BANGKOK: Sarawak duo Valerie Juan and Josie Mavcellina Gone played key roles for Malaysia at the SEA Games 2025, helping the national side strengthen their bid for a place in the Women’s Rugby 7s final with back-to-back wins.
Malaysia opened their campaign with a narrow 21-19 victory over Singapore before producing a more assured performance to defeat the Philippines 24-12 in their second group match.
Assistant coach Mohamad Nazhiim Shahruddin said the team showed clear improvement against the Philippines, particularly in the second half after a tight and physical opening period.
“We tried to read the game in the first half because it was very intense, but in the second half the players had more energy and executed better,” he said when met at the Royal Thai Air Force Stadium Dhupatemiya today (Dec 13)
Nazhiim highlighted Valerie and Josie as key contributors in attack, crediting the Sarawak pair with helping Malaysia convert pressure into tries.
“There were no serious injuries, just some minor knocks, nothing major,” he added.
Valerie said she was delighted to be playing alongside Josie for the first time at the SEA Games, describing the experience as a special moment for both players.
“Our target is to reach the final and finish on the podium,” she said.
Malaysia will face Indonesia next on Sunday (Dec 14).
