Sports & Fitness

Presence of spectators in stadium akin to 12th man for Penang FC coach

Trucha aims to improve the squad so that they remain in the Super League next season

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 10 Apr 2021 4:18PM

Presence of spectators in stadium akin to 12th man for Penang FC coach
Penang FC's Sheriddin Boboev (right) is tackled by Melaka United's Wan Amirul Afiq Wan Ab Rahman in their Super League match on April 6. - Bernama pic

GEORGE TOWN -  The presence of spectators will be a shot in the arm as it's like the 12th player for Penang FC in the remaining  matches of the 2021 Super League.

Penang FC chief coach Tomas Trucha said the team yearns for the physical presence of fans as they  have been giving their undivided support in matches before this, even when watching virtually.

"We miss the cheers of Penang FC supporters. The postponement of the match does not matter as we are prepared to face Sabah FC as scheduled,” he told Bernama via WhatsApp today.

After being not allowed to watch matches in the stadium, fans including Ultra Panthers would be allowed to witness the Super League match against Sabah FC at City Stadium. In an  announcement on April 7, the Malaysian Football League (MFL) via its official website said it had approved the application of Sabah FC to delay the match against Penang FC scheduled on April 9 to April 11.

Apart from that, Trucha said the level of fitness of his players has yet to reach satisfactory level but they would be given time to improve.

He said Sabah FC are capable of giving a tough fight and he wanted all players to work hard to ensure a win.

"I am still not satisfied with the fitness of players...but we will work on it to be ready for more demanding games,” he said.

He added that the Panthers are now focused on maintaining the squad and to improve areas of the play they are weak in to stay in the Super League next season.

After seven matches, Penang FC have recorded four wins, two loses and a draw to take the third spot in the league with 14 points.- Bernama, April 10, 2021.

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