KUCHING: The inaugural SABERKAS President’s Cup promises three days of high-octane futsal action from May 1-3, with all 82 SABERKAS branches across Sarawak eligible to send teams of 10 players each.
Teams will compete for RM7,000 in champion prize money along with a host of individual awards, making it the first state-wide futsal championship organised under the SABERKAS Recreation, Culture and Sports Committee.
Speaking at a press conference at Baitulmakmur Building II today, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, said this initiative aims to provide a larger platform for our members to showcase their talent and strengthen camaraderie among SABERKAS branches.
“The only requirement is that you must be a SABERKAS member to play for your branch. We are ready to accommodate all 82 teams, with matches running from morning to night over three days,” he said.
The tournament will be held across two venues, with preliminary rounds from May 1-2 at Arena Sukan in Kuching, and the grand final on May 3 at Samarahan Sports Complex.
Each branch is encouraged to enter a team composed solely of its members, with registration closing on March 30 to allow organisers enough time to schedule fixtures and conduct the draw.
Prize allocations for the competition include RM7,000 for the champions, RM5,000 for runners-up, and RM3,000 for third place, along with medals and certificates.
Teams reaching the quarterfinals will also receive RM1,000 each, while individual awards – including Best Player, Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer – come with trophies and RM200 cash prizes.
Rentap added that while the competition is currently for male members only, SABERKAS plans to expand activities throughout the year, including its Triennial General Meeting, which will bring together all branches for leadership elections and other community programmes.
“We hope this event will build excitement leading up to our AGM and encourage greater participation from members, especially those based in Kuching,” he said.
