Jelius to join either Safa or Sabah FC
Former Sabah head coach Jelius Ating is expected to be given a new job in the Sabah Football Association (Safa) or Sabah FC this season.
KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah head coach Jelius Ating is expected to be given a new job in the Sabah Football Association (Safa) or Sabah FC this season.
The Sabah Football Association (Safa), in its Facebook account, reported that Jelius will be absorbed into one of the state's player development technical coaches and football coaches.
“Jelius Ating will be absorbed into one of the development technical trainers under the management of Sabah FA for the year 2021.
“At the same time,
Safa acting president Datuk Sri Bung Moktar Radin and Sabah FC pledged to help finance Jelius Ating for the AFC Professional Coaching License this year to enable him to train the Sabah FC squad at the Super League level in the future.
“With his vast experience, we hope he can find talented local players and thus become the first coach in Sabah to obtain the AFC Professional Coaching License,” Safa reported in its Facebook account.
Safa reported the matter after a meeting with top senior people in Safa, Sabah FC and Jelius at the Safa office in Likas, here last Thursday.
When contacted, Jelius confirmed the meeting and plans for him with either Safa or Sabah FC.
“Actually, a lot was discussed (in the meeting) including plans for me but no official decision has been made yet.
“But I am happy and grateful with the meeting as it gave us space and opportunity to discuss openly about the state football scenario,” said the former head coach who led Sabah in the 2019 Premier League champions back to the Super League 2020 competition.
It was unfortunate that Jelius could not continue his excellent job with Sabah last season as he did not have a Pro A Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Coaching License.
He only served as assistant coach to the head coach, Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto last season. Although Kurniawan has been retained for this season, no role has been given for Jelius as yet.
“Apparently, there is a plan for me now and I am ready for whatever plans Safa and Sabah FC have for me,” he said.
By Elton Gomes