By: Roodwill
KOTA KINABALU: Oct 14, 2026 – The use of modern technology, including artificial intelligence (AI)-based cameras, performance monitoring equipment and sports science approaches, can improve the effectiveness of training and youth football talent development in Sabah, said Deputy Chief Minister II cum Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Masidi Manjun at the opening of the “Coca-Cola: Bina Juara” programme at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Stadium yesterday.
He said technology enables coaches to assess players’ performance more accurately, identify areas for improvement and plan more effective training.
“The application of sports science together with modern technology can help players understand their own performance progress, while also improving the quality of their training and their ability to compete at a higher level,” he said when officiating the Coca-Cola: Bina Juara programme at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Stadium.
He said technological advances in sports should be utilised by grassroots players, including those in rural areas, so that more young talents gain access to quality training and coaching.
He stressed the need to improve coaches’ knowledge and skills so that technology can be translated into more effective training methods. Cooperation between the government, educational institutions, sports associations and communities is important to ensure that sports technology development brings continuous benefits to young Sabah players.
Commenting on government support, Masidi told reporters that the Sabah State Government was ready to increase assistance for local sports development, but financial funding alone was insufficient without the integration of sports science, modern technology and changes in athletes’ attitudes.
“Our footballers are not lacking in ability, but foreign teams use technology and sports science to improve their capabilities every time they take to the field.
“We have strong physical ability, but we lack the technology and specialised equipment needed to make them better or perform more brilliantly,” he said.
On financial allocations, Masidi disclosed that sports development funds had been increased several times by the state government.
“The amount of financial allocation alone is not enough. What matters is how the allocation is used to develop performance.
“There must be an effective way to ensure every ringgit invested by the government is not only spent well, but can improve athletes’ performance,” he explained.
He praised the “Coca-Cola: Bina Juara” programme initiative and hoped the organisers, together with the Sabah Football Association (SAFA) or related bodies, would formulate follow-up programmes systematically for the long-term benefit of Sabah semi-professional players.
Although government support, the availability of technology and sponsorship funds play a major role, Masidi reminded that the true determinant of a team’s success still lies in individual discipline and mentality.
“At the end of the day, whether we become champions or not depends on the players themselves,” he said.
He stressed that the players’ attitude is the most critical key in building a strong football team for the country, despite the support of coaches, technology and sponsors.
