CAN ANAI IGANG BRING SARAWAK FA TO GREATER HEIGHTS?
February 12, 2019
It was their first win this
season, and for the 2,000 plus fans that crowded Stadium Negeri last weekend,
there seems to be a glimmer of hope for a team called Sarawak FA.
While Sarawak no doubt does command a large
following when it comes to football, the support had dwindled since the past
three years.
However, things are now looking rather positive
for the team which is now led by Anai Igang.
But Anai’s appointment as the new head coach
came with plenty of doubts as he is regarded as an unknown figure and coach
among most non-seasoned fans of Sarawak football, what more the Malaysian
football scene.
However, to the more seasoned football fan, Anai
is a well-established figure.
He was behind the curtains when Sarawak lifted
the Liga Premier crown in 2013, and said to be heavily involved in tactical
planning and scouting for the team which was then under Dutch coach Robert
Alberts.
Anai was still with the Sarawak when they played
in the Liga Super, and later this year, made his status skyrocket by leading
Bintulu FA to win their first Sarawak Cup title in 40 years.
While Sarawak did fall during their opening game
of the Liga Premier to Negeri Sembilan, Anai won praise from fans for his
commendable tactics against their opponents.
Against Pulau Pinang, more credit poured in as
Anai’s set piece gave Sarawak its opening goal which eventually led to
Sarawak’s first win although hardcore doubter continue to deny that Sarawak
deserved the win.
But overall, Sarawak’s game plan looked tidy and
more exciting than before, entertaining the fans and football lovers alike.
With Anai’s tactical ability, the hard work of
his players on the pitch, and a sheer gift of luck, many now believe that
Sarawak is heading in the right direction to gain a respectable season.
Nonetheless, for the diehard Sarawak football
fan, questions continue to linger if the win against Pulau Pinang was
exclusive, with many certainly hoping that it’s the start of a great season for
Sarawak.
This article is brought
to us by our Sports Writers Club resident columnist – Cyril Dason.
