KUCHING: Sarawak Malaysia Games (Sukma) chef de mission Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu is optimistic about the men’s football squad’s potential to deliver strong performances in this year’s Games.
They aim to place themselves among the top eight teams, reaching the quarter-finals despite facing formidable opponents in the group stage.
“Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) has set a target for the men’s football team to qualify for the quarter-finals.
“If we fail to achieve this, it raises questions about our plans for advancing further,” he said at the Juh Randau programme at the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) office today (June 26).
Rentap, who is also the Sarawak Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, also encouraged the coaches to continue enhancing the team’s performance and credibility.
The football matches will take place in three separate locations: Sibu, Mukah and Bintulu.
The opening match is scheduled for Aug 12, and the Sarawak team will compete in Mukah.
He appealed for strong local support from the Mukah community and beyond, stating: “We hope that the Mukah community will support the football team.”
The draw for the men’s football competition took place last Saturday.
Hosts Sarawak are in Group D alongside Federal Territory, Pahang and Perak.
Selangor are in Group A with Negeri Sembilan and Kelantan.
Meanwhile, last year’s champions Terengganu are in Group B with Johor and Sabah.
Pulau Pinang, Melaka, and Kedah are in Group C.
Team manager Khairuddin Qalam Daud acknowledged the challenge of assessing the strength of their group opponents but stressed that all teams have an equal chance to advance past the group stage.
“As hosts, we have the advantage of playing in front of our own supporters. Therefore, we will try to take advantage of every opportunity in each match,” Khairuddin added.
