Kota kinabalu: The Sabah state government today presented a RM100,000 incentive to Sabah FC as appreciation for the team’s success in advancing to the FA Cup final for the first time after a 30-year wait. Sabah Youth and Sports Development and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Titingan announced that the incentive was given on the instructions of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as a symbol of the government’s support for the squad’s historic achievement.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nizam expressed hope that Sabah FC will play with full commitment and determination in the upcoming final, encouraging the team to repeat their 1995 success in winning the FA Cup. He shared his optimism after attending the Sabah FC Open Training Session at the Likas Stadium, emphasizing the importance of team spirit and fan support.

Nizam, also a football enthusiast, remains optimistic about Sabah FC’s potential to create new history. He expressed hope that history will be made in 2025 with Sabah FC emerging as the FA Cup champions, encouraging strong confidence in the team’s abilities.

In the FA Cup final, Sabah FC is set to face defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), who advanced with a 4-1 aggregate victory after defeating Kuching City FC in the semi-final.

Meanwhile, in Johor, the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, has plans to announce a special holiday if JDT wins the FA Cup on December 14. He mentioned that this proposed holiday on December 15 would celebrate JDT’s potential fourth consecutive championship win. Tunku Ismail made this announcement during a live broadcast on the JOHOR Southern Tigers Facebook page, sharing a light-hearted moment with JDT supporters.

The Southern Tigers’ upcoming match against Sabah FC follows Sabah’s historic qualification for the FA Cup final, achieved by defeating Selangor FC 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a 5-5 aggregate draw in the semi-final at Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium.