Kota Kinabalu: The official launching of Sabah Football Association (Safa) Bung Moktar Radin Academy is set to be held in Kinabatangan on January 28.
Safa president Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin will officiate the event to be held jointly with the ground breaking ceremony for the district’s football body’s site.
Safa assistant secretary general Azman Mastar said the site will involve the development of football infrastructure and a football field to be utilised by the academy.
“The setting up of the academy is one of the visions from our President Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin in advancing the development of Sabah football more professionally.
“The academy will accommodate players under the age groups of 12, 14 and 16.
“They will first be screened by a panel of coaches before being absorbed into the academy according to their talent and potential.
“More such academies will soon be set up in other districts as well.
“We believe this will help us to produce more quality players not only for the State but also the country inline with the FAM’s F:30 programme which aims to return Harimau Malaya to be among the five best footballing countries in Asia by the year 2030,” he said after chairing a meeting to plan for the launch at Safa office here on Thursday.