THUMBS UP: Limbang players put on big smiles after defeating defending champion Kuching 2-0 in their group match of the Sarawak Cup at Miri Stadium last week.
MIRI: Limbang team’s football manager, Aziz Kon yesterday revealed that four of his players have been selected for trials in Kuching this weekend by the state’s head coach, Robert Alberts.
The quartet comprises Mohd Dzulfadli Awg Maraje, 21, Zuhari Mohamad, 24, Mohd Shamirol Hafifi Roslan, 18 and Norasiman Kula, 26.
Aziz, who is also Limbang Football Association secretary, said he was indeed proud of his team’s achievements during the recent Sarawak Cup which was held here.
“I am very thankful to the state’s football association for their interest in our players here and also the once in a lifetime opportunity given to our players,” he said in an exclusive interview with The Borneo Post yesterday.
Although four of his players have been identified by Alberts, only three have gone to Kuching for the trials.
According to Aziz, Norasiman Kula could not make it to Kuching for the trial since he has other commitments to fulfil.
“The other three have gone to Kuching last Tuesday,” he said.
Limbang put on an impressive performance in the Sarawak Cup tournament where they beat defending champion Kuching 2-0 and also Mukah 5-4, thus qualifying for the semi-finals.
However, they were beaten by Armed Forces in the last four.
Meanwhile, Limbang coach, Bulhaji Wahab when contacted by The Borneo Post yesterday said there are a lot of potential football players in the district. However, because of geographical factor, they are somewhat ‘invisible’.
“We feel that we are isolated. We are far from the centralised training centre which is in Kuching,” Bulhaji explained.
Bulhaji added that with three of his players now in Kuching, he hoped that they will be able to overcome obstacles and challenges during the trial periods.
“I hope all three can make it through. I believe they are mentally and physically strong to face any challenges,” he said.
Bulhaji also said that there was a need to improve the sport’s infrastructure in the district so that they will be able to fully maximise their players’ potential.
“We need to expose and further develop their skills in the sports to bring Limbang’s football to higher level,” he said.