Four Tambadau youths for AFC U-19 selection trials

KOTA KINABALU: Four Sabah Tambadau youths have been selected for the Malaysian Under-19 national team's 35-men selection trial for the AFC Under19 Championship for this year.

The four, Mohd Azlizan Mohd Azlan, 19 (goalkeeper ), Mohd Nasip Mohammad Zain, 19 (forward), and two midfielders Yuseril Yusekil, 18 and Mohammad Nazemizan Naslon, 19.

National head coach Brad Maloney said, the four Sabah players will undergo three weeks training at the Wisma Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) in Kelana Jaya from July 6 to July 26, 2020.

The training is in preparation for the AFC 2020 U-19 Championship Final in Uzbekistan from October 14 to 31, 2020.

Sabah Under-19 head coach, Johnny Dominicus said the four deserve the chance to fight for their place in the national team.

“Azlizan, Yuseril, Nazemizan and Nasip, have been consistent in their performance and shown national-level potential when playing for the state's Under-19 squad.

“Their hard work and dedication to improve themselves as football players have thus rewarded them with this chance and I wish them all the best during the selection trial.

Johnny also hope they will make it into the final squad for the AFC U-19 Championship.

Meanwhile, Johnny also thanked the Sabah Football Association (Safa) management and its president, Datuk Peter Anthony, for their continuous support towards the development of football in the state and Under-19 team manager Datuk Rahman Zakaria for taking care of the team.

“I would also like to thank my fellow coaching staffs for helping to develop our players into their best abilities on and off the field.

“Also thanks to coaches from around the state who continuously searched for new talents for the future of Sabah football,” he said.

A total of 23 players will be selected for the final squad for the tournament to be held in Uzbekistan from October 14 to 31 where Malaysia is grouped alongside 2014 champions' Qatar, Tajikistan and Yemen in Group D.