Masing very pleased to take a group photo with the committee KFA 2016/2017 led by Kennedy Kuyang at left)
KAPIT: Kapit Football Association (KFA) has announced a five-year plan to revive its soccer fortunes through systematic grooming of young talents.
Chairman of KFA Kennedy Kuyang, in a briefing for Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing on the association’s plan to scout for young footballers, gave a detailed account of the football calendar in Kapit for 2016.
He disclosed that among the many activities were a Footbal Coaching Course — AFC/FAM (Feb 25-28, 2016) at SMK Kapit for 23 participants, a Football Academy (April 23-24) at Padang Sukan for 117 youths to select 70 for training, the LSC Kapit League of seven teams (May 13 to Sept 23) at Padang Sukan, Tournment for the Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing Trophy at Padang Sukan (Aug 5-Sept 24), LSC Futsal League at Padang Sukan involving 175 players and 21 officials and finally, Rakyat Football League 2016-2017 (Group 2 between Sarikei, Betong, Sibu and Kapit).
Masing was pleased with the Kapit FA’s concerted effort to groom young talent in hopes to revive football glory in Kapit. He recalled that several years ago, Kapit soccer was doing very well.
“I’m very pleased with KFA, a group of cikgu coming together to help out, just now your chairman Kennedy Kuyang gave a very detailed account of the activities. A KFA-packed programme with the limited fund that you have. Thank you very much, a job well done. What’s very important in football, is you are very keen, have the passion and consistency to sustain. Without passion, we can’t go on,” Masing said.
“Football is a game of passion and enthusiasm. It isn’t a place where you get employment. Those who have enthusiasm and determination can make it. I’m very pleased that Deputy Kapit Resident Minggu Jampong has come here to join us,” said Masing when he presided over the KFA press conference at its office here.
“Kapit has done very well despite the fact that we’re an ‘island’ (riverine town with limited roads) within Borneo. But you can do it with a group of cikgu (school teachers). Our FA has those who are keen in football and are still around to carry on. This is a very honourable profession. Not only to train good footballers but to keep (the young) away from social ills. Football teaches our youth to be disciplined and determined,” he said
Masing thanked LSC (Lea Sports Centre retail manager Chiew Kam Chiong) “who has been around to help out. Although LSC is so far away, you come around to support us. The same to Tah Ann Holdings for the t-shirts. For those involved, please try your very best and I’ll try my very best to ensure that KFA is doing well,” said Masing who pledged an additional RM5,000 to an earlier RM20,000 for a grand total of RM25,000 in KFA funds.
Deputy Kapit Resident Minggu Jampong, administrative officer Calvin Ligong, administrative officer to Masing, Robert Liman, heads of departments and community leaders were present at the function. — by James Ling