Curtin Malaysia helps promote football in Miri

Miri – 28 June 2023 – On June 24 and 25, Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) organised a 9-a-side open tournament in Miri to help promote football among local teams.

The Curtin Malaysia Football 9-Aside Open Tournament was open to all teams in Miri and showcased some incredible talent from the city. The tournament attracted 16 teams from various parts of Miri, all vying for the top spot.

The teams were Kevokian FT, Padang Kicap, Bumiputra FC, Thunderz, Bayshore FC, Teman FC, Kelab TM Miri, Fortico, IPGKS AFFT, Ohm FC, Eagles FT, Seahorse Glory, Smart Drive CW, Permystar FC, Persigowa FC, and Kurtin B. They were split into four groups and competed in a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stages.

Matches were played at the Curtin Malaysia campus, with plenty of supporters in attendance. The atmosphere was electrifying, with each team showing off their skills and determination to win.

“This tournament really helped to promote football in Miri, and we are proud to have been a part of it,” said Curtin Malaysia’s Sports & Recreation Supervisor Ezra Bada. “Our aim was to provide a platform for local teams to showcase their skills and compete against each other, and we are delighted with the turnout and the level of competition.”

The tournament was won by Thunderz, who emerged victorious after a tough 2-1 final match against Persigowa FC. The winners walked away with a cash prize, trophy and medals, while the runners-up and semi-finalists also received cash prizes, trophies and medals. The tournament’s best player, Thompson Thomas, meanwhile, received a cash prize and trophy.

Present at the prize-giving ceremony was Acting Chief Operating Officer of Curtin Malaysia Associate Professor Ir. Pieter Pottas, Sports & Recreation Supervisor Ezra Bada, and President of, Curtin Malaysia Football Club Lee Lok Phin

The tournament was sponsored by Foxsports Centre and Dailyedan who sponsored OPI protein drinks for all the teams.

Curtin Malaysia hopes to continue supporting the development of football in Miri and looks forward to organising more events like this in the future. The university has a wide range of sports facilities, including the only football field in Miri equipped for night games with an innovative solar-powered lighting system developed by its own engineering students and academics.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit www.curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

The tournament champions, Thunderz with Assoc. Prof Pieter Pottas, Ezra Bada and Lee Lok Phin

Assoc. Prof Ir Pieter Pottas presenting the trophy and cash prize to best player Thomas Thompson

The winning teams – IPGKS AFFT, Fortico, Persigowa and Thunderz

Lineup of Persigowa and Thunderz players before the final

Persigowa captain making an attempt at goal