THE Jaguh Futsal RTM, held to unearth new talents, is back for the second season.

About 15,000 budding futsal players are expected to take part in the selection stages for this year’s edition of Jaguh Futsal RTM on Dec 13 to Jan 18.

Twelve players will be selected from each state trial and will undergo intensive two-week training sessions at various locations from Jan 24 to Feb 8.

Last year, Jaguh Futsal RTM was a big success with 10 players from the championships earning places in the national futsal squad.

The 10 were Ahmad Hanif Sarmin, Mohd Firdaus Razali, N. Saravanan, S. Devendran, Muizzuddin Mohd Tahir, Azrizal Mohd Sani, Safar Mohamad, Samsul Abd Latif, Mohd Hishammuddin Manjur Ahmad and Mior Zaki.

They featured prominently for Malaysia in the Asian Indoor Games, Korat SEA Games and KL World 5s. In the Korat SEA Games, Malaysia finished second.

The Jaguh Futsal RTM will culminate with a league-cum-knockout competition from Feb 14 to April 5.

Last year, Selangor emerged champion with Pahang finishing second. Selangor was also rewarded with a trip to Jakarta to play against an Indonesian selection.

The champions this year will receive RM30,000, with the runners-up earning RM10,000. The Best Player will receive RM5,000 while the Best Coach will receive RM10,000.

RTM will also produce a 13-episode television programme on the event. The final of the Jaguh Futsal will be telecast live.

The Selection Schedule

Dec 13-14: Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Perak

Dec 20-21: Johor, Melaka, Negri Sembilan

Dec 27-28: Penang, Kedah, Perlis

Jan 3-4: Sabah

Jan 10-11: Sarawak

Jan 16-17: Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang