KAPIT: The president of Kapit Football Association (Kapit FA), Kennedy Kuyang disclosed that Kapit FA with its team named ‘The Borneo Leopards Squad’ has withdrawn its participation in the Community Football League (Liga Bolasepak Rakyat-LBR) Season 2017/2018 citing the existing football field undergoing renovation as the reason for the withdrawal.
“We received a confirmation letter from an officer of the Department of Youth, Sports and Solidarity Kapit, Peter Jarau this afternoon that the football field (Open Stadium) at Jalan Airport will be undergoing major renovation effective 1 September and the work is expected to be completed within nine months. This is the main reason for Kapit FA, the champion of Group C, Zone Borneo 2 at the LBR 2016/2017 football league to withdraw from the league” said Kennedy.
“It is a tough and hard decision (to make) as our players are ready for the competition to realise our goal to play at the national level although last year we managed to defeat the runner up of LBR 2016/2017 season, Serian FA by two goals to nil at the Kapit Open Stadium,” he said.
Kennedy pointed out that Kapit FA solely depended on the Kapit Open Stadium to hold its activities as it is the only football field available in Kapit district as the football field under Kapit District Council next to the Civic Centre can no longer be used.
“As one of the most active sports clubs in the division, Kapit FA needs at least two football fields to carry out its football development programmes to scout for potential players and to meet the needs of the local community.
“To produce potential footballers we need a football field and not badminton or volleyball courts,” he said.
Kennedy added that even though they have withdrawn from the football league, Kapit FA is also aiming to take part in the prestigious Sarawak Cup to be held from 22-29 October, 2017 in Mukah and the ‘Sarawak Youth Cup’ (Piala Belia Sarawak) to be held this December.
