KUCHING: Three Sarawakian women cricketers have been selected to represent Malaysia for the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games.
THE STATE PRIDE: Sarawakian women cricketers who will represent the national cricket team at Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games, namely (from left) Zaibibiana, Mariana Lakie and Dewi Idora.
The trio, namely Mariana Lakie, Dewi Idora and ZaiBibiana have done the state proud once again for being selected after having an encouraging outing at the U-19 Asian Cricket Competition (ACC) in Singapore last August.
The Malaysian team finished 5th placing at the outing.
However, Christina, who joined the team in Singapore, could not make it to Guangzhou due to her SPM examination.
Sarawak Cricket Association (SCA) in the press release statement yesterday said the association was pleased with the selection of the three players to represent the country.
“The three players are the product of the MCA-HSBC grassroot development programme which commenced in the state since in 2006”
SCA president, Awang Mahyan Awang Mohammad commended the players for their tireless effort and determination till they were selected to don the national colours.
“Such a commitment and determination should be a good example for the other young cricketers to succeed at the national and the international arena. They are the role models for cricket players in the state.” he said.
He hoped that the national team would perform to its best to beat China and Thailand before meeting the test playing countries.
In the Asian Games, Malaysia will be joining powerhouse Pakistan, China and Thailand in Group A and the top two team will qualify to the second round of the tournament.
Meanwhile, SCA will be sending Dave Henderson Francis and Francis Joseph to attend the Malaysian Cricket Association (MCA) level one coaching course in Kuala Lumpur from Nov 1-14.
Dave Henderson is the state and SUKMA 2004 player while Francis Joseph is the coach for the MSSS Sarawak U-12 team and cricket master SK St. Joseph.
The sending for the two coaches will be the first of many to be sent to attend the coaching course as part of the development programme to increase the pool of qualified coaches in the state.