.