Kota Kinabalu: The Tabs Under-18 team may feature a female player in their opening match of the Borneo Cup football tournament against Brunei’s Jerudong International School team at the UMS synthetic pitch on October 27.
Coach Rosly Jamal said Lula, who is the only female player named on the list, is capable of competing with the boys.
“She is very competitive and serious in our weekend training sessions and her talent earned her a place in the team.
“The encouragement of her teammates has also strengthened her confidence to compete among the male players and we are certain that she will be able to show her abilities in the tournament,” he said.
He added that the team would do their best to compete in the tournament, especially against challenges from foreign teams.
“Our players are all ready and eager for the start of the tournament. I hope they will be able to perform effectively and execute what they have learned from the coaches on the pitch.”
The Under-18 category introduced for the first time this year will feature six teams and the other four are NCR-Select (Philippines), Ateno (Philippines), DPM Sports School and RZFC (Malaysia).
Meanwhile, Tabs deputy chairman Lokman Sunggim had earlier said that they will also be taking part in Under-10, Under-11, Under-12, Under-13, Under-14, Under-15 and Under-16 categories.
