Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah women’s football team is hoping to reclaim the National Women’s League title this season.
They failed to defend their title last season after collecting only 31 points from 10 wins, one draw and three losses to finish seven points behind overall champions Kelana United, who managed 12 wins, one draw and one loss.
Team manager Muhd Arziz Afizy Rumsani said the team is ready and they have also recruited two foreign import players for the challenge.
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');});“We have made thorough preparation ahead of the new season including adding two quality foreign players in Win Theingi Tun from Myanmar and Sebin An from South Korea.
“We believe their presence will not only strengthen the team, but also give local players an opportunity to learn from them,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sabah Football Association (Safa) president Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya hoped the two players with their vast international experience will help to raise the team and make them even stronger this season to challenge for the title.
Sabah women are to play Kelana United on July 19 in the season opener at the Kuala Lumpur Stadium.
Meanwhile, Sabah FC’s Asean Charity Shield match against Thailand top club Buriram United at the Rainbow Stadium in Pattani on Sunday evening plays an important role in their preparation for the new Super League season.
Coach Alto Linus said the match will help the players to build on their chemistry and tactical aspect of the team.
“This invitation to play against one of the most successful teams in Southeast Asia serves as an important platform in our efforts to build compatibility and strengthen the players’ tactical understanding ahead of the upcoming Malaysia League season,” he said earlier on Sunday.
It is Sabah FC’s second friendly after the 4-0 victory over Kasuka FC from Brunei held a week earlier and Alto said there may be more matches for the players before the start of the season.
“Our main focus right now is to improve the physical fitness level of the players. We will need three or four more matches in order for us to evaluate the performance of each player before a decision is made on the starting lineup for the 2025/26 season,” he added.
He is also optimistic that the team will do well in the new season.
“Sabah FC finished strongly last season to finish in third place. It is certainly a big challenge for the team again and it won’t be an easy task to maintain the position.
“However, we remain positive and confident in the planning and commitment shown by the coaching team and the players,” he said.
Sabah FC’s opening match in the new season is against Melaka FC at Likas Stadium on August 10 before the away tie against Kuala Lumpur City FC at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras on August 13.
