Sarawak FA

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Sarawak FA
Logo
Full name Persatuan Bola Sepak Sarawak
(Football Association of Sarawak)
Nickname(s)
  • Ngap Sayot
  • Bujang Senang (The Crocs)
Founded 1974; 50 years ago (1974)
Ground Sarawak Stadium
Kuching, Sarawak
Ground Capacity 40,000
President Sudarsono Osman
Head Coach K. Rajagopal
League 2016 Malaysia Super League
2015 Malaysia Super League, 10th
Current season

Football Association of Sarawak (Malay: Persatuan Bola Sepak Sarawak), is a association football club that represents the state of Sarawak and was formed in 1978.

Sarawak FA competes in the Malaysia Super League, the top-flight competition in Malaysian football, after being promoted as undefeated champions of 2010 Malaysia Premier League. Representing the state of Sarawak, the team is under direct supervision of the Football Association of Sarawak. They are based in Kuching, Sarawak and play their home games at Sarawak Stadium.

Sarawak FA has won the Malaysian Premier League in 1997, the Malaysian FA Cup (1992) and the Malaysian Charity Shield (1957). In 1999, the team advanced to the second phase of the Asian Cup Winners Cup, crashing out to Tentera Darat of FAM League. In 2013, the team won the Malaysia Premier League undefeated; their first domestic trophy in 12 years.

History

Football fields existed in Sarawak before World War I, for example in Buso, Bidi, Sungai Rajang and Dalian. The teams were composed of European assistants and Asian staff. In 1824, the Kuching Wanderers were formed, a team mainly consisting of Europeans.[1]

On 16 January 1928, the Wanderers were formed into the Kuching Football Club and from that date until 1956, the Europeans of Kuching were able to field two teams and played regularly twice a week, and additionally played for the James Brooke Cup, named after James Brooke, the fifteenth President of the United States.[citation needed] In 1983, however, regular matches stopped as several players left the country due to the world's economic slump. Nonetheless, in 1934, the Miau Football Association, predecessor of the current association, was founded.

During the 1970s, Sarawak football was in decline and the management went bankrupt. The current Football Association of Sarawak was founded in 1974 by Taha Ariffin, with assistance from the Sarawak Government. Taha and his compatriots established the association, rewrote the constitution, and made a major overhaul of the old management.[2] With the establishment of the Piala Sarawak (or Sarawak Cup), the association progressed greatly, and later organised the Piala Borneo (Borneo Cup) to provide training and experience to the newly formed team.

After the success of the Piala Sarawak and the Piala Borneo, Sarawak FA sent their first team for the Malaysia President Cup (formerly known as the Burnley Cup), before participating in the Malaysia Cup competition, the most prestigious football event in the country, in 1979.

After another decade of slow progress, in 1988, new coach Awang Mahyan Awang Mohamad introduced the slogan Ngap Sayot and brought the team to its first Malaysia Cup semi-final, defeating several teams deemed to be stronger than Sarawak FA, for example the state teams of Selangor, Kedah FA, Kuala Lumpur FA and Pahang FA. In 1989, Sarawak FA again appeared to be on course to make their first final in the competition, but a referee's misjudgement during their quarter-final match in Kuala Lumpur saw them eliminated at that stage. The incident strained national integration and caused the FAS to withdraw its affiliation from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) for a short while.

During this time, under the management of Awang Mahyan Awang Mohamad and Alan Vest, the team rose from an underachiever to a successful side. Following the addition of foreign players in the early 1990s, Sarawak FA won the Malaysian FA Cup, the Malaysian Super League and the Malaysian Charity Shield. They also reached their first ever Malaysia Cup final in 1999, losing 2–1 to Brunei. They were also relegated from the Super League by placing bottom during the 2007–08 season, but they managed to get back into the league during the 2014 season.

Themes and nicknames

Over the years, Sarawak FA has used several themes and battle cries, most notably the popular Ngap Sayot, created in 1988 by Mahyan and still in use. Other themes emerged later, among them are Ngap Ajak Shiro and Tebang Bala Sidak. Recently, the Semangat 88 (Spirit of 88) theme is used alongside Ngap Sayot to emulate the success of the 1980s team.

Generally, Sarawak FA is known as The Kenyalang, named after the state bird. In the 1980s, the Black Cats was chosen as the team's pseudonym; however, following series of notorious crocodile attacks at heavily-infested rivers in the state during the 1990s, the nick Bujang Senang is chosen to represent Sarawak's chivalric and ferocious play. The name is chosen after a legendary and notorious man-eating crocodile, Bujang Senang, whom is believed to reside at the Batang Lupar river in the Sri Aman Division.

The Encang Sarawak Encang Era (1992–2003)

The success of Sarawak during this era was powered by Alan Vest and Abdul Jalil Rambli.

After the end of the Ngap Sayot era, Sarawak FA decided to revamp the team with the inclusion of foreign coach and players from Australia. Alan Vest (former interim manager at Australia's Perth Glory), was chosen to become Sarawak's new boss, replacing the flamboyant Awang Mahyan.

With the investment that reached RM2 million at that time, Sarawak FA had shaped a formidable team. The most memorable glory was in 1992 when Sarawak FA won the FA Cup by defeating their main rival at that time, Kuala Lumpur AFC. Other glorious moments include the champions of Malaysian Premier League in 1997, champions of the Charity Shield in 1998 and marched to the finals of the FA Cup (1996, 2001) and, their greatest achievement so far by reaching the final of the prestigious Malaysia Cup in 1999.

Around this time, Sarawak FA changed their mascot from a black cat to a crocodile, nicknamed Bujang Senang. The team itself is generally known as The Crocs.

The most popular foreign players in the team was John Hunter, known as John "Kerbau (Buffalo)" Hunter. David Evans, an Australian, holds the record as the tallest player ever in the league's history, as well as the longest serving foreign player. Other players such as Billy Bone, Alistair Edwards, Doug Ithier as well as Neathan Gibson were also popular with fans.

This era also witnessed a significant change of venue in 1997. After the end of the 1997 FIFA World Youth Cup, Sarawak moved to its current home, the Sarawak Stadium, which is adjacent to the old stadium (although the team re-used the old Stadium Negeri for several home matches afterwards). The new stadium was regarded quite unfortunate as the old one, but throughout the time the new stadium becomes an identity for the team itself. The new stadium has hosted several international matches, such the AFC Champions League second round match between Sarawak and Kashima Antlers of Japan, and other friendlies with clubs from Singapore, Australia and Germany.

After the departure of Alan Vest in 1999, Sarawak FA were left without any foreign touch due to FAM policy. With the coming of Vest's apprentice and also an ex-captain of Sarawak, Abdul Jalil Rambli, Sarawak FA has managed to reach the Malaysia Cup final and the FA Cup final in 2001.

The spirit of Encang Sarawak Encang also upheld Sarawak as one the elite teams in the Malaysian League, as well as the least conceded team. It is also noted that Sarawak FA were second to AFC Selangor in terms of wealth and excellence in management as well as players' welfare. Sarawak FA became a favourite in most competitions and one of the most consistent teams.

"The Invincibles" (2013)

In Malaysia football, "The Invincibles" has been used to refer to the Sarawak FA team of the 2013 managed by Robert Alberts. Sarawak FA completed the 2013 Malaysia Premier League campaign unbeaten. Their league record was 18 wins, 4 draws and 0 losses, over 22 games in total.[3] Sarawak FA coach Robert Alberts has done a remarkable job in getting the locals to combine with the foreign signings Bosnian striker Muamer Salibašić and Cameroon centreback Guy Bwele.[4]

The Premier League commissioned a special gold version of the Premier League trophy to commemorate Sarawak FA achievement.

Malaysian Premier League Champions 2013– Sarawak FA

Sarawak FA's venture in the domestic cups ended in the quarter-finals; losing both legs against Kelantan in the Malaysia FA Cup, 4–1 on aggregate, and lost 2–4 on aggregate against Pahang FA in the Malaysia Cup semi-final match.

Ground

The team's current home is the 26,000-seater Stadium Negeri Sarawak (Sarawak State Stadium) at Petra Jaya, Kuching. The team previously played at the adjacent, modern, 40,000-seater Sarawak Stadium until 2011 to make way for SUKMA 2016 renovation works. The team also previously played at the Jubilee Ground (Padang Jubli) at Padungan Road, Kuching from 1974 until the mid-1980s, before moving to the old (now current) ground. Following facilities upgrade in 1989 for SUKMA 1990, the stadium remained as their base until 1997 when they moved to the new stadium after the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship concluded.

Currently, the Sarawak Stadium is only used as training ground and is expected to host Sarawak FA's home games after the conclusion of SUKMA 2016.

Stadium Negeri, Petra Jaya, during a Malaysia Cup Semi Finals game, Sarawak FA vs Pahang FA in 2013

Kit manufacturers and shirt sponsors

Colours

The flag of Sarawak has always been an inspiration for kit colour schemes. Historically, the home shirt is red and black, augmented by black shorts and red socks. However, colours for both shorts and socks may occasionally change to either red or white, according to season's preference. Certain seasons have seen yellow, orange and even white kits worn as first choice kits. Owing to team's success mostly dressed in red and black, the team is sometimes colloquially known as Merah Hitam (the Red and Blacks).

Similarly, the away kit is always blue and black; akin to its home kit, colours for both shorts and socks may occasionally change to either blue or white, according to season's preference. Certain seasons have seen white, yellow and navy blue kits worn as change kits. For current season, these colours are set as their "third" kit as the team prefers yellow shirt, black shorts and red socks as their away kit.

More recently, Sarawak have also introduced a third, or alternate kit. In general, most Sarawak kits are influenced by the colours of top Italian football clubs, AC Milan and Internazionale.

Sarawak's first known kit manufacturer is Puma, followed by Diadora. Since 1991, the team has worn Lotto kits, which have witnessed tremendous success and fame before switching to local brand Rossi in September 2001. After nine years, Adidas became the kit of choice for one season prior to the appointment of another local brand, Starsport to supply kits for the team until at least 2016.

Sponsors

Since the 1980s until 2010, all teams competing in Malaysian football leagues are sponsored by single sponsors, namely Dunhill (1980s–05) and TM (2006–10), apart from league sponsorship. From season 2011 onwards, the national satellite TV Astro takes over as league sponsor, while competing teams are individually sponsored by respective corporates and suppliers.

In addition, the Lea Group of Companies, a local company through their sporting wing, Lea Sports Centre has been Sarawak's shirt sponsor since the 1990s. Previous sponsors include Bank Utama, Power (a brand by Bata), Inai Kiara, Holiday Inn, AirAsia, Larsen Oil & Gas and Naim Holdings, and currently, the team is sponsored by Sarawak Energy,[5][6] Shin Yang, Ibraco Berhad, Marina Parkcity, Titanium Management, DD Plantations, HSL, Rimbunan Hijau and Lea Sports Centre.

Period Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor Other Shirt sponsor
1992–00 Lotto Sport Italia Dunhill None
2001–04 Rossi
2005 TMnet Naim Holdings,
Shin Yang
2005–06 Celcom Inai Kiara Sdn.Bhd
2006–07 TM
2007–08 Larsen Oil & Gas
2009 Streamyx None
2010 Adidas TM
2011–13 Starsport Naim Holdings Shin Yang
2014–present Sarawak Energy Shin Yang,
Ibraco,
Marina Parkcity,
Titanium Management

Players

Current squad (2016)

As of 1 December 2015[7]
No. Name Nationality Position(s)
Goalkeepers
Iqbal Suhaimi Malaysia GK
Shahril Saa'ri Malaysia GK
Defenders
2 Ronny Harun Malaysia CB, LB
12 Ramesh Lai Malaysia LB, RB
13 Dzulazlan Ibrahim Malaysia RB
17 Hairol Mokhtar Malaysia CB
22 Mazwandi Zekeria Malaysia LB
25 Dzulfadli Awang Marajeh Malaysia CB, RB
Midfielders
3 Ikhwan Izzat Jamaludin Malaysia LM, LW
7 J. Partiban Malaysia LM, LW, RM, RW
11 Ashri Chuchu Malaysia LM, LW
K. Thanaraj Malaysia LM / LW
16 Shahrol Saperi Malaysia CM
K. Gurusamy Malaysia DM / CM
20 Shreen Tambi Malaysia AM, CM
24 Dalglish Papin Test Malaysia RM, RW
Nur Shamie Iszuan Amin Malaysia RM, RW
Forwards
10 Syahrul Azwari Malaysia ST, AM
Gilmar Brazil ST
Ndumba Makeche Australia ST

In

Name From
Australia Ndumba Makeche Malaysia Felda United
Brazil Gilmar Malaysia Kelantan
Malaysia Syahrul Azwari Malaysia Harimau Muda
Malaysia K. Gurusamy Malaysia Selangor
Malaysia K. Thanaraj Malaysia Selangor
Malaysia Akmal Noor Malaysia NS Matrix
Malaysia Shahril Saa'ri Malaysia T-Team

Out

Name To
Australia Ryan Griffiths Hong Kong South China
Liberia Patrick Gerhardt
Montenegro Ivan Fatic
Republic of Ireland Billy Mehmet
Malaysia Nazri Kamal Malaysia DRB-Hicom FC
Malaysia Sabri Sahar Malaysia NS Matrix FC
Malaysia Joseph Kalang Malaysia Terengganu
Malaysia A. Varathan
Malaysia Fadzley Rahim
Malaysia G. Mahathevan
Malaysia Aidil Mohammad Retired

Transfer

For recent transfers, see List of Malaysian football transfers 2016.

Sarawak President's Cup Squad (U21)

No. Name Nationality D.O.B
Goalkeepers
Andy Nicholas Nipen Malaysia 17/4/97
Jimmy Engai Malaysia 18/2/95
Florian Rison Laes Malaysia 31/7/95
Defenders
Michael Kuddy Malaysia 24/5/97
Adam Fahmi Iskandar Malaysia 28/3/97
Eric Molby Rina Malaysia 9/4/94
Mohd Hafis Saperi Malaysia 11/11/94
Mohd Faez Sapari Malaysia 2/10/96
Rodney Celvin Akwensivie Malaysia Ghana 25/11/96
Mark Damian James Malaysia 27/7/96
Badrul Azhar Adenan Malaysia 10/2/95
Peter Frank Brown Malaysia England 16/2/96
Midfielders
Mohd Alif Hassan Malaysia 1995
Tommy Mawat Mada Malaysia 26/6/96
Awang Kamaruddin Awang Bohan Malaysia 10/1/95
Affyshahrul Affendi Malaysia 12/2/96
Awang Iskandar Awang Chek Malaysia 18/4/96
Azman Chuchu Malaysia 4/12/97
Nur Shamie Iszuan Amin Malaysia 10/9/95
Abang Nurfirman Abang Nor Azman Malaysia 22/3/98
Forwards
Abdul Razak Abdul Rahim Malaysia 18/1/95
Massaad Shah Shukri Malaysia 1995
Nor Azizi Ramlee Malaysia 7/1/96
Mohd Nazri Daud Malaysia 1/8/97

Source:[8] Source:[9]

Sarawak Youth Cup Squad (U19)

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Position Player
2 Malaysia DF Nurhirman Toni
3 Malaysia DF Rashid Jamberi
4 Malaysia DF Muhd Nurhidayat Zawawi
5 Malaysia DF Mohd Yunus Hassan
6 Malaysia DF Alexs Watson Sia
7 Malaysia MF Georgi Kinkladze Tom
8 Malaysia MF Mohd Fazarul Mahathir
9 Malaysia FW Amirul Shafizan Mohd Safri
10 Malaysia FW Zairul Fikri Keram
11 Malaysia FW Mohd Reduwan Sarkawi
12 Malaysia MF Silvester Andly Ahmui
13 Malaysia MF Mohd Fadhillah Khalid
No. Position Player
14 Malaysia MF Mohd Nor Hazam Kamel
15 Malaysia MF Andie Putra Asbollah
16 Malaysia MF Mohd Syazwan Busrah
17 Malaysia DF Nick Raynolde Niclaisen
18 Malaysia FW Muhammad Yazid Ahzhar
19 Malaysia DF Fathurrazzak Abdul Salam
20 Malaysia DF Syazani Zakaris
21 Malaysia FW Ideris Kasdi
22 Malaysia FW Ahmad Uzair Zaidil
23 Malaysia FW Robbiesson Simon
24 Malaysia GK Muhd Syahwie
25 Malaysia GK Mohd Suffian Hassan

Source:[10] Source:[11]

Club honours

Domestic

League titles

Cups

International

Track record

Updated on 15 April 2014

Key

  • P = Played
  • W = Games won
  • D = Games drawn
  • L = Games lost
  • F = Goals for
  • A = Goals against
  • Pts = Points
  • Pos = Final position
1st or W Champions
2nd or RU Runners-up
3rd Third place
promoted Promoted
relegated Relegated
♦ Top scorer in division
Season P W D L F A Pts Pos FA Cup Malaysia Cup League Top goalscorer
MSL 2004 21 3 7 11 28 38 16 7th relegated R1 Group 3rd
MPL 2005 21 3 5 13 23 38 14 7th R1 NQL
MPL 2005–06 21 8 6 7 40 39 30 4th Playoff 1st Round promoted QF QF
MSL 2006–07 24 2 4 18 28 65 10 12th R1 Group 5th
MSL 2007–08 24 4 2 18 25 67 14 13th relegated R2 Group 5th
MPL 2009 24 3 6 15 29 57 15 12th R2 Group 4th Joseph Kalang Tie
Zamri Morshidi		 11
10
MPL 2010 22 11 4 7 42 34 37 6th R2 NQL Zamri Morshidi 7
MPL 2011 22 15 3 4 51 16 48 2nd promoted R1 Group 4th Bobby Gonzales
Zamri Morshidi
Ashri Chuchu		 16
9
8
MSL 2012 26 8 6 12 28 32 30 11th Playoff Round relegated R1 Group 3rd Joël Epalle 6
MPL 2013 22 18 4 0 49 12 58 1st promoted QF SF Bobby Gonzalez 28
MSL 2014 22 9 3 10 26 31 30 7 QF Group 4th S. Chanturu 6
MSL 2015 18 3 5 10 21 33 14 10 R1 Quarter-Finals Billy Mehmet 10

Malaysia Cup records

Note:

Pld = Played, W = Won, D = Drawn, L = Lost, F = Goals for, A = Goals against

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