ROBUST : USM FC player hard tackled Sarawak player to the get in control of the ball at the Sarawak Stadium recently.
FAM’s plan to scale down Super league can put paid to Sarawak’s elevation
KUCHING: Sarawak’s euphoria over winning promotion to the Super league next season has turned into apprehension as the Crocs await the final outcome of the move by Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to scale down the number of teams in the top-notch league.
FAM is mulling over reducing the number of teams in the Super League from 14 to 10 which will scupper the promotions of the Premier league’s top two teams Selangor PKNS and Sarawak.
FAS president Datu Sudarsono Osman recently sent a letter to FAM voicing concern over the proposed move.
“I have sent a letter to the board of FAM last month regarding this matter. We have not received any news or reply from the FAM up till today and we are keeping our fingers’ crossed that FAM would not reduce the number of teams in the Super League,” he said when contacted by the Borneo Post yesterday.
However, Sudarsono said FAS was prepared for any eventuality including losing out on promotion to the Super league.
“We are prepared to accept any outcome from the FAM. We are just hoping that they (FAM) would reconsider.”
Ironically Sarawak’s next match is against fellow possible victim of the scaling down of the Super League, Selangor PKNS, at the State stadium here this Friday (June 17).
Sudarsono said despite the uncertainty over their promotion next season, the Crocs would remain focussed on their remaining two matches in this season’s Premier League.
“They are not affected by it. We always remind our boys to think positive, to keep their focus on their games and not to be distracted nor discouraged by the possible new ruling of FAM.
“We told them to leave this matter to the management. They will play their hearts out especially against Premier League giant Selangor PKNS this Friday,” he added.
Sarawak lost 2-0 in a controversial match against Selangor PKNS, at the Selayang Stadium, in Selangor, on May.
A side from their desire to avenge that defeat, the Crocs are anxious to avoid defeat to preserve their unbeaten run of home games this season.
“I am looking forward to this Friday’s match against the Selangor PKNS. We can win this match and maintain our winning streak playing home,” said Sudarsono.
He hoped the fans would come out in full force to support the team in their last home match for this season.