Peter takes over as Safa president
Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Peter Anthony will lead the Sabah Football Associa on (SAFA) as its president.
KENINGAU: Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Peter Anthony will lead the Sabah Football Association (SAFA) as its president.
Peter, who is also president of the Malaysia Kadazan Dusun Murut Organisation (KDM Malaysia), will fill the vacancy left by former president Alijus Sipil who resigned, recently.
Peter made the announcement in his speech during the launching of the KDM Malaysia Football League Championship 2018-2019 at the Keningau Sports Complex, yesterday.
Earlier, he said, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal had entrusted him to take over SAFA even though he had previously felt that the task was a tough one.
“Indeed, before Alijus resigned, there were nominated candidates including myself and I did not deny that it is a big responsibility (to be president), but I accept it for the sake of Sabah football.
“We will act as quickly as possible to look at the constitutions of SAFA as well as Sports Commissioners and if things go well, we will form a new committee immediately,” he said.
Peter said among the main responsibilities that need to be done immediately was to settle the association’s debts starting with players’ salaries about five months in arrears.
“I understand that the total debt including salaries is about RM6 million. This is what we need to solve immediately because the players need money for their daily lives. I am confident it will be completed before Christmas,” he said.
When asked about Sabah’s senior team preparation for the Malaysian League next season, Peter said it was also the main agenda to be resolved.
“We will decide as soon as possible including Jelius Ating’s position as head coach. We have plenty that must be done in so little time but we will do everything we can to overcome all issues so that we can become one of the next season’s main contenders,” he said.