Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin
KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s appointment as Sabah Football Association (Safa) president is now official.
Bung, who has been carrying out his duties on an acting basis since last December, won the top post uncontested during Safa’s Extraordinary Congress 2021 conducted online on Sunday.
In fact, Bung who is also the Deputy Chief Minister, received nomination from all of Safa district affiliates to continue to lead the state football governing body.
Datuk Suhaimi Nasir, a nominated assemblyman, and Datuk Dr Jelani Hamdan, president of Sabah Momogun Rungus Association (Samora), also won uncontested for the two vice president posts.
In delivering his speech, Bung expressed his gratefulness towards Safa Supreme Council members and its district affiliate members for showing the confidence and faith in him to continue to lead the State FA.
In return, he pledged his utmost best to ensure that Safa will continue to make positive progress in order to achieve its targets not only at the grassroots level but also at the national level.
“It is without a doubt a huge responsibility but nothing is impossible in this sport. What’s important is the commitment of all in the efforts to restore the glory days of Sabah football.
“All those involved must play their respective roles and work towards fulfilling the people’s desire to see Sabah football make much improvement,” he said.
According to Bung, one of the main obstacles that Safa must face in its efforts to enhance football development in the state was the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, he said the continuous support of all parties should ensure successful development of Sabah football.
“In this regard, I want to take the opportunity to remind all to always adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the government.
“Hopefully, we will be able to carry out our activities as usual when the situation with the Covid-19 has improved, thus enable us to do our best for the betterment of Sabah football,” he added.
Meanwhile, Safa secretary general Benedict Asmat thanked all the delegates from Safa affiliates for their commitment to join in the virtual extraordinary congress.
He believed such efforts and commitment will contribute much to the development of Sabah football.
Also present during the online meeting were Safa deputy president I Datuk Abdul Rahman Zakaria, deputy president II Datuk Juil Nuatim, executive secretary David Wisom, Safa supreme council members and legal advisor Azhier Farhan Arisin.