KUCHING: Football fans can expect the Sarawak Premier League to begin by late September, featuring 13 teams divided into northern and southern zones, according to Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.
The Sarawak Football Association (FAS) president outlined the ongoing preparations for the league, which is set to reignite competitive football across Sarawak’s divisions.
The league will be organised in collaboration with the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), aiming to strengthen grassroots football and boost local talent development.
“We have informed all the Football Associations (FA) to prepare their teams, and we are finalising the match schedules.
“While we have yet to confirm the exact dates, our target is to kick off by the end of September,” he told reporters when met at a function here today (Aug 12).
Most matches will be held at venues under the management of SSC, including Stadium Sarawak, Stadium Miri, and Stadium Tun Zaidi in Sibu. Some games will also take place at fields managed by respective district councils, ensuring widespread access for fans across the state.
The league will be split into two zones, namely the northern and southern zones, with 13 teams competing for regional supremacy. The structure is designed to foster healthy competition and reduce travel constraints for the clubs.
A key objective of the league is to reactivate and empower the Football Associations at the divisional level, encouraging them to take a leading role in the development of football within their communities.
“We want to see the FAs become more active again, and to lead football development in their divisions.
“This will be the foundation for a stronger football ecosystem in Sarawak,” he explained.
The league also seeks to accommodate more clubs in the future.
“We have received numerous applications from clubs eager to join, and we plan to expand the league in due course.
“But first, our priority is to successfully launch and manage this edition of the Sarawak Premier League,” he added.
