Saturday, 12 July 2025

PSS closing in on head coach pick for SUKMA 2026

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Ismail speaks to reporters after the event. Photo : Gabriel Lihan

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KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Sarawak Sepaktakraw Association (PSS) is in the final stages of appointing a head coach for the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2026, with candidates from Sarawak, West Malaysia, and Thailand currently under review.

PSS president Datuk Ismail Abang Saufi confirmed that discussions are ongoing, and a decision is expected soon following a scheduled internal meeting.

“There are a few names that have been proposed by the  association ahead of SUKMA 2026,” he said during a welcoming dinner event held here last night (June 20).

“Some are local coaches, while others have been suggested from Thailand and West Malaysia.

“We will be deliberating further on this matter together with the PSS exco committee, after which a recommendation will be submitted to the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) for their final endorsement,” he added.

The search for a head coach comes as part of broader preparations by PSS for the upcoming SUKMA.

Ismail also revealed that an independent selection committee has been formed to identify and evaluate players for the state squad — a move aimed at ensuring transparency and merit-based selection.

“The committee is independent and free from any outside influence, including from myself.

“Their role is to assess performance and potential. Once their recommendations are ready, we will endorse them accordingly,” he said.

Apart from that, he praised the level of enthusiasm and skill displayed by young athletes during the ongoing 2025 Sarawak Cup Sepak Takraw Championship.

He noted that several standout performers have already caught the eye of selectors despite the low turnout of spectators.

“InsyaAllah, some of the young talents we saw recently even though the games were played without much crowd presence — showed great spirit and ability,” he added.

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