Kota Kinabalu: Four State amputee footballers will be representing Malaysia in the Amputee World Cup East Asia Zone qualifiers to be held at GBK Madya Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia from Nov 8-15.
Fatnee Sardun, Muhd Shahniezam Hamsa, Louis Simun and Ridwan Yah are currently undergoing training at the EV Arena in Shah Alam since Oct 31 before their departure this Friday (Nov 7).
The other countries vying for the tickets to qualify for the World Cup in 2026 are Japan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Iraq, Indonesia, Syria, Yemen and Bangladesh.
Sabah Amputee Football Association (Peboks) president Mohd Asyraaf Fong Abdullah was proud of their call-up and hoped they would grab the opportunity to learn from the experience.
“I am really proud of them and hope they can contribute to the national team.
“This is also the best opportunity for them to gain experience and exposure in a competitive Asian tournament, especially against top teams like Japan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Indonesia, who had featured in the 2022 World Cup, while Uzbekistan is the current Asian Cup winner,” he said.
He also revealed that the State body has decided to send coach Usaman Baalon, ex-goalkeeper for Cebagoo FC, DYS FC and KDMM FC in the FAM League, to attend the tournament as an observer.
“His trip funded by us is to help him to learn and gain exposure in a top Asian tournament, and it is part of our effort to further develop the sport in the State,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sabah Amputee Football team manager Muhammad Faizul Taha urged the four players to display sportsmanship throughout the tournament and he also advised them to maintain self-discipline including in their nutrition and rest, which is crucial, he said.
