State-wide rural devt programme for football mooted

BINTULU: Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Stephen Rundi Utom has suggested that the Rural Football Development Programme based in Bintulu, aimed at scouting local talents from rural areas to play at a higher level, be extended to other divisions in Sarawak.

“If possible, all divisions and football associations in Sarawak can emulate this model and be part of the state footbal l transformation,” the Kemena assemblyman said during a press conference to launch the programme at Parkcity Everly Hotel here on Sunday evening.

The event was also held in conjunction with the grand final of the rural youth football tournament between Mukah and Kuching who will be vying for the Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom Cup.

“At the moment, our football standard cannot attract football fans unlike during the ‘ngap sayot era’ where we have a strong fan base,” he pointed out.

“Now we are not only focusing on scouting football talents in urban area, but we also organise matches for our rural youths.

“I have been supporting this effort for the past seven years by having my own football cup and I will continue giving my strong support to the activities,” he added.

Bintulu Football Association ( Bifa) has been entrusted to organise the rural youths football tournament in Bintulu for the second year. During the evening Bifa presented seven awards to Shamsuddin Tuah (Best Referee), Ibrahim Tahir ( Best Coach 20172018), Awang Nazmi Syamel Awang Ismail ( Most Promising Player), Sylvester Laing Lihan ( Best Goalkeeper), Mohd Zharif Zulkamal Mahdar ( Best Player), Murum Team ( Best Rural Team 2017); SMK Bakun and SK Kidurong (Special Schools 2017-2018).

Also present at the press conference were Samalaju assemblyman Majang Renggi, Bifa president Duke Janteng, Sarawak Energy Sdn Bhd CSR manager Jiwari Abdullah and Lea Sport Centre Sarawak general manager Raymond Sim.