NO EXCUSES

The competition venue is one of the most crucial elements for a futsal team. As our ‘home’ was picked to serve as a Covid-19 Center, we didn’t  have a home nor a training ground for some time.  It was the start of the year which set us heavy in coordinating our training.

We competed in the Malaysia Premier Futsal League (MPFL) at the Panasonic Stadium, Shah Alam most weekends from January to March. It wasn’t an ideal arrangement for our players. However, it was certainly a blessing to be able to prove that we were able to overcome the challenges that were thrown our way albeit slowly and grudgingly at times.

Come May, we received news that Kompleks Sukan Sukpa, Indera Mahkota was handed back to Majlis Bandaraya Kuantan (MBK) by Majlis Keselamatan Negara. Certainly it was the light at the end of the tunnel we were waiting for as it was just in time for us to utilise the stadium to prepare for the Malaysia Futsal Cup (MFC).

As they say, there is satisfaction in every struggle. We made Sukpa possible for our first MFC match against Terengganu. It was far from perfect with lighting and facility problems, but we managed to overcome those in our second match at Sukpa for the match against Pulau Pinang. It was mind blowing to welcome the crowd of 2000 plus at Sukpa for a futsal match. We knew then that we had fulfilled the vision of YAM Tengku Arif Temenggong Tengku Fahad Mua'adzam Shah to raise the value and interest in futsal in Pahang. We thank YHM Dato' Setia Pahlawan Tengku Dato' Indera Aidy Ahmad Shah for his persistence and  in lending his presence the whole week ensuring Sukpa was fit for the Semi Final. 

Throughout the MFC campaign, it was home and away. It was amazing to be able to play a competition at home and away, with a reasonable chance for the team to train and travel. However, it was different for the finals. We played only once, and had that only one chance for us to showcase our team. We bid for the final, as it was an open bid. Unfortunately Sukpa was not the venue chosen by Football Association Malaysia (FAM). We understand the reason behind the decision especially as most of the final competition teams are based in Kuala Lumpur. 

Everyone we know wanted to be there for the finals. Being physically present, one gets a stadium experience and atmosphere that  is far greater than watching the game online from a distance. If Sukpa with a 3000-spectator-capacity did not meet the requirement, what made the Panasonic Stadium with an 800-spectator-capacity qualify? We are still searching for the answer.

Moving forward, we look forward to working together with FAM and other teams for a neutral ground, perhaps for finals, or a fair home and away concept. This will not just raise the value of futsal that is already growing in demand, but also for potential sponsors to be able to get the whole picture of how valuable futsal is. On the other hand, if we look at the blessings of a smaller venue such as the Panasonic Stadium, perhaps we shall get higher ratings on live television which is also crucial for every team's sustainability.

It is true that we had issues, but we are also prepared to find solutions to the problems. There is still so much to be said and done (of course more done than said!). We thank you for your love and support. We are proud of our team and the progress will not stop here. We shall keep improving and striving to become better. We hope that you'll continue to be by our side. Together we can only become stronger and be proud of Pahang Rangers, the heart of futsal! 

All pictures belong to PRFC and the photographers are 93pluse / slipphoto