KUCHING: Sarawak FA deputy president Datuk Richard Riot Jaem has urged the Sarawak Malaysia Cup squad to play with the Ngap Sayot spirit.

He exhorted the team to seek inspiration from Sarawak’s battle cry of the 1980s in their campaign to bring back a semblance of respectability to the game in the State after a poor Super League showing.

“Emulate the spirit of the Ngap Sayot players and do your best. You all are a part of the Sarawak team and if you do well, I’m sure the crowd will be back to root for you.

Even though I’ve a busy schedule, I will come and watch your matches,” Riot told the players at a get-together before the Malaysia Cup kicked off yesterday.

Sarawak FA official Zuraimi Sabki, who also spoke, encouraged the players to concentrate on getting a good result.

He said it was very important not only to him but also all ‘anak Sarawak’ for the team to do well in the competition.

Zuraimi, the de-facto team manager of the Sarawak side, who brought in former Sarawak player Ahmad Fairuz as the assistant coach, and Kuala Lumpur-Plus goalkeeper Azizon Kadir to replace Firdaus Ishak, said the Malaysia Cup had special appeal because Sarawak had never won it before.

Ahmad Fairuz, 36, who played under Alan Vest for three seasons in the 1990’s is on-loan from the Kuala Muda team. Apart from the duo, Zuraimi has also recruited Brunei player Hasmawi Bakiri, likely to start at centre back.

The other local imports are Kelantanese striker Mohd Irmie and midfielder Arshad Ayob from Perak.