KUCHING: Sarawak Cricket Association (SCA) are optimistic that the state team can do well in Sukma 2013 if they receive the green light to compete from the Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS).
Cricket falls under the MSNS’s category “C” for sports in which participation in the upcoming Sukma in KL has not been confirmed.
MSNS is calling a meeting with sports associations in category ‘C’ to finalise the number of sports events that Sarawak will be participating.
The meeting is scheduled for this coming Wednesday.
MSNS director Francis Nyurang Ding had previously revealed that all sports associations in that category would not only have to fork out their expenses but also have to get the approval from the council if they are interested in competing at the coming Sukma.
SCA president Awang Mahyan Awang Mohamad told thesundaypost yesterday the reason for his optimism after the state team performed well during a few national meets previously.
“We have good players in our team and I believe that they deserve that chance to compete in Kuala Lumpur this year. Should our team be given the chance, we will definitely not waste our chances,” Mahyan asserted.
Meanwhile, state cricket coach Chew Pok Cheong mentioned yesterday that the state shadow team would be travelling to Ipoh, Perak on Jan 21 to compete at a national Under 19 competition there.
“This trip is to provide exposure for our new players and the back up team. I hope the players will learn from their experience there,” he said.
Admitting that exposure trips outside the state could be costly, Chew pointed out that they are, however, important in helping the coaches identify the strengths and weakness of the team. Chew also revealed that some of the state players, currently based in Peninsular Malaysia, will be called soon to train with their team mates.
“There are five eligible state players currently residing in Peninsular Malaysia. We will do our best to get these players to be given the clearance to train with our team soon,” he added.
Although Sarawak did not win any medal in cricket during their previous Sukma outing in 2011, Chew added that the team is much improved now and he wants his team to be given the chance to fight for Sarawak this year.