Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC’s head coach Jean-Paul de Marigny dropped a bombshell on Thursday by announcing his quitting message in a video recording on the Sabah FC social media page late in the afternoon.
The 61-year-old Australian, who joined the club at the start of the new season in August, cited family reasons for his sudden departure.
Advertisement
“I just want to conclude with a heavy heart that I have to depart the club and the simple reason is because my family calls me back,” he said towards the end of the recording.
He said it has been a good journey and one of his biggest achievements in football to bring the team to the Malaysia FA Cup final.
“It is a memory that I will never forget. I am so proud of the players and everyone involved at Sabah FC.
“It was unfortunate that we couldn’t win the game but I think the occasion itself had created history for Sabah FC and it was a huge achievement.
“I will be departing the club but not leaving the club. It is part of my life. It was short but I have made a lot of friends here and I’ll continue to be in contact with them for the rest of my life,” he added.
He also believed Sabah FC can become a very strong team with the backing of the faithful supporters and corporate partners.
De Marigny’s first game in charge of Sabah FC was the Super League season opener 1-1 draw against Kuala Lumpur FC at the Kuala Lumpur Stadium in Cheras on August 13.
His record with Sabah FC stands at five wins, seven draws and five losses across 17 matches.
