SOMETHING is brewing in Sarawak’s football scene, and its impact will likely reverberate across the nation’s footballing industry.
Today is the Football Association of Sarawak’s (FAS’) highly anticipated Annual General Meeting (AGM) whereby an election is held for the office bearers for the 2025-2027 term.
When talking about Sarawak football, many would have fond memories of its glory days in the late 1980s and since then, there have been occasional highlights, but it has more downs than ups.
The Sarawak football team, even today, stands as one of the most supported teams in Malaysia and while the footballing aspect has slumped; the support, respect and high reverence remains.
That is why today is very exciting as it could prove to be a pivotal moment in Sarawak’s footballing history, a reawakening spurred by leadership change.
As of writing, it is confirmed that two candidates are vying for the position of FAS president after incumbent Abang Zulkarnain Abang Abdul Rahman decided not to seek re-election.
Challenging for the post is Tupong assemblyman Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, who is the Kuching City Football Club chairman. His opponent is sports consultant Dr Mohd Shafiq Abdullah, a former deputy president of the Samarahan Division Football Association.
Fazzrudin is a big name in the national football landscape through his stewardship in guiding Kuching City from fourth-tier football since its founding in 2015 to topflight football in the Malaysia Super League.
A well-known political figure with strong links to the football sport, he has been able to restore pride in Sarawak football through Kuching City, which obtained a top-four finish in the Super League after only being promoted the season before, demonstrating a prudent approach to football management.
Meanwhile, Dr Mohd Shafiq Abdullah is a seasoned football practitioner and sports development professional with over two decades of extensive experience in managing and promoting football at grassroots, junior and professional levels.
He has detailed his vision of Sarawak football based on sports science, data-driven management and technology.
Meanwhile, vying for the deputy president post are incumbent Abang Suhordie Abang Zaini, the Betong Division Football Association president who is challenged by Stakan assemblyman Datuk Hamzah Brahim who has strong links to football, with roles in the now defunct Sarawak FA.
Eight candidates are contesting for the four vice-president posts with three incumbents Nicol Agoi, Khairulddin Qalam Daud, and Khairul Anuar Adeni challenged by Phillip Jabu, Sophie Shariee, Mohd Saif Jubaidi, MD Haical Abdullah and Dr Kamurudin Ahmed Junaidi.
Regardless of who is given the mandate as office bearers, they face an unenviable task to revive the Sarawak football, which, in recent years, has been marred by controversies as well as financial issues.
An immediate issue that needs to be addressed is to provide a structured approach to management. This is by improving on the commercial aspect – seeking partners, sponsors as well as support from other industries.
One advantage is that there is still a lot of interest in football by the people in Sarawak, meaning there is continued support by local fans.
That is where the vision of “football for the people” is important to ensure that there is a buy-in from supporters not just from the public but also from the corridors of power, the corporate sector and private businesses.
This vision must translate into tangible actions at every level. This means revitalising grassroots development programmes and ensuring that young talents from all divisions of Sarawak has access to quality coaching and facilities.
Collaboration with local football associations is paramount here as they are the direct link to the communities.
Identifying and nurturing talents from an early age, coupled with a clear pathway for progression, will be vital for producing future Sarawakian stars.
Both presidential candidates have highlighted the importance of modern approaches and this is where Sarawak football can truly leap forward.
Embracing sports science, data analytics and technology in coaching, player development and even tactical analysis will be crucial.
The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable model for Sarawak football in an environment where football in Malaysia, as a sport, is facing challenges and financing and commercial are seen as becoming unsustainable.
It will be an uphill battle to revive a Malaysia footballing giant in FAS. However, with clear leadership, structured management and modern footballing approach, it can be done.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at nazmixsuhaimi@gmail.com.
