Petronas youth league inspires young football talents

KUCHING (Jan 4): Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) Youth Football Champions League 2025 continues to serve as an important platform, inspiring young talents to improve their skills and chart their own paths.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the league here on Saturday, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said that the programme provides an avenue for young footballers to showcase their abilities.

He added that the tournament also plays a role in fostering discipline and character among the youth.

“The matches we witnessed today not only reflect the determination and hard work of these young footballers, but also stand as proof of their discipline and the long hours of training that have shaped their identity,” he said.

Abdullah also commended Petronas for its continued commitment to supporting and empowering Sarawakian youths through sports.

Petronas Sarawak general manager Norazibah Md Rabu, who was also present, said the tournament is part of the efforts to build a more structured, inclusive and sustainable grassroots sports development ecosystem.

“The league kicked off in Kuching from July 4 to Sept 13, 2025, before continuing in Bintulu from Oct 4 to Nov 22, 2025. Altogether, we have witnessed 819 matches, involving 40,755 minutes of play and recording 1,116 goals.

“Every goal scored is more than just a number — it reflects the creativity, courage and fighting spirit of our youth,” she said, adding that this demonstrates the vast potential of young talents to progress to higher levels.

Held from Dec 28, 2025 to Jan 3, 2026 at Sarawak Stadium, the Petronas Youth Football Champions League 2025 was divided into two categories: PSK14 and PSK16.

In the PSK14 category, Cascara Junior emerged champions, followed by Sekolah Sukan Negeri Sarawak as first runner-up, while Mukah FA and Al Mateem Football Academy finished joint third.

For the PSK16 category, KV Miri Landas Youth Team clinched the championship title, with My Team X SMKAI placing second, while Kelab Pembangunan Bola Sepak SMK Sri Matang and Sarikei FA shared third place.