Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah
KUCHING: Sarawak’s women footballers will capitalise on homeground advantage to try lift the 30th Tun Sharifah Rodziah Cup when 12 teams in the country converge on Miri to vie for the crown.
With lucrative cash prizes of RM20,000, RM10,000 and RM5,000 for the top three teams, this is the first time that the tournament – from April 8-18 – will be hosted in Sarawak.
Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has assured the organisers of state support through his ministry to ensure smooth sailing of the national-scale event.
It would promote greater interest of women football here whereby, Sarawak has been among a fierce contender in the tournament with a consistent track record in finishing their campaigns at the semifinal stage.
He noted that with various large scale tournaments held here, this would cultivate interest for athletes to participate in sports regardless of whether it is a well known sport or a least favourable one.
This is in line with the state’s vision of becoming a sport powerhouse in the region, and having the ability to produce quality athletes.
“With homeground advantage, the team can hopefully make it to the final and lift the trophy for the first time,” he told a press conference held at the State Stadium Wednesday.
He noted that the newly formed committee as well as the relevant governmental and non-governmental agencies will soon visit Miri to fine-tune everything in preparation for the women’s football tournament.
“We will try to make it as a grand affair as this is known to be a national event,” he added.
The competing teams are Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Sabah, Sarawak (host), including the three invited teams of Felda, MISC-MIFA and ATM.
The tournament will play in three locations, namely Miri Stadium, Recreation and Petroleum Club and PGA Battalion 12.
Managed by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) women’s football committee, the tournament hopes to identify players from the upcoming Tun Sharifah Rodziah championship to participate in the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur this year.