PETALING JAYA: Selangor midfielder Brendan Gan believes that playing friendlies to prepare for the M-League resumption on Aug 26 is akin to killing two birds with one stone.
Firstly it will help teams gauge their performance and secondly players have to play in adherence to the standard operating procedure (SOP) set by the Malaysian Football League (MFL).
Some of the SOP are no hand shakes on the pitch, practising social distancing on the substitution bench, no sharing of personal items like water bottles and towels, avoid spitting and clearing their noses on the pitch.
Brendan who featured in his Super League team’s 4-1 win over Premier League side Penang at the Football Association of Selangor field on Wednesday, said a few more friendlies would make the team more familiar to playing under the new normal on the pitch.
“One of the objectives of the friendlies is for the players to learn the SOP before, during and after matches besides honing match preparations,” he said.
“Having coordinators at the friendly matches also ease our adapting process to the SOP.
“These officers were really thorough with their explanation.
“I was told everyone who’s at the stadium needs to follow the SOP although the matches are being played under closed doors.”
Meanwhile, Penang skipper Azmi Muslim said following the SOP is crucial for the survival of the M-League and players and teams need to follow accordingly.
He added that the SOP should not be seen as dampener of their fighting spirits and the game.
“I have seen the SOP used in several leagues in the world like the English Premier League and the Serie A. There’s plenty of awkwardness.
“No matter how awkward it’s going to be, we have to follow the SOP.
“The deadly virus is still around and it’s something which we can’t take lightly.”
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