By Fitri Hazim Hazam
HULU LANGAT, Nov 17 — The football carnival organised by the Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) or MBI Foundation at the Serene Heights field has become a platform for discovering new talents.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said the carnival is a state government initiative to develop a grassroots football talent system in Selangor.
“It is the perfect time to redevelop grassroots efforts after the initiatives through the Merah Kuning Academy, which I started during my tenure as the state executive councillor for sports, and which were disrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The meet-and-greet sessions with Selangor FC players and Merah Kuning legends during this carnival also foster closer ties with the community,” he said after officiating the carnival's closing yesterday.
[caption id="attachment_380059" align="aligncenter" width="1215"] Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari (left) speaks during the MBI Foundation's MiFOM Begonia carnival closing ceremony in Semenyih, Hulu Langat, on November 16, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
16 football clubs from Semenyih participated in the competition for the under-15 and under-12 categories in a knockout format.
Meanwhile, MBI Foundation chief executive Ahmad Azri Zainal Nor said the carnival, jointly organised with the Serene Heights Residents’ Association, aimed to unearth new talents and provide exposure to improve the gameplay quality.
In addition to the competition, other exciting activities were held, including the meet-and-greet sessions with Datuk Santokh Singh, Datuk Soh Chin Ann, and Datuk K. Rajagopal.
“The community and young players also had the opportunity to engage with Wolfsburg football club youth player Qaseh Rania, as well as Selangor FC players Sam Somerville and Haykal Danish.
“Sales from the Selangor FC truck and Platform Selangor traders also enlivened the carnival,” he said.
[caption id="attachment_380060" align="aligncenter" width="1130"] Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari (left) and MBI Foundation chief executive Ahmad Azri Zainal Nor (second from right) presents souvenirs to attendees and participants during the MBI Foundation's MiFOM Begonia carnival closing ceremony in Semenyih, Hulu Langat, on November 16, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]