Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) secretary Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki believed Sarawak should be promoted to Super League 2009 as replacement for DPMM Brunei. DPMM were barred from playing in the Malaysian League after the nation’s FA was de-registered by its Registrar of Society.

Based on their performances during the ongoing statewide tour, Sarawak, now in Miri, believe they can hold their own against the likes of big guns Kedah, Perak and Selangor in the top flight.

He said financially, the team should be able to make it in the new campaign with the help of sponsors. Last week, Sarawak received a RM200,000 from FAM.
Abu Bakar said

“There is no harm in applying (for the vacant slot) … though we have a young side this season, I’m confident with our recent form where we were able to play fast attacking one-touch football.”

“So far, the team looked in solid shape with a 9-1 thumping of Betong, a 5-1 humbling of Mukah and a 3-2 win against Bintulu.”

For record, Sarawak appointed FAM Technical Director and ex Kedah coach Robert Rene Alberts as their coach for two years. Alberts know inside out of Malaysia football and respectable with achievement of guiding Kedah to win First Division and Malaysia Cup in his first season 15 years ago.