SANDAKAN: The government continues to engage with young people through various programmes that help showcase their talents and skills, enabling them to reach their full potential.
The Chief Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Datuk Azrul Ibrahim, said that one such area of focus is football development.
“At the same time, we also appreciate the efforts of the various football academies throughout the state that are jointly contributing to improving players’ excellence.
“These efforts indirectly help talented players advance further in their football careers,” he said when met by the media after officiating the Musketeers Kaamatan Cup 2026, organised by the Musketeers Football Academy at the Sandakan Sports Complex on Sunday.
The tournament brought together 510 players in the Under-8, Under-12, Under-14, and Under-16 categories, representing 40 teams and 15 football academies from Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, and Kunak.
Earlier, in his speech at the event, Azrul stressed that discipline is a key factor in producing footballers of international calibre.
“We are celebrating children who have the potential to become great players in the future, just as we once had outstanding local veteran players,” he said.
“However, if they want to go further, including playing abroad, discipline must be strong. Without discipline, it is difficult to become a successful player,” he added.
He also praised the support given by parents in developing their children’s talents and expressed his willingness to assist development programmes carried out by the Musketeers Academy.
Speaking at the same event, academy president Hardy Pudar expressed his appreciation to Azrul and everyone involved for their commitment to football development in the district and at the grassroots level.
Regarding the academy, he explained that it focuses not only on football development but also emphasises education, skills, career development, family values, and community service.
In the same development, Hardy hoped that the State government would consider providing a van to facilitate transportation for participants to various programmes, while also helping generate income through rental services and supporting economic activities.
He said that although the academy’s programmes are still relatively new, various initiatives have been planned to produce players who are visionary, disciplined, and capable of competing at higher levels.
“I am confident that Sabah’s children possess tremendous talent. We have produced many outstanding players in the past, and I believe more talented players will emerge in the future,” he said.
He also informed that the youth football tour series will continue in Papar and Sandakan before culminating in Kota Kinabalu on July 20.
In another development, he reminded young people to stay away from negative activities such as online gambling while the World Cup is taking place.
“Make good use of your time by engaging in healthy activities,” he said.
Responding to a political question regarding UPKO’s entry as a new component party of GRS, he expressed confidence that it would strengthen the coalition and contribute positively to the development of the people.
Meanwhile, Musketeers head coach Arifin Tumin said that organising the tournament was aimed, among other things, at encouraging more children and parents to become involved in football.
The academy is also planning to send its Under-9 team, consisting of 12 players, to Brunei Darussalam this coming December to participate in a friendly tournament and provide young players with international exposure.
