RURAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE KICKS OFF 2012

KENINGAU : The privately-run rural league known as the ‘Borneo Youth Premier League’ (BYPL) that was started last year by founder and patron, Nilakrisna James, kicked off the first round of the 2012 BYPL Tournament this month.

Six teams participated in the first round of the tournament which was held in Kampung Tohan Baru over two weekends from 12-20 May 2012. The teams from various parts of the interior were Belia Borneo Komiti FC from Bingkor, Kepayan FC from Kepayan Apin-Apin, Persatuan Belia Tohan Baru from Tohan Baru, D’D FC from Bingkor, Kafa FC from Pagalungan Pensiangan and Bunga Raya FC from Bunga Raya.

Champions for the first round was Belia Borneo Komiti FC from Bingkor. They will face the champions from the 2nd Round of the Tournament in a final Battle of the Champions. The 2nd Round is expected to start mid-June with registration open to all rural teams across the interior of Sabah.

Last year, Nilakrisna James and former Golden Boot State Champion, Scott Ollerenshaw, had announced their plans to collaborate their efforts to empower rural teams to participate in urban and international competitions, with plans to qualify the BYPL 2012 winner for this year’s Borneo Cup.

“There is a significant need to allow rural players greater exposure through a more informal and less rigid structure in their qualifying football tournaments. Our players are not full time football players and because most of them tend to be farmers they need to have greater flexibility in their qualifying matches, which is why this league was formed. It is run by the NGO, Gerakan Belia Dinamik Pedalaman, headed by President Juse Reoyston, who lives in Bingkor.

“I have decided to lend my full support to these endeavours and initiatives because these people have great ideas and drive but in most cases little chance of having their ambitions supported in any way,” said Nilakrisna James.

League Manager Juse Reoyston also observed that this year’s tournament has started with a lot more tension and stress from players in their ambition to qualify as the champions of BYPL.

Juse added, “We want players to be disciplined in their training and more knowledgeable in the rules of football. This league is going to give them a chance to be professionals and privately run leagues can be flexible to their needs but also tougher on their behaviour. I will begin registration for Round 2 of the BYPL Tournament which will kick off on 9th June this year. Teams who wish to participate must register with me by 3rd June, and call me on 01119034149. Our coach, Lisau George, will guide the teams.”