Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC are likely to feature more local players in the 2025/2026 season, according to Sabah Football Association (Safa) president Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
“As Safa president, my hope is to see the team can maintain their competitiveness in the new season and at the same time we are hoping to see more new faces or local players from Sabah to be in the starting line-up,” he said after the strategic partnership agreement signing ceremony between Sabah FC and redONE Mobile Network here on Friday.
Shahelmey, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister III, also revealed that the status of players including all the imports in the team for the new season has yet to be finalised but the coaching line-up led by head coach Martin Stano will remain the same.
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');});Earlier in his speech at the ceremony, he thanked redONE for their cooperation and reckoned the collaboration marks a strategic and innovative step in their efforts to take the team to a higher level, not only in terms of sports performance, but also in terms of community development and digital marketing.
“The main goal of this collaboration is to strengthen the digital presence of Sabah FC through the use of advanced and innovative communication technology, as well as providing a closer and more interactive platform to our loyal supporters.
“With this support, we hope to introduce various initiatives including mobile applications, live streaming platforms, and interactive programmes involving football supporters and communities in Sabah and across the country.
“This will also open up opportunities for young local players to get better exposure and training through talent development programmes and we believe it will help to produce more talented players,” he said.
Meanwhile, redONE Mobile chief executive officer Ameen Amaendran said the collaboration reflects a shared goal of supporting local sports while creating greater value for fans through mutual branding and engagement efforts.
In addition, the company will be introducing an exclusive unlimited postpaid plan specially designed for the football fans in Malaysia and is the first of its kind in Malaysia to offer two limited edition 2025 Sabah FC home and away jerseys for free.
“Sabah FC has always represented the fighting spirit and pride of the people of Sabah. We’re proud to continue this journey alongside the team, supporting them both on and off the field, while strengthening our commitment to the local community through better mobile connectivity and accessible services.
“We believe in partnerships that create real value not just for our brand or the sport, but also to the wider community as a whole. With initiatives like our exclusive Postpaid FC50, we’re proud to offer the people of Sabah especially fans of Sabah FC, more than just a mobile plan. We’re offering them a meaningful way to stay connected while showing unwavering support for their favourite team,” he said.
