KOTA MARUDU: Some 53 football teams competed for the championship title at the TKFC Sabah Open U10 and U12 Football Tournament 2025 held in Kota Marudu, recently.
Participants from children’s football clubs, along with their coaches, guardians, and family members, gathered in the district to enliven the two-day tournament held on July 12-13, at the Kota Marudu Town Field.
In the U12 category, TKFC emerged as champions, taking home a cash prize of RM1,500 along with a challenge trophy. Talawa FC finished as runners-up, Jubilo FC came in third and KB FC placed fourth.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});In the U10 category, Miruru FC emerged as champions, taking home a cash prize of RM1,000 along with a challenge trophy. KB FC secured second place, followed by KB Warrior in third and ZT Kids in fourth.
The organising chairman, Fabian Mosutim, stated that the tournament was not merely about winning or losing but about creating meaningful experiences, fostering a fighting spirit, and instilling sportsmanship values from a young age.
Fabian said that the tournament not only showcases abilities but also serves as an initial step in grassroots football development, which is crucial for nurturing talents from a young age.
“Tournaments like these are also seen as opportunities to provide experience and inspire motivation among the participants,” he said during the closing and prize-giving ceremony of the tournament. Present was also TKFC President, Tiaw Kim Long.
Fabian congratulated all the teams that took part in the tournament, saying he was proud of their effort, discipline and strong team spirit.
He mentioned that there are still a few things that can be improved to make future tournaments, especially in this area, even better. He also hopes more people and groups will support youth football in the state.
Meanwhile, Dayang Setia, Datuk Rudin, 57, who’s the grandmother of one of the TKFC players, said their whole family has always supported her eldest grandchild’s interest in football from the start.
She expressed gratitude that her 11-year-old grandchild is actively involved in sports, engaging in meaningful and disciplined activities rather than being overly focused on digital devices.
Dayang Setia hopes that her grandchild will grow to become an excellent football player while also excelling academically in the future.
