THE Penang Football Club (PFC) is hoping that the Malaysian Football League (MFL) will consider allowing all participating teams to switch from camp-based training to home-based training sessions.
PFC general manager Jeffrey Chew pointed out that they are facing huge obstacles due to the camp-based training sessions.
He said the sports bubble, which was introduced by MFL to curb the increasingly virulent spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, proved to be a tough call for them.
“This concept is challenging for us, and I believe for most of the teams as well.
“The current training method requires all the players and team officials to be isolated from the outside environment for certain days under strict standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“It’s challenging as we need to pay for the players’ and team officials’ accomodation for a period of about 10 to 12 days.
“Besides that, the team officials and players need to undergo the Covid-19 RT-PCR swab test before they enter the training camp.
“For home-based training, the players can get back to their homes after the training session ends.
“I hope MFL can look into the matter,” he told reporters after visiting the Penang City Park (formerly Youth Park) and Botanic Gardens today.
Chew also said it was difficult for his players to follow the virtual training over online platform.
“All this while, they have been training outside and it’s difficult for them to train virtually.
“The players’ fitness for the upcoming Super League matches, beginning July 24 is also a cause for concern. We will try to improve the players’ stamina ahead of our league matches.
PFC currently sits fourth in the standing of the Malaysia Super League (MSL).
Their next friendly game is up against the PDRM at Batu Kawan Stadium at 8pm tonight.
On July 24, PFC will play Kedah FA at Stadium Darul Aman, without any spectators in accordance with the regulations by the authorities.
Also present were state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, Penang State Sports Council (PSSC) director Harry Chai and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian