BMR Cup Grand Final expected next month
KOTA KINABALU: The Grand Final of the Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin Cup (BMR Cup) football tournament will resume once the green light is obtained from the relevant authorities.
Sabah Football Association (Safa) Local Competitions Committee deputy chairman Lokman Sunggim said the plan was to have the under-18 football tournament to take place next month. “It will be up to whether we get the permission from the government.
“If Safa has the green light to continue with the competition, the committee will hope to organise the Grand Final in August,” he said in a statement yesterday.
The tournament kicked off with competitions at zone level in April where 31 teams were divided into eight zones.
However, only seven of the zones completed their matches before the tournament was postponed due to enforcement of the Movement Control Order to curb the spread of Covid-19.
The seven zones are West Coast, North West Coast, East West Coast, South West Coast, North East Coast, Central Zone and Upper Interior.
As for the remaining zone South East Coast, only one round of matches were played before it was postponed.
“The tournament main committee has decided not to continue with the remaining matches for the zone affected.
“Instead, a selection trial will be held involving the five district teams and form a team to represent the zone to the Grand Final,” he said.
Lokman added that Safa had already sent an official letter regarding the decision to Safa Tawau, Lahad Datu, Semporna, Kunak and Kalabakan, which form the South East Coast zone.
“If the condition has improved, we hope to go ahead with the Grand Final with all eight zones in contest,” he added.
Meanwhile, Lokman as well as Safa assistant secretary general Azman Mastar and executive secretary David Wisom helped celebrate the birthday of Papar Sports Centre managing director SS Chung after the brief meeting.