KUCHING: Limbang team officials hope that the Isuzu Cup triumph will pave the way for a new era in the development of football in Limbang.
Their team edged Kuching 3-2 at the Unimas Sports Centre in Samarahan last Saturday, marking the first time it has won the inter-division tournament.
Team manager Abdul Ajis Kon said yesterday the famous victory made it all the more worthwhile travelling all the way to Kuching to compete.
The team had set the target of making it to the semi-finals of the tournament.
“All the hard work, all the expenses and all our sacrifices paid off and this victory is indeed sweet. We can now walk tall among the big boys and we definitely fight to defend this title,” he continued excitedly.
Asked about the potential that some of his boys may emerge as Crocs in future, Limbang assistant coach Hanapi Majini said, “I believe that we have talented young players who are good enough to represent Sarawak and Malaysia in the future. They are indeed a committed and enthusiastic bunch of players who are willing to do anything for both the state and country.”
Indeed, he compared notes with The Borneo Post yesterday on a few of the unpolished gems just waiting to shine.
Eric Lanjap, the winger with an explosive pace to create headaches for opposing teams, has been called “the destroyer” by one rival team manager.
Alex Maxwell has the same gifts as Eric and provides vision for his team. Captain Mohd Aliff Hassan, a free kick specialist, can inspire his team mates with a ‘never say die’ attitude.
Apart from winning the thrilling final, Hanapi also highlighted Limbang’s win over host Samarahan in the tournament’s opening match and their victory over SFDP-Young Crocs, who also fielded talented youngsters.
Fans all over the state may be reminded of Limbang’s current prized export for the state and country: Ashri Chuchu.
The explosive winger was instrumental in Sarawak’s Malaysia Cup performance this year and Harimau Muda’s recent SEA Games campaign in Myanmar.