KOTA KINABALU: Four players from the Sabah Amputee Football Team have been selected to represent Malaysia in the East Asia Zone World Cup Qualifiers to be held in Jakarta from Nov 8-15.
The players are Fatnee Sardun, Muhd Shahniezam Hamsa, Louis Simun, and Ridwan Yah, who are currently undergoing centralised training at EV Arena in Shah Alam from Oct 31-Nov 6.
The qualifying matches will take place at Madya Stadium, Gelora Bung Karno, and nearby fields, with Malaysia set to depart for Jakarta on Nov 7.
The tournament will feature teams from Japan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Iraq, Malaysia, Indonesia, Syria, Yemen, and Bangladesh, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Sabah Amputee Football Association (Peboks) president Mohd Asyraaf Abdullah said he is proud that four Sabah players will don the national colours, describing it as a valuable opportunity for experience and exposure at the Asian level.
Team manager Muhammad Faizul Taha echoed the sentiment, praising the players’ commitment and reminding them to maintain discipline, nutrition, and rest during the competition.
Peboks has also sponsored one observer, coach Usaman Baalon — a former goalkeeper for Cebagoo FC, DYS FC and KDMM FC — to gain international exposure and insight into high-level amputee football.
