PETALING JAYA: The National Stadium pitch in Bukit Jalil is still not perfect.
And national head coach Kim Pan-gon is not amused, especially when he is preparing his team for their all-important World Cup 2026-Asian Cup 2027 second-round qualifiers clash against Oman in Group D.
The centralised training camp started yesterday ahead of Harimau Malaya match against Oman in Muscat on March 21 and in Bukit Jalil on March 26.
Pan-gon said he was unhappy with the pitch when he visited the stadium on Thursday as it was in poor condition.
“The situation was not good when I saw the field, it was not up to the standard. I was very disappointed,” said the South Korean.
He however, has been given the assurance by the Stadium Board (PSM) consultants that it would be ready by March 26.
“The technician told me not be worried as the game would not be held today (yesterday).
“He said they have two weeks before the game and promised it would be good by March 26. So, I trust them.”
The issue of a damaged field surface was previously a hot topic after the UK band, Coldplay concert last Nov 22, which marred the pitch for smooth proceedings of the 2023 Malaysia Cup final and there were more concerns following the recent concert by Ed Sheeran.
The pitch isn’t the only worry for Pan-gon.
With the league only starting in May and only a small number of teams starting pre-season, he is concerned with the players lack of fitness.
“The World Cup qualification is the most important campaign for us, even more important than the Asian Cup. We are top of the group and have six points. Now we will face a side that’s ranked higher than us,” said Pan-gon.
“If we can’t overcome the two games against them, we do not deserve to be among the best 18 in Asia.
“The players need to play every week. But for five months, no matches. It’s not ideal at all. Physically we are behind.
“We have to deal with the time difference as well when we play in Muscat.
“But this is the situation. We will stay positive and motivate the boys.
Only two-thirds of the 33-member squad reported for centralised camp at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya, with the rest only joining in on March 15 but Pan-gon still thanked the clubs for releasing the players.
“To gain match fitness, we have a closed-door friendly against Nepal on March 15.”
