Kota Bharu Selatan U-18 handball team eyes surprise at MSSK 2026

The Kota Bharu Selatan (KBS) under-18 boys' handball team is heading into the Kelantan School Sports Council (MSSK) 2026 championship with a determined mindset. Despite being considered underdogs, the team aims to cause upsets and prove their capabilities during the tournament, scheduled from July 20 to 29 at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Padang Kala.

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Honestly, this year is my first year coaching this team after moving to Kelantan. Our preparation was also quite limited because the District School Sports Council (MSSD) took place too close to MSSK.

Coach Noor Maisarah Mamat, in her first year coaching the KBS U-18 squad after relocating to Kelantan, acknowledges the limited preparation time due to the proximity of the District School Sports Council (MSSD) events. However, she views this as a starting point for the KBS team, with aspirations for a stronger challenge in subsequent years. The team is drawn in Group B alongside Jeli, Tanah Merah, and Gua Musang, needing a top-two finish to advance.

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For me, this is a beginning for the KBS team. Next year, we will provide a real challenge. At this year's MSSK, we will give our best and all players have also promised to give their best.

Noor Maisarah highlighted that the 'underdog' status fuels the players' spirit rather than diminishing it. She stated that the team's primary strengths lie in their high team spirit, commitment during training, and their earnest desire to bring honor to their district. The team is actively engaging in friendly matches to test player combinations and identify areas for improvement before the main competition.

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We want to bring back KBS's glory in this sport. Thanks also to former players who came down to help me form the team this time.

With a strong fighting spirit, the KBS U-18 team hopes to defy expectations and be recognized not just as participants, but as genuine contenders capable of making a significant impact at the MSSK 2026 championship. They aim to go as far as possible in the tournament and potentially create the biggest surprise.

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Our target is not just to compete, but to go as far as possible in this tournament. If given the opportunity, we want to be the team that causes a surprise at this year's MSSK.