KENINGAU: Inter United FC Akademi Keningau delivered an impressive performance after recording encouraging results in friendly matches against TBKK FC held at the Keningau Sports Complex.
The matches, which took place from 6pm to 10.30pm, involved three age categories — Under-14 (U14), Under-13 (U13), and Under-16 (U16) — serving as an important preparation platform for both teams.
TBKK FC, based in Kota Kinabalu, came as one of Sabah’s well-known football academies as part of their pre-season preparations ahead of major tournaments.
In the first match for the U14 category, Inter United FC, coached by Claudius Jaunti, defeated TBKK FC 2-1. The goals for Inter United FC were scored by Fauzi Fredoline and Dovin Asui.
For the U13 category, the team led by Nazrul impressed with a 3-1 victory, giving the home side a morale boost.
The momentum continued in the U16 match, where the team under Jalumin’s guidance defeated TBKK FC 4-2.
Overall, Inter United FC Akademi Keningau showed commendable performance despite being only four years since its establishment, with rapid development in grassroots football clearly reflected in the improved quality of its young players.
The academy is also actively developing talent as young as seven years old, with training conducted by Fred, while other categories are led by experienced coaches including Rickson, Dr Epet, Edgar, Mars and Andy.
Club President Moddy Patrick described such matches as an important platform for enhancing experience and exposure for young players.
Friendly matches like this are hoped to continue in the future to strengthen ties between teams and provide valuable playing minutes for players, in efforts to develop grassroots football in Sabah.
