WHILE it’s time to take stock of Sarawak football and salvage the wreckage of what used to be a good ship, attempts at a fresh start will come to nought if the next annual general meeting of Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) fails to settle the crucial question of the presidency.

The recent extraordinary general meeting (EGM) convened to elect a new president to succeed Khaider Zaidell did not even tackle the leadership issue, preferring the AGM, likely to be held next month, to have the final say on who occupies the top post.

It was apparent those present at the EGM had made up their minds to dodge nomination for the ‘hot seat’ and with no willing candidates, there was no election.

But just as a football team needs a captain to spur on the players, a football association cannot do without a president to hold the fort with a steady hand.

Hence, it’s paramount that a new leader be elected at the AGM and that the affiliates be big enough to see the larger picture by electing one not through camp-voting but with the betterment of football in the state foremost in mind.

A big plus for local football is Federal Deputy Minister of Tourism Dato Sri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib consenting to be FAS advisor and patron while another welcome news is a VIP will assume the president’s post.

Another twist to the FAS saga is that the present group of office-bearers have reportedly been advised to resign for the sake of football in Sarawak.

This is allowed under the constitution which empowers the incoming president to appoint new officials to fill the vacant posts.

According to an informed source, such a move is widely seen as ‘clearing the deadwood’ to make way for new blood in the association.

It is learnt the office-bearers have been advised to step down in order to demonstrate their concerns and sincerity in wanting to improve football in Sarawak, and allow the new president to form his new team in accordance with the constitution.

“Even the secretariat should be served notice. This will allow a constructive revamp to be carried out.

“As in any association, officials come and go – there must be constant injection of new blood with ideas to help run the association more efficiently,” the source said.

It also suggested the vice presidents be preferably from Kuching or Samarahan divisions since most of the football activities are centred in Kuching.

Moreover, should the VPs be based in other towns, they would have to incur additional expenses when travelling to Kuching on FAS business.

Another pressing issue is the absence of a local league in Kuching, the capital city. This will only serve to choke football progress in the state.

Other sticking points are indiscipline among some players and interference with the coach as prevalent in this season’s Super League which saw Sarawak enjoying a brief revival only to plunge back to the bottom of the table due, among others, to alleged match-fixing and meddling officials.

The dressing room, for instance, is considered the ‘sanctity preserve’ of the coach and his players.

It’s an exclusive area – not one with a revolving door.

Knowledgeable football officials accept this fait accompli.

“You got a lot of interference when Mohd Mentali and Kunju Jamaludeen were in charge. Coaches should be given a free hand. If they don’t perform, they get the sack.

“Coaches know this only too well. That’s why they must be allowed to do their job without interference. Their livelihood is on the line, not the officials.’

Also, if the officials keep meddling, is it fair to only blame the coach when the team lose?” an ardent fan asked.

This season, despite the financial restraints, FAS deputy president Richard Riot blazed a new trial by starting an Under-16 School Development League, headed by Daud Dato Aba.

The organisers were given a lifeline when Ministry of Social Development and Urbanisation allocated RM60,000 to help run the league.

Now halfway into the competition, the league appears in need of more funding to run its course.