OPTIMISTIC: Sarawak Firehorse (SF) team manager, Ling Lu Kiong (seated 2nd left) together with the team officials posing for a group photo during the press conference to announce the coming Malaysian National Basketball League (MNBL) to be held at Miri Indoor Stadium from Nov 9 to 11. Miri was chosen to play host for the third leg of the prestigious basketball tourney.
MIRI: Defending champion, Sarawak Firehorse (SF) is determined to retain its title in the Malaysian National Basketball League (MNBL) by recruiting more new skillful players.
Team manager Ling Lu Kiong said apart from having 10 local players, SF is going to field three players from the Peninsular and two experienced imports to beef up the squad.
Led by its captain, Yiek Chai Teck from Bintulu the local players are from Kuching, Miri, and Sibu.
They are Ma Chee Kheun, Lai Teck Bou, Voon Yiew Ting, Chai Chze Hian, Chia Kah Siang, Tsok Kian Hong, Lau Bik Ing, Francis Loh Hoo Won and Ng Sing Tee.
Whereas, the players from the Peninsular are Chin Zhi Shin and Choo Wei Hong both from Johor and Ng Kiat Kee from Kuala Lumpur,.
The two imported players are Samuel Okwudili Ekwe from Nigeria and Anthony Johnson from United States.
“It is difficult for us to speculate what kind of challenge that we are going to face during the match later…it is because each team has different game strategy and tactic,” said Ling.
“Apart from giving a close-watch to last year’s first runner-up, Kuala Lumpur Dragons, we expecting a great challenge from Perak FarmcoChem too,” he said during the press conference held yesterday.
The MNBL will be held from October to November this year where Miri will play host to host the 3rd circuit from Nov 9 to 11 at Miri Indoor Stadium.
The first leg will kick off at Malaysia Amateur Basketball Association’s (MABA) basketball court in Kuala Lumpur from Oct 25 to 28t and the 2nd round of competition will be at Penang from Nov 2 to 4 followed by Miri and back to Kuala Lumpur for the grand finals from Nov 17 to 18.
“We are truly excited and hoping to retain the outstanding achievement after winning our first trophy last year, thus we are working harder this year to make the state proud,” Ling said.
He pointed all the players will arrive in Miri on Oct 15 for full training session under the Philippines coach, Nomar Angeles Isla.
Those interested to watch the matches are invited to buy the entrance ticket which is being sold at two different prices namely for the three-day pass costing RM30 each and RM15 per-entry for a day’s pass. The day pass only will be selling on the day of the match.
The tickets can be obtained from Chen, Tech Garment & Textile Sdn Bhd which can be contacted at 085-622566, Wong Wei Khiong (016-8781499) and Ho Sok Hui (016-8782894).
In conjunction with the league in Miri, there would be charity drive and basketball coaching clinic.