It’s mind over matter as Kim deals with match fitness issues

Gimme your love: Kim Pan-gon (right) wants to get full support from the fans for the World Cup 2026-Asian Cup 2027 second-round qualifiers against Oman in Muscat on March 21 and in Bukit Jalil. — FAM

PETALING JAYA: National football team coach Kim Pan-gon is adopting a mind-over-matter approach as he faces an uphill task to get his players match fit in time for their World Cup 2026-Asian Cup 2027 second-round qualifiers against Oman in Muscat on March 21 and in Bukit Jalil (March 26).

With the league season only starting in May and only a few national players being fully fit for action, most notably Buriram United centreback Dion Cools thanks to his exploits in the Thai League, Pan-gon is focusing on boosting his team’s mental strength and motivation.