Sarawak eyes its own football league to elevate ecosystem, strengthen grassroots devt

Kuching City FC team during the historic night after defeating Kuala Lumpur FC at State Stadium recently. Photo credit: Kuching City FC Facebook

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, June 5: Sarawak is planning to establish its own football league to strengthen grassroots development and create a more sustainable football ecosystem in the State.

Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the initiative reflects the ministry’s and the Sarawak Sports Corporation’s (SSC) commitment to developing football from the grassroots level.

He said Kuching City Football Association (KCFC), which is set to compete in next year’s AFC Champions League Two requiring about RM15 million in funding, is already beyond the development stage.

“Our role is development. KCFC is already in the professional or semi-professional level,” he said during a press conference at Baitul Makmur II in Petra Jaya today.

Abdul Karim said the ministry is now working with the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS), KCFC, and corporate partners to develop a structured State league system which will include age-group competitions at district, divisional, and State levels.

“This is to build a strong base. We want to identify and develop talent from the grassroots,” he said.

He added that a stronger local league system will allow more clubs like KCFC to emerge in other divisions such as Sibu and Bintulu.

At the same time, Abdul Karim said KCFC’s rapid progress over 10 years, which saw them reach the Malaysia Cup final for the first time and qualify for the AFC Champions League Two, is a strong achievement that shows good management.

“Even if millions are spent, without proper management, success will not come,” he said.

However, he expressed confidence in FAS under Dato’ Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, as Sarawak’s football scene showed positive progress which Abdul Karim hoped will continue.

He also said Sarawak football should not only focus on one club but build a system that represents the entire State. — DayakDaily