KOTA KINABALU, July 28 (Bernama) -- Despite participating for the first time in the Malaysia Games (Sukma), the Sabah softball team is determined to provide tough competition, especially against experienced teams from the Peninsula in the 21st Sukma in Sarawak next month.
Sabah Men's Softball Team manager Muhammad Khairul Umin said although the team mostly comprised students from schools and higher education institutions, the players were capable of taking on the challenge.
To enhance their skills and fitness, the team conducts centralised training twice a week on Saturdays and Sundays, ensuring they have enough recovery time and to avoid injuries.
“We also keep the players motivated. We tell them to show their strength, and not be overly impressed by other teams. We have worked hard, and success comes to those who put in the effort,” he said.
The Sabah Men's Softball team is in Group B with Perak, Pahang, and Negeri Sembilan, while the Sabah Women's Softball team is in Group D with Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, and hosts Sarawak, with the events scheduled in Miri from Aug 15 to 19.
Head Coach of the Sabah Men's Softball Team Mohd Ardi Asbullah said the intensive training focused on improving skills and techniques such as catching and throwing accurately and avoiding injuries.
Field practice was conducted to improve reflexes and game strategy, he said, adding that batting and bunting practice was essential to enhance players’ strength and accuracy.
“We organise training based on the players’ abilities. Unlike experienced teams from the Peninsula that participate in numerous tournaments, Sabah has fewer opportunities as it is still a relatively new sport here,” he added.
To overcome this, he said they organised closed tournaments and friendly matches to test the players’ abilities, aiming to establish Sabah's name in the national softball scene.
Meanwhile, Sabah Women's Softball Team head coach Ahmad Khuwarizmy Khuzainol said they had planned 15 centralised training sessions, with 13 completed so far, and preparations were going well.
-- BERNAMA
