By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 13: Hornetz SK Tabuan Hilir triumphed in the Under-10 category of the PETRONAS Youth Football Closed Tournament (PYFCT) 2025 after a spirited performance that carried them all the way to the finals, where they emerged as champions.
The team displayed strong teamwork and determination throughout the tournament. Goals by Afiq Asyraff Shamsul and Aqeel Zafran Moha Safarihullah secured their victory and earned them the champion’s trophy along with a RM500 cash prize.
Speaking after the win, team representative and coach Mohamad Taha Eber said the team’s original aim was simply to qualify for the semi-finals, a goal they failed to reach the previous year after finishing in fourth place.
“This year, Alhamdulillah, we managed to reach the semi-finals, then progressed step by step to the final and finally became champions.
“We don’t really have any big secrets. It’s just that training must be continuous. Even during the off-season, the players must keep training so they become familiar with playing regularly on the field. When that becomes a habit, it becomes easier for them to apply what they’ve learned,” he told reporters when met after the prize-giving ceremony held at Sarawak Stadium here today.
First runner-up honours went to Cascara Junior, who also walked away with a trophy and RM300.
Meanwhile, SSC Pusat Pembangunan secured third place after defeating All Ways 1-0, thanks to an early goal by Muhd Aiman Abdul Razak in the 12th minute of the match. The team received a trophy and RM200 in prize money.
Cascara Junior also stood out in several other categories. The team was recognised as the Fair Play Team, while their player Nur Azlizan Syah Hamli was named Top Scorer of the tournament. Their goalkeeper, Awang Shahfil Qayyum Awang Wendy, was awarded Best Goalkeeper.
Hornetz SK Tabuan Hilir’s Aqeel Zafran Moha Safarihullah, who scored one of the winning goals, was named Best Player of the tournament. Speaking modestly after the match, Aqeel said he was grateful for the experience and thrilled to become a champion.
“I am very happy I won and reached the final stage to become a champion,” he said.
The awards were presented by Sarawak Education Department director, Omar Mahli, who also officiated the closing ceremony.
The PETRONAS Youth Football Closed Tournament continues to serve as a vital platform for nurturing young football talent in Sarawak, giving students and schools the opportunity to compete and grow through the spirit of the game. — DayakDaily
