Robert Alberts, Head Coach Sarawak FA, Ex Director of Coaching Korean FA, Ex Technical Director FA of Malaysia It was a great honor and pleasure indeed to witness the first Borneo Football Cup. The organization was first class. It was obvious that the participating teams from overseas enjoyed their stay very much. The matches where played in the Likas Stadium and the field was of acceptable quality for an international tournament like this. And of course this is the main purpose of the football tournament, playing matches against foreign teams. I could observe the enthusiasm of the players. It meant a lot to all players to be able to play quality matches on a good field in a nice environment. It was indeed the best team that won the tournament, Marconi from Sydney. The players showed good discipline and also they had some real talented players. That's why this tournament is so important for the development of youth players.
Besides the matches the cultural side was also of the highest class. Foreign players, officials and their parents were entertained with sightseeing trips to enjoy the beauty of the many varieties that Sabah has to offer. Special mention to Scott Olleremshaw, a former Australian International who also gained great popularity in Malaysian Football when he was awarded the Golden Boot while playing for Sabah FA. It is with no doubt that this tournament will grow in strenght and I would be pleased to recommend any team that is looking for a quality football tournament.
John Economos, Australian Football Writer THE inaugural Borneo Cup Tournament, blue-printed and promoted by former Australian International and St George Budapest striker, Scotty Ollerenshaw, staged in October in Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia, was absolutely nothing short of magnificent. So meticulous was this entire Soccer-Holiday Tournament planned by Mr Ollerenshaw and solidly backed up by his experienced, courteous, dedicated and loyal staff, not a single thing was left to chance. The entire production was totally and smoothly executed, without a single hitch. Training and playing facilities were excellent. All the Tournament matches were played in the spacious, lush Buffalo-grassed pitch of the Likas Stadium. The Borneo Cup facilitated for the Marconi squad, most valuable exposure to foreign styles and formations of play. The six star accommodation at the spacious, plush and palatial Pacific Sutera Resort Hotel where the Marconi Under 16s squad was based, was unbelievably luxurious, embraced in a totally impeccable and relaxed atmosphere. Mr Ollerenshaw's extensive Borneo Cup Tournament planning, embraced not just the Soccer Tournament, but incorporated a vast selection of magnificent, colourful, enjoyable, exciting and educational sightseeing and activities. Crammed daily programmes scheduled, included sumptuous lunches and evening dinners, swimming, snorkelling, parasailing, a water launch trip, plus a relaxing and romantic BBQ on a private island. As another unexpected bonus, Mr. Ollerenshaw's staff organised a historical and most moving visit, a bus trip that climbed the highest mountain in Asia, Mt Kinabalu (4.250 ft above sea level). At the crest of this massive rugged Mountain, we sighted a magnificent World War 2 Memorial, in eternal remembrance by the Malaysian people for the 2,400 Australian prisoner-of-war soldiers that were killed by the Japanese in 1944, on the savage, brutal and infamous Sandakan trek. Malaysia is a magnificent small South East Asian nation. The Malaysian people are calm, placid, warm, gentile and above all, very respectful, especially towards all Australians--a trait stemming since before World War 2. The Malaysian Government in recent years has seriously concentrated in opening and developing its Country borders to the major economic industry, Tourism. However, this rapid expansion into the Tourism sector, has been very strictly controlled, to shield Malaysia's history, culture and all of its traditions from being severely eroded by decadent Western trends. I highly recommend all Australian teams, (irrespective of age group), to participate in the '2009 2nd Borneo Cup Tournament'. It's an unforgettable experience, coupled with idelible and relaxing pleasure.
Ian Mehta, Head of Middle School at Jerudong International School For some time now we have been looking into ways of providing some 11-a-side competitive fixtures for our younger students at JerudongInternational School. The Figos Borneo Football Cup provided the ideal solution. We had the opportunity to take a squad of 16 players to compete against strong opposition. The impact that this competition had upon the development of our players was enormous and we hope to be involved for many years to come. However, it was the quality of the whole experience that was so beneficial to our boys. Travelling to Kota Kinabalu and enjoying some of the tourist attractions that Sabah has to offer was an absolute pleasure. The staff of Borneo Sports and Adventure went out of their way to make sure that every detail was taken care of and they made us feel so welcome. Thanks to Scott and all the team - we hope to see you again next year.
Rhodes Bryan, Under 20 Coach Marconi Stallions
The "SABAH CUP" is not only a fantastic football experience it's also - Wildlife, Jungle Rainforest, Underwater Treasures, World War Two History, Mount Kinabalu, Malaysian Culture, Food and SHOPPING. Having played and coached for many years I have just experienced one of the most exiting football trips to date. SABAH CUP promoter and ex Socceroo Scott Ollerenshaw has done a tremendous job in promoting the SABAH CUP and it was an absolute pleasure for our club Marconi Stallions to travel to Malaysia and experience a different style of opponent and culture when competing in the inaugural SABAH CUP. Apart from the above, the six star hotel experience at a more than reasonable price gave the players a chance to relax and recover throughout the competition, an ingredient that promotes camaraderie and professionalism throughout your squad. Other benefits for our club Marconi travelling to Malaysia and competing in the Sabah Cup competition was not only the high standard of football technically and tactically but we did not have to travel for long periods of time in the air on a plane. I strongly recommend that you take your team and experience the "SABAH CUP" and the Malaysian culture, a memory your team will keep for life.
Rick Chiellini
What an absolute brilliant time we all had in sabah, the weather, the people, the food, the magnificent resort we stayed at the first class organization of the tournament and all sightseeing activities were sensational, all 34 that toured can't wait to return to this paradise called the land beneath the wind.This trip will stay in our memories forever and frienships have been made that will also last forever. we have set up a site that shows some photos of our experience at photobucket.com look for the album stallionsinsabbah (all one word yes sabah is mispelt) I know this tournament cant fail it will grow into the biggest youth tournament in Asia. To also have Mr Robert Alberts technical director of malaysia football present at the tournament and have him spend an afternoon with the players and coaches talking football was invaluable. Part of me wants to keep sabah a secret ,but that would be an injustice as everyone should have an opportunity to experience the land beneath the wind.
Alan Davidson, Former Socceroo - '79 Games
I toured Kota Kinabalu,Sabah in September 2007 as a guest of the CFA Football Academy.It was my first trip back to Sabah in well over 7 years & I was pleasantly surprised at how much development had taken place which has definitely turned Sabah into a tourist hub of SE Asia.Fantastic,quality hotels,modern shopping centres,delicious & diverse food & exciting & fun tourist activities were the obvious standouts off a very enjoyable 7 days. The Football side off the tour was extremely well run & professional & I felt like I was away on tour with the Socceroos once again.The bus was always awaiting our arrival,the tour guide was excellent & the Likas & Penampang Stadiums were perfect locations for the games. I look forward to the inaugural 2008 BORNEO FOOTBALL CHALLENGE CUPS in October for what I anticipate being an exciting & well organized tournament.
Mike Cockerill, SMH Football Journalist & Football Meda Pundit
When I was a kid living in Kuala Lumpur, I collected stamps, and the ones from Sabah were always the hardest to find. Since then it's held a special fascination for me - an exotic destination, far off the beaten track. It took me almost 40 years to finally get to Kota Kinabalu, and the wait was worth it. think what's happened to asia in those four decade, think what's happened to Malaysia, think what's happened to Kuala Lumpur's kampongs and then look at what you see, smell, and sense in Sabah. Soaring mountains, rushing rivers, unspoilt beaches, impenetrable jungles. The pace of change is quickening, but the lessons of the past seemed to have been learnt. Sabah is one of the last refuges of real asia, a point of difference. Lets keep it that way.
Aytek Genc, Former Socceroo & Managing Director 1st Eleven Footbal Academy
I have made numerous trips to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah as a footballer and also as a tourist. I can honestly say that it is one of my favourite places to visit. KK is a paradise that rivals many of the worlds best holiday locations. It is exotic and fun and a place you love to visit for its friendly people, the weather, the food, the activities, or if you just want to get away. Football is my passion and I could not imagine a better place have a Tournament. Players and their families will love KK and gain long lasting memories. I cant wait to go again.
Gus Cerro, Director Footbal - Cerro Football Academy - Australia
On behalf of Cerro Football Academy, we wish to thank you and your staff at Borneo Sports Travels Tours for hosting our 2007 Malaysian Tour. Your professionalism ensured that everything went smoothly. As the tour leader I had little to do as everything was perfectly organized from the moment we arrived in Kota Kinabalu. The Hotel was exceptional; your transportation staffs with the buses were professional and obliging in every way. The activities you organized were first class and everyone involved had an amazing six days that we will truly remember for a long time to come. We are excited at the prospect of returning to KK in the near future and would thoroughly recommend your services to any sporting organization interested in a sports tour. We wish all the very best in the future and hope to catch up with you again soon.
Stephen Morris, Australia
I would like to thank you for organizing the soccer tour to Malaysia. Sabah was my favourite bit of the trip by far. It was a great success and I can't think of any negatives. Everything was great fun and everyone had a fantastic time. I like the quality of coaches that taught us. I learnt a lot of new things which I can use to crack reps (hopefully). I also liked the variety of activities (especially the parasailing and banana boat) and sightseeing. I enjoyed the canopy walk but not so much the adventure park due to my collision. The hotel that you chose for us was the best I have ever stayed in. It was really good being close to all the markets and shopping. I got some fantastic deals on sports gear. Another thing I enjoyed was the variety of food we ate (Indian, seafood and Italian). You picked some really good places. I liked some of the real life stories Alan told me and being trained by Ken Shellito, Alan and you. While I was there I managed to get Ken's autograph on my Chelsea shirt. I loved playing on the amazing surfaces like Likas stadium. They were a lot better than the average park football grounds in Australia. Could you please thank Michelle for her talk. It was really interesting. Thank you once again for organizing this once in a lifetime soccer tour to Malaysia.
Maree Morr, Australia
Stephen & I had an amazing time in Sabah and we wanted to thank you for all your efforts to make it such a wonderful experience. The itinery was a perfect balance of football (both games and training) and sightseeing which enabled the boys to also experience the culture, shopping and other activities Malaysia has to offer. The boys enjoyed their games. Playing at Likas Stadium was a real treat for them. To have the opportunity to play alongside Alan, Gus and yourself with the three of you guiding them from on the pitch was an opportunity that most kids could only ever dream of. Meeting Ken Shelitto (Stephen is a huge Chelsea fan) and Michelle Koh, and hearing their stories gave the boys a great insight to what it takes to be a successful sportsperson. To have the experience of being trained by Ken was also a highlight for them.
The trip to Manukan Island was one of my favourite activities. I have always wanted to try parasailing and I can't wait to have another banana boat ride. The Adventure Park was also a lot of fun especially the quad bikes. (The only suggestion I would make would possibly be to go to the Adventure Park after their games in case of any mishaps). The day at Mt Kinabalu was also very enjoyable. When I look back I can't believe how much we managed to do in the time we were in Sabah. Le Meridien Hotel - both the accommodation and the service - was great. You obviously also put a lot of thought into the restaurants you chose. There was a great variety of places and the food could only be described as superb. The local people we met were very friendly and the tour guides you organised felt very much part of our group. We were very fortunate to have you organising the Sabah leg of our tour. Your local knowledge, attention to detail and planning ensured the best trip we could possibly have hoped for. Without your efforts there is no way we could have done everything we managed to do. It is certainly one of the best trips I have ever been on. The boys returned home pumped and both the parents and boys are still raving about the tour.
