Kota Kinabalu: The inaugural Rhinos Cup (Sportink) 2026 is expected to provide a stronger pathway for Sabah's young footballers to progress to higher levels while helping to strengthen the future of the sport in the State, said Political Secretary to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Mohammad Ghazali.
Ghazali said the tournament would serve not only as a competition but also as an important platform to identify and nurture talented young players from districts across Sabah.
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He said this when launching the Rhinos Cup (Sportink) 2026 in conjunction with the 2026 National Youth League at Hilton Garden Inn, Tuaran, on Sunday.
He said the tournament would also give district teams the opportunity to compete for a place to represent Sabah in the National Youth League 2026 at Akademi Mokhtar Dahari in Gambang, Pahang.
Ghazali said the competition would help the Sabah Football Association (Safa) build a stronger squad of local talents, adding that sound management and financial stability were equally important to ensure the long-term success of Sabah football.
He also welcomed the organisation of football, beach football and street football clinics for Under-12, Under-14 and Under-17 players, saying such programmes would help develop young talents from the grassroots and should be expanded throughout the State.
