Panthers hungry for action

T H E coach for the Academy Mokhtar Dahari (AMD) squad, the Under-14 Malaysia Panthers, has stressed that his boys are ready than ever for their first taste of action in the 2017 Supermokh Cup where they will take on Thai club Buriram United today.

Coach Khushairi Abdul Wahab said all the preparations, including the physical and mental aspects, have been worked on. And the players are itching for action to show what they are truly capable of on the field.

He stressed that victory in their first match is very important for the team so that they are motivated and able to perform throughout the tournament which will get tougher as it progresses.

“We have done all we can in terms of preparations for this tournament and I hope the players can avoid crumbling or faltering under pressure.

“Having a winning mentality is what’s most important. I do not want the players to forget the essentials of the game, and to play according to the DNA set by the NFDP (National Football Development Programme).

“I am confident the players will not be intimidated by the opposition teams who might have big names among their ranks,” he said yesterday.

Apart from Buriram United, Khushairi’s charges will also face French club Paris Saint Germain (PSG), and Urawa Red Diamonds from Japan in Group A.

The tournament is in its fourth edition with six teams from Malaysia taking part, with the matches kicking off today.

Apart from PSG, another big club taking part in the tournament are English giants Arsenal who have a team in the Under-14 category. Zulfaizan Mansor