By Amanda L
KUCHING, Jan 4: KV Miri Landas Youth Team emerged champions of the PETRONAS Youth Football Championship League 2025 (PYFCL 2025) PSK16 category after defeating My Team X SMKAI 2–0 in a closely contested final at the Sarawak Stadium here on Saturday (Jan 3).
The winning goals came in the 25th and 60th minutes, sealing KV Miri Landas Youth Team’s victory. Third place was jointly shared by Kelab Pembangunan Bola Sepak SMK Sri Matang and Sarikei FA.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, who officiated the closing and prize-giving ceremony, said the championship was not merely about winning or losing, but about holistic youth development through sports.
“Behind every successful athlete, there is continuous support from parents. The presence and encouragement shown clearly reflect their strong commitment to their children’s development in sports,” he said in his speech after the match.
He added that football should not be seen as involving only the players on the pitch, but also coaches, referees, medical teams, stadium staff and organisers, all of whom form part of the broader sports development ecosystem.
Abdullah stressed that values instilled through football, such as discipline, teamwork, emotional control and respect for instructions, should be carried into daily life to shape resilient and balanced individuals.
He also expressed hope that similar tournaments would continue and be strengthened, including through better sports facilities, especially in rural and interior areas of Sarawak.
In the PSK14 category, Cascara Junior claimed the championship title, with Sekolah Sukan Negeri Sarawak (SSN) finishing as runner-up, while Mukah FA and Al Mateem Football Academy shared third place.
Individual awards were also presented. For PSK16, NFDD Sarawak won the Fair Play award, Mohd Aidil Ikhwan Mohamad was named top scorer with five goals, Bryan Nistelroy Joshua of KV Miri Landas Youth Team was adjudged Best Goalkeeper, while Abdul Rafiq Rezwan Abdul Rahman, also from KV Miri Landas Youth Team, took home the Best Player award.
For PSK14, the Fair Play award went to Kuching City Football Club Academy, with Zainul Ariffin Mohd Zainuddin emerging as top scorer with nine goals, Aiman Ihtisyam Abrisam of Cascara Junior named Best Goalkeeper, and Vanderan Belikau of SSN Sarawak winning the Best Player award. — DayakDaily
