By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, April 11: With Liga Bandaraya kicking off in Kuching this month and a busy season ahead, Hope FC player-manager Bryan Cheong is urging his players to give their all and play with pride for the badge on their shirts.
Cheong, who also plays as a centre-back for the club, emphasised that he wants his players to give their best in every match, with the ultimate goal of making history and winning the league.
“As their manager, I want my players to be fit and to approach both matches and training sessions with the right attitude.
“The only goal I have for my team is to believe in themselves and play hard for the badge on their shirts. I believe all the boys in the squad deserve their spot at this level,” he told DayakDaily when interviewed.
Cheong remains optimistic about his squad’s competitiveness, placing his trust in a core group of 16 players who have built strong chemistry over time to get the job done.
“They are diligent and hardworking athletes who have been together for two years since the formation of the football club.
“Despite being mostly part-timers, these local lads must continue to nurture their camaraderie and sense of brotherhood while representing the club. That’s the mindset you need if you want to achieve more as a team throughout the season,” he said.
Cheong believes his team could be the dark horse of the season, capable of pulling off a few surprises along the way.
“Every team manager in this local league would say the same—our goal is to win trophies. We’re throwing everything we’ve got into every game, except the ‘white towel’.
“There will be many ‘hard tackles’ in the game, but I hope there are no injuries among key players which could hinder our game plans. That would be a nightmare for any manager.
“We want to have a comprehensive plan for the club, and we must improve each team member and realise each other’s potential.
“The ultimate goal for this season is for the club to win the league, especially after finishing sixth last season (2023-2024). It’s still early to say, but we’re staying optimistic—it’s part of the game plan.
“As a player-manager, my approach is to take it one game at a time and build from there,” he said.
Cheong revealed that Hope FC remains unfazed by this season’s top contenders, such as Rayumie, Holdfast, and SYG football clubs, despite fielding players with experience in Sarawak’s top football leagues.
Commenting on the league as a whole, Cheong expressed that Liga Bandaraya competitions at this level in Sarawak would help attract more attention to the sport within the State.
He added that participating in Liga Bandaraya could provide a platform for local Sarawakian talents to develop their skills and gain experience, potentially leading to opportunities in professional leagues when being scouted.
“Since its inception, the club had an experienced player named Daniel Leong, fondly known as Uncle Ah Fai, who had helped us during the initial set-up of the club. Ah Fai’s experience and far-sightedness in the game are vital for us to compete in the league. It’s good for our club football.
“Many people in the State do not know this, but this league can act as a pathway for clubs to grow and develop.
“Fingers crossed—we hope there are no last-minute injuries to players. I know that Hope FC is ready for the long season that ends in August,” he said. — DayakDaily
