Tuaran: The inaugural Rhinos Cup (Sportink) 2026 is expected to provide a major platform for identifying and developing Sabah’s young football talent, while strengthening the long-term future of the State’s football development.
Political Secretary to the Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Datuk Mohammad Ghazali, said the tournament is more than just a competition. It serves as an important platform to identify, nurture and showcase promising young players from districts across Sabah.
He said this while officiating the launch of the Rhinos Cup (Sportink) 2026, held in conjunction with the 2026 National Youth League at the Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, on Sunday.
Ghazali said the tournament, which is being held in Sabah for the first time, will provide district teams with an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, compete for the championship and earn the chance to represent Sabah at the 2026 National Youth League at the Mokhtar Dahari Academy in Gambang, Pahang.
He said the competition also offers the Sabah Football Association (Safa) an excellent opportunity to build a strong squad comprising local talent capable of competing with teams from other states.
“The Rhinos Cup is an excellent platform for identifying young talent and preparing a stronger team to meet future challenges,” he said.
Ghazali stressed that the success of Sabah football depends not only on players’ performances on the pitch but also on sound management and strong financial governance.
He expressed confidence that with effective administration and proper planning, Safa would be able to elevate Sabah football and make the State team more competitive and respected in the years ahead.
He also welcomed the various grassroots development programmes organised alongside the tournament, including football clinics, beach football clinics and street football activities involving Under-12, Under-14 and Under-17 players.
He said such initiatives provide young players with valuable experience, exposure and coaching while helping identify promising talent from the grassroots level.
He hoped that similar development programmes would continue and be expanded throughout Sabah, giving more young local footballers the opportunity to develop their skills and realise their potential.
The event, organised by Safa’s Technical and Youth Development Committee, was also attended by Safa Fourth Vice-President and Chairman of the Technical and Youth Development Committee Rafie Robert, Safa Secretary-General, members of the association’s Executive Council, and representatives from district football associations.
