Safee Sali-Led Superkids Tournament Expands Nationwide Search for Young Football Talent
KUALA LUMPUR: Grassroots football development in Malaysia continues to gain momentum with the upcoming MommyHana Safee Sali Superkids Cup 2026 expected to attract around 900 young players from across the country.
The youth football tournament, spearheaded by former national striker Safee Sali, has recorded a substantial increase in participation compared to the previous edition, which featured approximately 500 children.
This year’s competition will also involve teams from several states including Penang and Pahang, reflecting growing nationwide enthusiasm for organised grassroots football programmes.
Speaking during a media session at Stadium Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya, Safee Sali stressed the importance of sustaining grassroots football initiatives to ensure young talents are continuously discovered and nurtured.
He said greater efforts are needed to ensure football development opportunities reach children living outside major urban centres, particularly those in rural communities that often lack access to competitive tournaments and structured training environments.
According to him, the long-term ambition is to transform the tournament into a nationwide platform capable of uncovering hidden football talent from all corners of Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak.
“I want to bring this programme beyond the city areas and create opportunities for children in smaller towns and villages who rarely get exposure to competitive football,” he said.
Safee Sali added that many gifted young players remain undiscovered simply because they do not have proper access to organised football systems.
He said the tournament’s broader mission is to create pathways for future football development while inspiring children to pursue sports in a healthy and disciplined environment.
Meanwhile, chief executive officer of MommyHana, Mohd Farid Mohamed Sangido, said the strong rise in participation demonstrates increasing parental support for sports and character-building activities among children.
He explained that the tournament focuses not only on athletic competition but also on nurturing positive values such as teamwork, self-confidence, discipline and leadership skills from an early age.
“We believe every child can grow and unlock their potential when they are supported with the right guidance and environment,” he said.
Mohd Farid Mohamed Sangido added that organisers hope the tournament can motivate more children to adopt active lifestyles while building stronger personal confidence both inside and outside the football field.
The MommyHana Safee Sali Superkids Cup 2026 will feature four categories comprising Under-8, Under-10, Under-12 and Under-14 divisions.
The tournament is scheduled to take place on May 30 and 31 at Stadium Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya.
-wilayah.com.my
