Canaries with clipped wings: Kedah’s Mohd Danial Tarmizi (right) vying for the ball with Negri Sembilan’s Mohd Ikhwan Yazek during their Super League match on Feb 26. Inset: Kedah coach Victor Andrag. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: It cannot get worse than this for a coach in the Super League.
With Kedah struggling to settle nine months of their players’ salary arrears, team boss Victor Andrag has even had to pay for his charges’ meals at times to lighten their burden.
Victor said that he is also unable to prepare his players well for matches as they are not even showing up for training due to financial problems.
“’It has got so bad that sometimes, I even have to pay for their meals. No coach would have expected this kind of situation. But we have to face it and not run away,” said Victor, who was the captain of Kedah’s double treble-winning team in 2006 and 2007.
“The club have serious money issues and the frustrated players are not coming for training.
“On match day, it’s hard to get a full squad because I can’t force players to come as we know what they are going through. But I really appreciate those who still turn up to play.”
Victor said it is a big challenge to motivate the players to carry on performing under such circumstances.
Kedah coach Victor Andrag. — Bernama“Fortunately, my bond with the players is still strong. We try to help each other as much as possible, and we know the management is working hard to solve the financial crisis.”
Kedah recently lost to Negri Sembilan 0-2 in the Super League, which saw them drop to 10th spot with 20 points from 18 matches.
Their next game will be against Kuala Lumpur at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar on March 7.
