OLLERENSHAW QUITS AS SABAH FC TECHNICAL AND SPORTING DIRECTOR

KOTA KINABALU, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- Scott Ollerenshaw has quit as Sabah FC Technical and Sporting director, effective Dec 14, citing family responsibilities and the health challenges faced by his ageing parents in Australia.

Having lived in Sabah for 31 years, he described the decision as “difficult and emotional”, adding that Sabah FC has long held a special place in his life since he first arrived in Kota Kinabalu in 1994, before going on to enjoy a successful playing career with the state team.

Between 1994 and 1998, he was part of the squad that won the FA Cup in 1995 and the Malaysian Premier League in 1996 - achievements he described as among his most treasured memories in football.

In 2021, Ollerenshaw returned to the club after being appointed as Technical and Sporting director by newly-installed chief executive officer Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan.

Tasked with revitalising Sabah FC, Ollerenshaw reflected with pride on the club’s progress over the last five years.

Under his tenure, Sabah FC finished third in the Malaysia Super League for three consecutive seasons, reached the semi-finals of the AFC Cup and qualified for the final of the 2025 FA Cup - cementing its reputation as one of Malaysia’s most respected teams.

Ollerenshaw also paid tribute to several key figures who contributed to the club’s resurgence, acknowledging the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who was Sabah FA president in 2021, for his vision and commitment to restoring pride in Sabah football.

He also highlighted Sabah FA president Datuk Shahelmey Yahya’s role in navigating financial challenges to ensure player were paid their salaries, thereby allowing the team to remain competitive.

Ollerenshaw also acknowledged the contributions of coaches over the past five years, singling out Datuk Ong Kim Swee for his role in the recruitment and coaching processes.

But, most of all, he thanked Sabah FC’s loyal supporters, saying: “Without the fans, there is no Sabah FC”, and urged them to continue supporting the team as the “12th man”.

Now based in Sydney, Ollerenshaw signed off with a message of optimism, hinting that his departure may not be permanent.

“I’ll be back,” he said, before bidding farewell to Sabah with the rallying cry: “Sabah Maju Jaya”.

-- BERNAMA