Shafie the right man to lead Safa
KOTA KINABALU: State's senior squad team manager, Datuk Juil Nuatim said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal would bethe right man to lead Sabah Football Association (Safa).
As such Juil has pleaded with Shafie to consider becoming the next president of Safa.
The State FA has been without a president since May 26 after Tan Sri Musa Aman's decision to step down on the back of the shocking defeat of the ruling coalition in the 14th General Election.
Vice president Datuk Yusof Kassim has since been appointed as the acting president while awaiting the Safa Congress scheduled on August 11, where an election will take place to appoint a new president as well as to fill the posts of deputy president (two) and vice president.
"We're all aware that running an association like Safa is not an easy task because it is a position (being president) that takes on heavy responsibilities.
"One of them is to look for resources so that we can run the association efficiently and at the moment, I have to admit that Safa is suffering financially.
"It is a pity if we can't find a solution to the (financial) problem because our football teams are enjoying good results in their respective leagues.
"The state senior squad have impresssed this season where we are enjoying one of the best campaigns after so many years.
"The under-21 President Cup) and under-19 (Youth Cup) teams too have been great this season with good return of results their on-going competitions.
"Football is the number one sport in the country and obviously in Sabah too...that is why we are pleading with the Chief Minister to be president of Safa.
"We need to have capable leaders like the Chief Minister to lead Safa," said Juil who watched the Rhinos training session in preparation for tonight's Premier League clash against Penang here.
At present, Juil, along with the current officials in Safa, are trying their best to source for funds as to ensure the running of the teams can be carried out effectively.
Juil revealed they were doing all these for the love of the game and he said if there were people out there who wanted to come in, he was willing to step down.
"However, they must be fully committed and must take care of the players' welfare," he stressed.
Meanwhile, Juil has called for the Rhinos to continue getting positive results as they look to make a strong finish to the league campaign.
While the promotion to Super League is getting slimmer, the Rhinos are still in the race to make the Malaysia Cup.
"We have three more games to play starting against Penang on Wednesday here. We must get as many points from the matches in order to finish as high as posibble in the league.
"The players are all ready for the battle and the 2-1 away win over Terengganu FC II in our last game should give them the much needed confidence and motivation.
"I believe the coaching staff led by head coach Jelius (Ating) has plot of effective strategy to counter Penang," he said.
Jelius is expected to stick with same squad but he will have options as left back Jenius Karib and Japanese midfielder Keisuke Ogawa have returned to training after injuries while Randy Baruh is available having served his onematch suspension.
Free kick specialist Sabri Sahar however is doubtful starter with a niggling back injury while tough tackling central defender Mafry Balang is definitely out through injury.
Sabah are currently fifth in the 11-team standing on 24 points while Penang are third from bottom on 19 points.
The first round meeting between the teams ended 2-1 in favour of Penang.