PETALING JAYA: The Kedah football team have received a much needed Raya boost ahead of their Super League clash with Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar today.
On Tuesday, a contribution of about RM200,000 was given to players and staff from the Kedah Football Players’ Aidilfitri Fund to lighten their financial burden.
The players also received food from fans during training sessions in the past few days.
Kedah captain wingback Ariff Farhan (pic) said he was so thankful for the help that came at the most auspicious time as he and his teammates have been struggling due to salary arrears for almost 10 months.
“The help from these kind souls has lifted the mood in our camp. We can’t thank them enough and we must repay them,” said Ariff, who has been with the Canaries since 2021.
“After training sessions at night, the fans also brought us some food. It really lifted our spirits and we’re so touched by their kindness.’’
Kedah have been mired in a financial crisis which has worsened to the point where the players and officials may have to deal with salary arrears for up to a year. They are currently 11th in the Super League standings.
Ariff said that they would use the financial help and the fans’ support as motivation to get a good result against champions JDT.
‘‘We’re ready to give our all for the fans, and I promise we will not go down easily to the champions.’’
Ariff added that he believes that the management will eventually resolve the financial crisis and the players will remain professionals on the field.
“I understand the situation faced by the management. It’s not easy to transition to privatisation but the players are aware that the management are working hard to look for funds.
“They are there for us and they’re not running away from the problem.’’
