Three Sarawak footballers Joseph Kalang Tie, age 21, Mohd Shahrol Saperi, age 24, and Zamri Morshidi, age 25, have been elected to go to a two-month training stretch with English League One side Hartlepool United. They will leave Malaysia on Oct 28 for the November-December stint.

Social Development and Urbanisation Minister Datuk William Mawan believed the three were foundation players in Sarawak’s Super League crew last season.

“They were selected to undergo this (training) programme with the hope and intent that they will improve technically and mentally,”

He said the spell was the opening step towards a important partnership linking the Sarawak team and Hartlepool in region such as youth and football growth program.

“Hartlepool United can provide Sarawak with ideas and information on how to structure our youth development programme more efficiently"

Kalang said he want to gain knowledge of as much as doable for the duration of his time with Hartlepool. “I’m excited about the trip and I hope to improve my skills,” he added.