Alijus elected Sabah FA President
Published on: Sunday, August 26, 2018
Kota Kinabalu: Alijus Sipil is the new President of Sabah Football Association (Safa) following his straight fight with Datuk Yusoff Kasim at the congress held at Likas Square Apartment, Saturday.The former secretary general received support from 39 of the 52 delegates compared to 13 for Yusoff, who was the Vice President before resigning to take up the challenge.There was no surprise for newcomer Hamid Apdal as he won the most votes of the day with 48 to take one of the Deputy President posts with Dato' Rahman Zakaria taking the other with 27 votes.
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The two vacant Vice President posts went to Datuk Juil Nuatim, who also had it easy with 39 votes and Mohd Ismail Hj Ayub with 21 votes while Jackson Taguah received 20 votes and Fadli Juanas (16 votes) to make it to the executive committee.Former international Datuk James Wong and Matlan Matlan were also in the race for the Deputy and Vice President posts respectively. However, both missed the cut by finishing in third place.Alijus, who was late for the congress as he flew in from Tawau, when met after the official results was announced, said he was overwhelmed by the support given to him and promised to carry out his duties as best as he could."We are of course very happy with the result, but this is also a very heavy responsibility and I hope all those elected today, as well as those who remained will work as a team to ensure football in the State continue to progress.
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"I also want to emphasize here, if I cannot perform my duties well, I'm willing to step down. We do not have to wait for four years, but what is important now is to look ahead and ensure Safa and Sabah football can go forward," he said.
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Earlier, the congress was officiated by Sabah Youth and Sports Minister Frankie Poon Ming Fung, representing Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal.In his speech, Shafie urged the association to be organised and professional in order for them to bring back the glory years.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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"We must put our home in order before we can excel on what we do, and I hope Safa will strive to improve their overall management skills," he said.He also assured that the Youth and Sports Ministry will give their support to all development programmes involving youths nd at the same time, the association should always try their best to increase their talent pool. - GL Oh