KUCHING: There is much interest of late over the future of Sarawak football coach Robert Alberts.
Robert Alberts
Last week, a local daily raised the possibility that he might be leaving soon for another assignment elsewhere.
The Crocs had a commendable season in this year’s Super League.
Despite playing without most of the injury-hit import players in many matches, the team kept itself safe from relegation amidst fierce competition among the nation’s twelve elite teams.
But Sarawak failed to impress in this year’s Malaysia Cup campaign. They were eliminated in the group stage.
Dutchman Alberts, 59, ranks as one of the most experienced football coaches in Malaysia and the region.
He has been active in Southeast Asia since 1992.
He won the Malaysia Cup with Kedah in 1993.
His track record includes guiding Singapore’s Home United in 1999 and Indonesia’s Arema FC in 2010 to win the top flight league title in those two countries.
Other career highlights were helming the South Korea Under-17 team (2002-2004) and Malaysia Under-19 team in 2007.
There are local critics who felt Sarawak need someone else to bring home the elusive Malaysia Cup and do more than just survive the Super League.
Speaking to The Borneo Post yesterday, Alberts confirmed that he is not going anywhere and it is business as usual for Sarawak under his guidance next season.
He said he understood that fans were restless after seeing Sarawak’s lacklustre performance in this year’s Malaysia Cup.
But he wants them to know that he is still the right and best man for the job at the Stadium Negeri.
“There is still a lot that is needed to be done to here.
“I firmly believe that the team is heading towards the right direction and I believe things will get even more exciting for Sarawak next season.”
That much he pledged. The rest is all speculation.