KUCHING: Sarawak football legend, Abdul Jalil Ramli, has called on coaches to set the right example as role models, reminding them that their conduct reflects directly on players, after witnessing tense moments on the sidelines during the Sarawak Premier League 2025 opener.
Jalil, who was present at the MDS Siburan Stadium on Saturday to watch Serian FA’s convincing 4-0 win over Sarikei FA in the Southern Zone, said the new league was a “wise first step” by the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) to reignite the state’s football scene.
“Congratulations to FAS. After so long without any concrete plans, this is a smart first move.
“We saw an encouraging number of spectators and even though it is only the first game, I believe the quality will improve within two or three matches. What I saw today is that there is talent,” he said.
However, Jalil emphasised that coaches must play their role as mentors not only in terms of tactics but also in discipline and behaviour.
“In my view, coaches are a mirror to their players. If coaches or officials cannot control their emotions, it can affect the players and even the crowd.
“We saw a little disruption earlier, and this should be avoided. Coaches must show composure because they are the ones shaping the mentality of these young players,” he stressed.
On the competition itself, Jalil expressed hope that the Sarawak Premier League would become an annual event.
“If it continues every year, players will improve through exposure to matches like this. Although this is an open category and not specifically for youth, I could already see several players with talent.
“With more opportunities, they will get better and benefit Sarawak football in the long run,” he told reporters on Saturday.
Jalil admitted the standard of play was still far from the Malaysian Super League, but believed this was the right foundation to build on.
“It’s still a long way to compare, but this is the right first step. There are many shortcomings, but I believe these can be corrected in the years ahead,” he added.
Despite the heavy defeat, Jalil also praised Sarikei FA for giving opportunities to younger players, saying their participation at this level was crucial for growth.
“I want to congratulate Sarikei as well. Even though they lost 4-0, I saw many young players stepping up. If given more chances, they will improve,” he said.
Serian FA’s victory put them on top of the Sarawak Premier League 2025 Southern Zone, as the competition kicked off with strong local interest and optimism for the future.
