Sharpshooters locked and loaded

KUCHING: Sarawak women’s football striker, Nursalina Bel, is prepared for an exceptional performance at the upcoming Malaysia Games (SUKMA), backed by intensive preparation and expert coaching.

“We just need to refine our gameplay. InsyaAllah, with a bit more exposure to games, we are ready,” she said.

At 21, Nursalina faces soaring expectations head-on, fuelled by a steadfast resolve. Her teammate, 20-year-old defender Evlin Sulaiman, shares her determination, setting her sights on the gold medal.

“I hope that we will excel in competition and clinch gold with this team; that’s our ultimate goal,” Evlin said.

The team has been engaged in a rigorous training regimen since February, encompassing comprehensive coaching and mental conditioning, she said.

Adding to the team’s enthusiasm, 18-year-old goalkeeper Nur Ameerah Ahmad Raihan is looking forward to her first SUKMA appearance.

“This is a thrilling opportunity for me. With all our preparations in place, it’s now about executing our plans effectively on the field,” she said, adding the team’s daily training routines and the strategic guidance from their coaches.

In preparation, the Sarawak women’s SUKMA football team recently competed in a friendly match in Kuala Lumpur on July 17-18. They are currently in Bangkok for matches scheduled for July 20 and 22 and will return on July 23.

The SUKMA women’s football event will take place from August 13 to August 23 at Stadium Negeri and Padang D. The competition includes six teams, divided into two groups: Sarawak, Pahang, and Sabah in Group A; Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Penang in Group B.