FAM Cup winning start for Kuching FA, VIP fans
KUCHING: A Sufizal Ismail goal- double secured Kuching FA a 2-1 victory in the FAM Cup over PBMM-PBSM FC at Stadium Negeri yesterday, making it a cheerful outing for top brass in the gallery.
The champion of the ‘ Liga Bolasepak Rakyat’ was on course, claming their first three points for a spirited start in the FAM Cup campaign, to the applause of VIPs including Sarawak’s most illustrious fan, the chief minister.
“We needed the win, we did it, we scored two goals, got the important three points as this is our first game, the win was vital in boosting team morale. The commitment shown by the players and supporters were good as such, Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg himself personally was here to support our team,” said Kuching FA assistant coach Mohamad Sharizan Sahari when met by reporters.
Other bigwigs present in the terraces were FA of Sarawak ( FAS) president Dato Posa Majais, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Tupong assemblyman Fazzruddin Abdul Rahman, DBKU mayor Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai and other dignitaries.
“We scored the two goals through Sufizal in the 32nd minute and 41st min which were enough to show our dominance,” said Sharizan on reflection of the first half. He admitted the secondhalf wasn’t up to expectations as players failed to maintain their composure, losing their focus due to fatigue, which resulted in a goal conceded in the 75th minute through PBMM-PBSM’s Yusaini Hafiz Chee Saad.
“This was due to match fitness which will be addressed before the team face Sime Darby, a former powerhouse. We want to continue with our winning ways, but first this match fitness. Only then can we have the confidence for a lively start right to the end of the match,” he added.
Kuching Division FA president Rakawi Ibrahim too could not deny the roaring start but noted the lack of staying power.