MALAYSIA’S top professional football division is all set to kick off the season again on August 28, after it was suspended in March due to Covid-19 pandemic.

The clubs and their players are all geared up for the CIMB Super League season, where 12 teams will be competing but without their fans to cheer them.

Despite the setbacks, the teams are faring well in training and adhering to the government’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) to combat the spread of the virus.

Malaysia Football League chief executive officer Ab Ghani Hassan told The Malaysian Insight that the teams have already been playing friendly matches since August 2.

“There are no issues with the teams as they are following the SOPs. We also follow the SOPs they have in Japan and South Korea,” said Ghani.

“All players, coach and sports personnel have all done their Covid-19 tests. We are following all the guidelines set by the Health Ministry and National Security Council.”

To further enhance their safety level, Ghani said that it was mandatory for teams who played away games to register with the respective state authorities.

“As for every venue they go to for the games, they will have to register with the authorities, then they will have to present the documents to the MFL and only then we will approve the matches.

“This registration is for the National Security Council to monitor in case there is a cluster during the visit for the matches.

“This is also to ensure the authorities have their records, so that they can take action.”

He said that they are very adamant, careful and strict about the teams following the SOPs.

“If any teams fail to follow the SOPs, they will be sent a warning letter and they will have to explain their actions.

“So far we have no issues with any of the teams adhering to the SOPs.”

Ghani said that every person authorised to enter the stadium will have to wear masks throughout the game until the last whistle is blown.

“Before matches there are temperature checks, and the reserve players will have to sit where the fans sit and not on the bench.

“Only 198 officials – medical personnel, media, home and away team VIPs and players – will be allowed in the stadium during any match. Previously it was 400 people excluding the spectators.”

Ready for kick off

Petaling Jaya City FC coach K. Devan said they are adhering to the strict SOPs set by the authorities.

“There are daily temperature checks and all players have gone for Covid-19 tests before training, which was set by the MFL.

“We have to present details to the MFL to get approval to play.”

Devan said that despite the movement control order, the players still continued training four days a week.

“During MCO, we have given them individual training programmes which they have to conduct at home.

“That focused on weight training, individual co-ordination training and running.”

He said that the players were told to shoot a video of their individual training sessions and present it to the team management.

“Once a week we will discuss with the players, get their feedback and make adjustments when needed.

“Since the government’s approval on July 16 for contact training, the players train daily for two hours, six days a week.”

Devan said the players can make contact during training, but as a precautionary measure they are discouraged from celebrations.

He added that one of the issues they faced was getting the players into the proper mental state because they have not been playing since the start of the MCO.

“We believe it will take a few games before they get back into peak condition.

“We have friendly matches, so this will help them. We are adapting to the new norms.”

For Petaling Jaya City FC, the restarted campaign will kick off today to finish the final round of matches postponed due to the MCO. They will be playing Terengganu FC.

Meanwhile, Felda United FC can’t wait to get their boots on the field as they are itching for a challenge.

Club secretary-general Afizal Abu Othman said that it was not going to be an easy run as the players haven’t played a game in a while.

“It’s been a long time since the players had a match.

“It will be challenging, but the players are all ready to go.”

Afizal said the club and all players have been following all the SOPs that were issued by the Health Ministry and National Security Council.

“All players have gone for their Covid-19 tests. We are following all the SOPs as we don’t want to jeopardise our chances of playing.

“We have strict SOPs and all players must wear face masks at all times (when not playing). This is when they are travelling to other stadiums and getting ready for matches.

“They are only allowed to remove the masks when they are on the field.”

He added that, so far, they have played three friendly matches against Kuala Lumpur, Negri Sembilan and Malacca.

“Everything has gone smoothly and there are no issues. Our next match will be on August 28 against UiTM FC.” – August 22, 2020.