Pu ng Safa in order top of agenda
Sabah Football Associa on (Safa) will make important announcements today. It includes naming the Sabah squad to face the Malaysian League 2019, Safa administra on and management issues.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Football Association (Safa) will make important announcements today.
It includes naming the Sabah squad to face the Malaysian League 2019, Safa administration and management issues.
Datuk Peter Anthony, who is tipped to lead the association, made the remarks to reporters before meeting the state footballers at Safa headquarters at Maksak in Likas near here yesterday.
“There are some very urgent matters that need our serious attention before we can decide on the next course of action.
“All these will depend much on the outcome of the Extraordinary Congress (to be attended by Safa district affiliates) tomorrow (today).
“I’m confident that a favourable decision (will be achieved) that will help Safa get back on track,” said Peter who has received the blessing from Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal to lead the State FA.
Peter, who was seen meeting with officers from the Sabah Sports Commission, said among other top agendas to be brought up in the Extraordinary Congress include naming Safa acting president, secretary general and treasurer as well as several vacated posts in the executive committee and supreme council.
“There are many issues that need to be solved and like I said very urgent too...our intention is to put the house in order.
“I said so because there are those who claimed that we want to take over and get rid of the existing officials in the association.
“There is no truth at all in that because there are several posts that need to be filled including for the president’s post after the incumbent resigned recently.
“We only want to fill the posts and help solve the various problems including financially to settle the players’ salaries for five months,” said Peter who is also the Infrastructure Development Minister.
Meanwhile, Peter later also met with each of the players personally to discuss on their fate with the team.
He said there were some who had been courted and offered by other teams but assured that he had received the list of players as recommended by the Rhinos 2018 head coach Jelius Ating.
“I’ve been a footballer myself and I know the hardship they faced, more so when they have not been paid for five months salary.
“The players’ welfare need to be taken care of and if not, it will affect their performance on the pitch.
“If possible we want to close the old chapter and create a new management. I’m confident we will be heading for the right path.
“Hopefully, all will be smooth tomorrow (today) and if we get the favourable decision (from the Extraordinary Congress), we are going to play in the Premier League next season.
“Let’s us wait for the announcement,” said Peter who is also the president of the KDM Malaysia.
For the record, the initial registration for team competing in the M-League must be completed and submitted to the FA of Malaysia by tomorrow.