KOTA KINABALU: Sabahan footballers dominated the numbers in the recently released national women football squad list.
A total of 14 Sabah women players – including those playing for other state teams – have been called up into the national squad in preparation for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 qualifiers.
Five of the players Asma Junaidi, Jessica Susanne Mailu, Pedrolia Martin Sikayun, Dadree Rofinus and JI Fedalliah Clarita Jaimin are presently with the Sabah state women football squad.
Another five, Olevia Olga Sabrinus, Alice Mic Michael, Eva Olivianie Antinus, Siti Nurfaizah Saidin and Henrietta Justine are representing Melaka United, the reigning Tun Sharifah Rodziah Cup defending champions.
Waitie Taming, on the other hand, is playing for Negeri Sembilan.
One of the more experienced players, Jaciah Jumilis who is based in Kuala Lumpur as well as Flori Ivy Angel Jobindang and Hellma Emily Joinin have also been included in the national women team.
Both Flori and Hellma, who are attached to the Institute of Teachers Education in Sarawak and Keningau respectively, are formerly with the national under-19 squad.
The 14 Sabahans are among the 28 players who received call-up to the quarantine-based national centralised training camp under head coach Jacob Joseph.
The selected players reported for duty on August 21 and will continue training at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya until September 14, according to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) website.
The finalised squad will leave for Palestine on September 15 to face the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 India qualifiers from September 19-25.
Malaysia women squad are in Group H with hosts Palestine and South East Asia powerhouse Thailand.