KUCHING: Datu Sudarsono Osman’s appointment by Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) as the national team manager has received full endorsement from local football officials in Sarawak.
The Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) president was appointed last month together with former national player Dollah Salleh who is now the national team head coach.
FAS deputy president Datu Mohd Abu Bakar Marzuki praised FAM’s decision and said Sudarsono is capable of taking the country’s football to new and positive direction.
He also viewed Sudarsono’s appointment as an acknowledgement by FAM of his work as FAS president in Sarawak.
“Sudarsono has done a lot for Sarawak’s development in football here in the state. He is a passionate supporter of Sarawakian football and Sarawak football has gone through major improvements under his leadership,” added Abu.
Support was also forthcoming from Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) acting director Lucas Kalang Laeng.
“I am confident that Malaysia will enjoy a good spell under him. He has the qualities that can help the national team and, as Sarawakians, we are proud of him,” the former state footballer said.
For Harifen Mansor who heads the Miri Football Association (MiFA) and has known Sudarsono since he headed the divisional association in 1990, Sudarsono’s appointment could serve as motivation for local officials to work hard.
Among Sudarsono’s initial assignments with Dollah for the national team is preparation for the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup in November.