PETALING JAYA: SMK Tunku Anum of Kedah emerged champions of the 100Plus-Minister of Education (MELC) Under-17 Youth League Cup when they defeated SMK Mutiara Impian 4-1 in the final at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar last Saturday. 

Muhd Syafq Ahmad (11th, 63rd) and Mohd Azri Zulkiflee (31st, 74th) scored a brace each for Tunku Anum while S. Kumaahran (20th) got a consolation goal for Mutiara Impian. 

SMK Tunku Anum chief coach Zaini Othman credited his school’s dominance in the competition to the groundwork laid down in 2008. 

“Our secret is simple – we’ve kept the same group of players together since they entered Form One back in 2008. They train together every day. The boys have matured well and play together as a unit,” he said.  

He also attributed their success to “our long-term planning”.  

“We have had minimal changes in the playing and coaching departments over the last five years. This ensures continuity,” he said.  

“Ten out of the 25 players from our present squad are still eligible to compete (in the Under-17 league) next year and I am confident we can be title contenders again.”  

SMK Tunku Anum hope to end the season with a double when they face SMK Mutiara Impian in the Minister of Education (MELC) Under-14 League Cup final at the City Stadium in Penang tomorrow. 

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