Sarawakian, three Sabahans among 16 footballers in 1Malaysia Team

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KUCHING: Four East Malaysians comprising one Sarawakian and three Sabahans are among the 16 players picked for the 1Malaysia Football Team 2014 which will go to Manchester, United Kingdom early next month.

They are Nazarudin Bohri from Sarawak, and Sabahans Datu Mohd Armin Datu Muhammad, Zulhafiz Abdul Mahal and Rahman Shah Marajeh. The formation of the team was announced by Yayasan Rakyat 1Malaysia (YR1M) and Mamee-Double Decker (M) Sdn Bhd recently.

The first initiative of the newly formed team is an 11-day exposure trip to Manchester, United Kingdom which includes a five-day training stint at Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS).

In addition to football skills training on the pitch focusing on the technical, tactical and physical aspects of the game, the team will also learn about mental preparation and conditioning required to produce a successful team. The 16 comprised top players selected from the nationwide Piala Mamee 1Malaysia football tournament which ended in March.

Chief Executive Officer of YR1M Ung Su Ling said the Piala Mamee 1Malaysia football tournament has lived up to its tagline ‘Bukan Sekadar Piala’ (It’s Not Just About The Trophy).

“We are glad that we were able to accomplish our aim of uniting young Malaysians across the nation through their shared passion for football.

“In this stage of the programme, we hope to inspire the members of the 1Malaysia Football Team 2014 who are the tournament’s top players to progress together towards achieving their football dreams,” she added.

Chief Executive Officer of Mamee-Double Decker (M) Sdn Bhd Datuk Wira Pang Tee Chew commented: “We are pleased to have been part of this successful tournament that has spanned the length and breadth of our nation.

“Along with their MUSS training sessions, I am confident the 1Malaysia Football Team 2014 will have a valuable and memorable experience at Old Trafford (Manchester United’s home ground).”

Apart from the training stint at MUSS during the trip to the UK, the 1Malaysia Football Team 2014 will learn further about the history and evolution of football.

They will tour the Old Trafford Museum and Stadium and explore England’s rich football heritage at the National Football Museum in Manchester.