Crocs parade trophy to thousands of cheering fans

June 30, 2013

“The Sarawak team needs your support to go to greater heights."
-Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah 

CUP OF DREAM: Sarawak captain Shahrol Shaperi lifts the cup to the main stand after their arrival. 
— Photos by Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: Thousands of Sarawak football fans jam the Padang Merdeka in the heart of the city to cheer the state team as they parade the Premier League trophy they won in an unbeaten run with one more match to play, yesterday afternoon.

The arrival of the players and coaches in an open deck tram was heralded with much fanfare by the hard-core fans, the Sarawak Ultras, who also call themselves GB13.

The supporters, some of whom gathered there in the morning, lined up the roads and streets as the tram wound its way past the Kuching Waterfront to Padang Merdeka where thousands more fans were waiting.

Sarawak Football Association (FAS) president Datu Sudarsono Osman in his speech thanked the supporters for standing by the team even when they were relegated from Super League last year.

“The fans were amazing as they continued to stay behind us. This trophy actually belongs to all the fans who stood behind us,” said Sudarsono.

He revealed that during the team motivational camp early January this year coach Robert Alberts challenged the team to win the Premier League title undefeated to move back to the Super League next season.

“So with just another match in Sabah to go, we certainly are inches away from to achieving this target and I am sure the players will not let everyone down,” he added.

VICTORY PARADE: Sarawak coach Robert Alberts and the players holding the Premier League trophy
during a parade at Padang Merdeka in Kuching yesterday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Youth Development Assistant Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah called on the football fans to continue supporting the team.

“The Sarawak team needs your support to go to greater heights. The high level of spirits shown by supporters this season has been tremendous and it is the inspiration behind the team’s success today,” he added.

Also present yesterday were Kuching City North Commission (DBKU) Mayor Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Julai, State Police Commissoner Datuk Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani and Deputy State Secretary Datu Misnu Taha.