Datu Sudarsono Osman with Sarawak coach Datuk K Rajagobal during a press conference in Kuching in this Sept 10 file photo.
KUCHING: Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) president Datu Sudarsono Osman signalled the advent of a new era as Sarawak footballers prepare to face the 2016 season under former national head coach Datuk Rajagobal.
According to a FAS press statement released yesterday, the 2015 season was an uphill one after the state squad lost several key players to bigger teams in the national league.
The Crocs finished 10th in the Super League and survived to compete in the top tier next year.
The squad ended their 2015 Malaysia Cup campaign in the quarter-finals with a heartbreaking loss to Selangor 2-3 on aggregate last week.
“While we wished we could have achieved more, credit must be given to the boys who gave a good fight,” said Sudarsono who hosted a dinner for the team at a leading hotel here on Monday night.
He also highlighted the introduction of new Sarawakian talents into the squad in the recently concluded season.
“The sight of our young players who appeared for the senior side was indeed satisfying.
“These young talents are products of our very own youth programmes. With that exposure they have a platform to be under the national spotlight.
“I’m sure this will inspire more Sarawakian youths to become professional footballers,” he said.
The team are now taking a break before reporting back for pre-season training on Dec 15.
While thanking fans for their continuous support, the FAS chief also called on them to be patient while waiting for news of new signings for the coming season.
“We will make the official announcements regarding new signings when the players have arrived in Kuching and passed their medical tests which will take place in mid-December,” he remarked.
“We will do our utmost best to continue to bring you the best of Sarawak football,” he added.
On behalf of FAS, he also thanked Sarawak Energy Berhad, Lea Sports Group, Ibraco, Shin Yang, Marina Parkcity, Juara Cahya, KTS and Ta Ann as main sponsors of the team.