PETALING JAYA: Penang have finally reignited their Super League campaign with a long-awaited first win of the season and coach Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail believes it could be the spark his team needed to turn things around.
Under pressure after going winless in their first five league games, the Panthers roared back to life with a 2-1 win over Negri Sembilan on Oct 4, a result that lifted spirits both on and off the pitch.
Now, they are motivated to give another fiery show when they face defending FA Cup champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the first leg of the quarter-finals at the City Stadium in Georgetown on Friday.
Despite the daunting task, Rohaimi remains upbeat about his team’s progress and togetherness.
“I’m with the players every day, and I can see that this team can go far. We just need a bit more time to start earning wins on the trot,” he said.
“For me, the players’ commitment on the field is incredible. They fight for the team. Not a single player is playing for himself – everyone is playing for Penang.”
Rohaimi also urged fans to rally behind the team as they look to maintain their newfound momentum.
“We need to maintain consistency from now on, and to all Penang fans, you can start coming back to the stadium.
“I believe Penang will continue to build momentum and achieve more positive results, God willing. We’ll need everyone’s support for the next match.”
Off the field, the team have been working just as hard to strengthen their chemistry.
In a lighthearted team-building session, players and staff swapped football boots for badminton racquets – with the club’s foreign players getting a first-hand taste of Malaysia’s beloved pastime.
That fun-filled session, Rohaimi said, was all about unity - something he believes will be key when they face the might of JDT.
