Musa hopes for better Rhinos season next year
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Hj Aman expressed the hope that the Rhinos will have a much better campaign in the Malaysian League next season.
Musa, who is also Sabah Football Association (Safa), president said this after he highlighted improvement of the state senior side in the 2017 season compared to their form in 2016.
“The team this season has shown some improvement from last year and I hope the progress will continue next season.
“In 2018, I hope that we can do even better and may even set sights on promotion to the Super League,” Musa said when delivering his speech at the 5th Chief Minister’s Cup InterDistrict Football Tournament prize presentation-cum-dinner here on Sunday.
Having said that, Musa revealed all - players, team officials, coaches - must share the same commitment, determination and discipline to work towards a better 2018 campaign.
“I understand the frustration from the fans because we have not reached the desired level including getting the promotion to the Super League.
“They (fans) want to see the team to be successful and on our part, we need to put in the efforts to be on the right path towards it.
“I have the confidence that if the players show top level discipline coupled with steely determination to succeed, the future is bright for Sabah team,” he said.
Despite his busy schedule as the Chief Minister, Musa assured that as the president, he would do his utmost to ensure Safa will be in a strong position, including financially.
“It is not an easy task because millions are needed, but, I will continue to make the effort to get the money to fund the needs of Safa,” he said.
Meanwhile, Musa praised the organising committee of the CM Cup which entered its fifth edition this year.
While he said the tournament has contributed to the development of football in the state, there is still room for improvement to reach the required level.
“One of the objectives of the tournament is to identify and produce new talents...I am certain we can achieve that because football is no more just a hobby, it is a career now,” he said.
For the record, Kota Kinabalu were crowned champions of the CM Cup after beating Beaufort 2-0 at the Likas Stadium here on Sunday.
Keningau finished third after beating Tawau 2-1 a day earlier.
Also present at the dinner were Safa deputy president Datuk Lawrence Gimbang and supreme council members, sponsors, players and team officials.