Sabah having trials to select players for President Cup squad

The Sabah FA will be organising a two-day open selection trials to select players for its President’s Cup squad 2012 on December 9 and 10.

The selection trials will be held at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex field B in Likas, and is open to players who are born on January 1, 1991 and after.

The FA Secretary General Alijus Hj Sipil said: “We would like to welcome all players, who are eligible, to attend the trials. This is an opportunity for them to don State colours.”

“We are calling players, not only those living in the State Capital or its surrounding areas, but from throughout the State,” he added.

“There will be two sessions on each day with the morning session from 8am to 11am while the afternoon session from 2pm to 5pm.

“We also thought of holding the second day of trials at the Likas Stadium, but this will depend on the availability of the stadium,” said Alijus.

He said that the selection panel will be headed by Justin Ganai, who will be assisted by Johnny Dominicus, Yahya Datuk Kassim, Matasan Ahmad, Burhan Ajui and Awal Taham.

According to Alijus, they have already a few names on their list.

“Actually, we have already identified several players for the squad. These players are those from this season’s squad, who are still eligible to play in the President’s Cup, which is an Under-21 competition.”

Alijus also revealed that Juil Nuatim has been retained as the team manager for the President’s Cup team with Matasan Ahmad as his assistant.

The coach is Johnny Dominicus, who holds a FAM A Licence, and he will be assisted by Burhan Ajui.

Awal Taham is the goalkeeper coach while James Edwin Musa the team’s physiotherapist.

For the record, the President’s Cup 2012 is expected to kick off in February.