KUCHING: Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has suggested that more football development centres be set up throughout Sarawak.
He hoped that the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) and Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) could work together to set up more centres in Miri, Sibu, Kapit, Samarahan and Kuching, among others.
“If this can be done, we can produce more exceptional football players. This is my hope,” he said during a press conference after officiating at the 2021 Caring Youth Programme at Ruang Galeri, Baitul Makmur 2 Complex, here on Tuesday (Feb 9).
He said the ministry had been in touch with FAS president Datuk Posa Majais and SSC, and hoped for more attention to be given to the sport.
“Not just on football leagues, but also on player development. We can only produce great players through development programmes at district level, then on to divisional and state levels.
“You cannot expect miracles to happen. It has to be built from the ground up.”
Meanwhile, he also expressed his hopes of seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for Sarawak football, which has been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We have (Premier League sides) Kuching City Football Club and Sarawak United Football Club. I hope both of these teams can lift up the name of Sarawak and improve the quality of football in the state.”
