Sarawak football veteran expresses gratitude over Stadium Taha Ariffin tribute

Jalil Ramli

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, May 22: Former Sarawak football player and head coach Jalil Ramli has expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Sarawak government for renaming Stadium Negeri as Stadium Taha Ariffin, describing it as a meaningful recognition of the late sports icon’s immense contributions to football and sports development in Sarawak.

Jalil, who was part of the Sarawak football team during the ‘Ngap Sayot’ and ‘Bujang Senang’ eras, said the move announced by Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah deeply touched former players and coaches.

“This is a recognition that truly moves us as former players and coaches because it reflects the importance of the late Datuk Taha Ariffin’s contributions in developing football, and not only football, but other sports as well,” he said in a video message.

He also extended his gratitude to Abdul Karim and the Sarawak government for honouring the legacy of the late Datuk Mohamad Taha Ariffin through the renaming of the stadium.

The renaming was announced by Abdul Karim during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting on May 19.

According to Abdul Karim, the move was made as a mark of appreciation and recognition for the late Mohamad Taha’s immense contributions to sports development in Sarawak, particularly football.

Mohamad Taha founded the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) in 1974 and was regarded as a key figure in shaping the State’s football landscape.

Under his leadership, Sarawak achieved major successes including winning the Malaysia FA Cup in 1992 and securing three consecutive Sukma titles in 1990, 1992 and 1994. — DayakDaily