KOTA KINABALU: Sabah FC have been thrown into uncertainty ahead of their Super League Week 12 clash after head coach Jean-Paul de Marigny resigned with immediate effect, just two days before the match against DPMM FC.
The decision comes in the aftermath of Sabah’s defeat to Johor Darul Ta’zim in the FA Cup final last Sunday, a match that nonetheless marked a historic achievement for the club as they reached the final for the first time in 27 years.
Despite falling short of lifting the trophy, De Marigny’s contribution was widely acknowledged, having guided Sabah through a disciplined and tactically sound FA Cup campaign.
The French coach, who joined the club in August, brought valuable experience from his previous stint with Western Sydney Wanderers. Under his leadership, Sabah recorded five domestic victories across all competitions, according to Transfermarkt statistics.
His tenure, though relatively brief, was marked by improved organisation, particularly in defence, and a more structured approach to match preparation. The FA Cup run was seen as a turning point for Sabah’s recent fortunes.
However, the disappointment of the final defeat and the intense pressure that followed appear to have played a role in De Marigny’s decision to step down.
Sabah’s situation has been further complicated by the earlier departure of Technical Director Scott Ollerenshaw, a club legend who left due to family commitments in Australia.
The loss of both key figures in such a short span has raised concerns about continuity and stability within the club’s technical setup.
With a crucial league fixture looming, Sabah are expected to appoint an interim coach while beginning the search for a permanent replacement.
Observers believe the timing of De Marigny’s resignation underscores the demanding nature of modern football management, where results and expectations can quickly shape a coach’s future.
For Sabah supporters, the sudden exit is a bitter pill to swallow, particularly after witnessing tangible progress under De Marigny’s guidance.
The focus now shifts to how Sabah FC will navigate this transitional period and whether they can maintain competitiveness in the Super League amid ongoing structural changes.
