Murum FC players together with Sarawak Energy’s CSR representatives; sustainability manager Mohamad Irwan Aman (sixth left), senior community relations executive Augustine Supen Taja (fifth left), and community relations officers Alis Ekan (right) and Florida Havit (left).
KUCHING: Murum FC clinched second place in the ‘Bintulu Division Rural Football Championship’ in Bintulu recently.
The team, made up of 16 Penan youths from the Murum Resettlement Area, finished behind champions Kickalop as Samalaju FC were third.
A total of eight teams from Bintulu, Murum, Samalaju and Sebauh, were vying for the YB Dato’ Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom Cup.
The other teams were Akademi Kemena, SMK Bintulu, Sibuti Bavarian, Lakin FC and Belia Bersatu Tatau.
Murum FC’s player Ritchie Siang was named ‘Best Player’ of the tournament. This was the team’s first official away game.
The tournament, supported by Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) in collaboration with Bintulu Football Association (Bifa) and LEA Sports Centre, aims to develop the interest for the sport among the youths as well as to uncover new talents.
On hand to present the trophy and medals was Utilities Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Samalaju assemblyman Majang Renggie and Bifa president Duke Janteng.
Commenting on Murum FC’s performance, SEB Corporate Social Responsibility assistant general manager Jiwari Abdullah said: “We are very pleased with the spirit and sportsmanship displayed by the youths in Murum FC and their performance in the game was very encouraging, showing great potential.
“Creating opportunities for success and growth for our project affected communities is one of our main focuses under our CSR initiatives and we hope to continue to develop the skills and talents of the youths in Murum and build value for them,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, 10 players from Murum FC have been selected to participate in the Sarawak Cup in Mukah this month.
The Bintulu Division Rural Football Championship was the culmination to a football workshop which began in May.
The workshop was conducted by Bifa, with aim to promote football among youths in rural areas.
The first phase of selection from the workshop was held on May 11-13 where 22 teams from Murum, Bakun and Sungai Asap competed at Long Wat, Murum and SMK Bakun, Sg Asap.