By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 11: Petroleum Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) will organise its inaugural Youth Football Closed Tournament 2024 from Sept 14 to Nov 16, in conjunction with the multinational company’s 50th anniversary this year.
Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said participation in the tournament was by invitation only, involving 23 football academies and schools from Kuching, Samarahan, and Sri Aman.
A total of 56 teams will compete in four age categories; Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, and Under 16.
The games are scheduled only on weekends at several football fields in Kuching.
“Trophies and medals will be awarded to the top four winning teams in each age category.
“Special awards such as ‘Best Player’, ‘Best Goalkeeper’, and ‘Fair Play Team’ will also be presented to deserving individuals and teams,” he said at a press conference held at Baitulmakmur II building here today.
Abdul Karim is also expected to attend as the guest-of-honour (GOH) to the opening ceremony of PETRONAS Youth Football Closed Tournament 2024 taking place at Sarawak State Stadium here this Friday (Sept 13).
During the opening ceremony, a special segment will showcase the appearance of legendary players from the iconic Sarawak teams, ‘Ngap Sayot’ and ‘Bujang Senang,’ as they return to the field for an exhibition match against a team selected by the tournament organisers.
The tournament will conclude with the final matches followed by the closing ceremony on Nov 16, which will also take place at the Sarawak State Stadium.
In ensuring the success of the tournament, PETRONAS has forged a strategic partnership with the Kuching District Football Association (KDFA), Kuching City Football Association (KCFC), Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) under MYSED, as well as TVS.
“This event is a pilot tournament organised by PETRONAS with the support of the strategic partners, which represents its first step in a commitment to nurturing and showcasing young talents within a structured environment, and it sets a stage for future full-scale tournaments.
“It also acts as a catalyst to attract interest and participation from other corporate entities, thereby enhancing the event’s success and professionalism.
“Therefore, I would like to highlight MYSED’s recognition of PETRONAS and the strategic partners’ dedication to promoting youth development and enriching the sports landscape in Sarawak through strategic collaborations with the Ministry,” he added.
Also present were KDFA president and PETRONAS Youth Football Closed Tournament 2024 co-chairman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, MYSED permanent secretary Morshidi Frederick, PETRONAS Sarawak general manager and the Tournament’s co-chairperson Norazibah M Rabu, MYSED deputy permanent secretary Dolhadi Mazuki, SSC chief executive officer Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan and TVS chief media officer Mohamad Sardon Zainal. – DayakDaily
