Melaka: The Melaka sepak takraw team is aiming for a semifinal berth in the upcoming 2025 Tun Ali Cup Sepak Takraw Championship, scheduled from November 3 to 9, despite the departure of key national tekong Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi to the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) team for this year’s tournament.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Akramuddin Abdul Aziz, President of the Melaka Sepak Takraw Association (Pastam), expressed confidence in the team’s prospects by announcing the addition of Thai tekong Pongsatorn Phong Udtha to fill the void left by Syahir. Akramuddin emphasized that Pongsatorn’s presence would bolster the Melaka Titans during the competition.

The Melaka Titans will also rely on the experienced duo of Mohamad Azlan Alias and Muhammad Zaim Razali, who play critical roles as the ‘killer’ and ‘feeder’ respectively, contributing to the team’s strength alongside Syahir in past tournaments.

For the women’s squad, the Melaka Titans have strengthened their lineup with the inclusion of Thai playe
r Kawinnipha Torton, alongside local talents Siti Hadifitri Navilla Jumidil and Veronica Asli. Akramuddin reiterated the team’s goal to reach at least the semifinals in both the men’s and women’s categories.

The 2025 Tun Ali Cup is set to feature 20 men’s teams, 21 men’s quadrant teams, and 12 women’s regu teams. The champion of the tournament will receive a cash prize of RM15,000, with RM10,000 awarded to the runner-up, and RM5,000 to the third-place team.