S’wak women’s football to make historic debut

KUCHING: For years, women’s football has fought for the recognition enjoyed by men’s football worldwide.

However, times are changing, even here in Sarawak.

Recently, 23-year-old Racheal Kundananji from Zambia made history as the most expensive player in women’s football.

Starting from humble beginnings on the sparse pitches of Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, she now commands the highest fee ever paid for a female footballer — convincing Bay FC of the NWSL to part with $860,000 (RM4,042,000).

Reflecting on her journey, Kundananji shared with BBC Sports Africa how she initially kept her passion for football a secret from her family.

Now, she encourages girls everywhere to pursue their dreams passionately, despite obstacles.

Similarly in Sarawak, the women’s football team is gearing up to compete in the upcoming Malaysia Games (SUKMA), marking a historic first for the state.

Its head coach Sufian Ibrahim, 52, discussed the challenges of forming the team, including the lack of available data on women footballers due to the absence of tournaments in Sarawak.

“Unlike other states like Sabah and many in West Malaysia, where player data is more accessible, we faced significant hurdles,” Sufian told Sarawak Tribune in a recent interview.

Undeterred, Sufian and his team scouted talent across various districts, conducting selection sessions from September 2023 onwards.

“We had to go to different districts in Sarawak to find hidden talents. We started searching and held selection sessions from the beginning of September 2023 until the end of 2023,” he said.

This initiative isn’t just about sports — it’s about breaking barriers and inspiring young women to excel in football. The journey to SUKMA represents more than competition; it’s about paving the way for future generations of female footballers in Sarawak.

TRAINING WITH A GOAL IN MIND

Sufian embarked on a mission to assemble a team capable of competing with the best in the state in less than a year.

His quest for talent began in September, spanning through December last year, taking him from Kuching in southern Sarawak to Sibu, Kapit, and Sarikei in the central zone, and further north to Miri, Limbang, and Lawas.

“The journey to scout these players was intensive,” he reflected.

By April of this year, the finalists’ names were confirmed after centralising the player list in February.

Sufian added that the challenges faced due to the lack of existing player data necessitated comprehensive training from scratch.

“We covered everything from A to Z. Once they were proficient in technical skills, we focused on football strategies and understanding their roles on the field,” he added.

Likewise, Francis Uling Majoi, 58, the team manager for the women’s football team, said that from the very beginning, the team’s vision has been focused on achieving gold.

“We have conducted comprehensive and integrated training, emphasising discipline, moral preparation, technical skills, and teamwork. We are confident that we can achieve our goal of securing the gold medal. We are prepared for competition, which is why our matches in Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok serve as benchmarks for our readiness and positioning,” he said.

READY FOR THE CHALLENGE

Sufian highlighted that the women’s football team participating in SUKMA next month ranges in age from 16 to 21 years old, including three players who are still in school.

“When it comes to training and coaching, the players have encountered no issues. They’ve shown a rapid learning curve. In just over a month, they’ve already grasped the technical aspects well. Our initial focus was on technique. Our first exposure trip was to Sabah, and now this trip marks our second exposure,” he said.

Reflecting on their experience in Sabah, Sufian noted the formidable competition they faced, including seasoned opponents with many former players on the Sabah team.

“During our time there, we engaged in friendly matches. For this second exposure, we deliberately sought out teams with extensive experience. My goal is for our players to embrace the opportunity to immerse themselves in high-intensity gameplay and learn from it,” he continued.

Recently, the Sarawak women’s SUKMA football team traveled to Kuala Lumpur for a friendly match on July 17-18. They are currently in Bangkok, scheduled to face two teams on July 20 and 22, and will return home on July 23.

The team’s manager, Francis, pointed out that these upcoming matches will serve as crucial assessments of the team’s strengths and areas needing improvement.

“Upon our return, we will address any issues to ensure we are fully prepared for SUKMA. We sincerely hope for the support of Sarawakians. From August 13 to August 23, our goal is to advance to the finals. Our group consists of six teams: Group A includes Sarawak, Pahang, and Sabah, while Group B comprises Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Penang. Our target is to reach the finals,” he said.

TURNING DREAMS INTO REALITY

In August 2023, FIFA reported a remarkable surge in the participation of women and girls in organised football, with numbers reaching an impressive 16.6 million — a rise of nearly a quarter since 2019. Amidst this growing enthusiasm, the dream of clinching gold at the Games might seem daunting, but it’s a dream shared by aspiring athletes like Kundananji.

Players hailing from remote towns and districts scouted by Sufian and his coaching team, these young women are poised to turn their dreams into reality.

“The goals set by management and the state government are clear: we are aiming for the podium,” said Sufian.

Embracing this challenge wholeheartedly, he acknowledged the daunting task ahead despite the preparations of other seasoned teams.

Although newly formed less than a year ago, team Sarawak stands ready to compete fiercely.

“This competition marks our debut, and while the absence of data on past champions adds an element of uncertainty, I view the inclusion of women’s football in the SUKMA games as a significant milestone,” he added.

He envisions this tournament sparking a broader interest among players and women in football, extending far beyond SUKMA.

Looking forward, Sufian underscored the pivotal role of authorities in fostering the continuous growth of women’s football in Sarawak, heralding it as a pioneering initiative.

As the Sarawak women’s football team gears up for the challenge ahead, Team Sarawak is poised to break new ground and inspire a generation of female athletes across the state.