KUCHING: Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) will intensify its development programme to produce more local players with the calibre to shine in higher level competitions.
It is in line with its vision to eventually parade 100 per cent local players in the state senior team.
This was laid out by FAS president Dato Posa Majais during a get-to-know session with the Youth Cup, President Cup and Kuching teams at the Stadium Square in Petra Jaya on Saturday.
“FAS’ foremost vision is to see an all-Sarawakian senior team in the future … and this includes hiring local coaches and officials.
“As such, our top focus is to intensify the development of the President Cup and Youth Cup players as they will become back-up players to our senior team,” he said.
Posa added that the current Sarawak team now has 21 local players – the majority are from the President Cup and Youth Cup squads – who are given the chance by Sarawak head coach David Usop to play in the top notch Malaysia Super League.
He is also confident that players of the two junior squads are able to pose a strong challenge in the two competitions which will commence very soon.
“Judging from the results that they have secured from the pre-season friendly matches, I am optimistic that they can give a good challenge and improve their position this season,” he said.
Posa said FAS are also proud of the Kuching team which had qualified to play in the FAM League 2017.
“Kuching are like the younger brother to the Sarawak squad and it is our responsibility to assist them with players and technical support,” he added.