Sathia’s men await full training as none of them are overweight
PETALING JAYA: Coach B. Sathianathan is keeping his fingers crossed that Selangor will get the nod to have full football training soon.
The Red Giants had their first training session at their SUK ground in Shah Alam yesterday, after three months of non-footballing activities due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
All the players turned up except for midfielder Mohd Khyril Muhymeen Zambri whose wife gave birth.
Sathia said the Malaysian Football League gave the Red Giants the green light to train on June 17 but he chose to delay it.
“We actually got our approval to train earlier but I wanted to gauge the players’ condition first before we come up with a training plan,” said the former national team coach.
“We had several tests done and the good news is none of the players are overweight.
“We also divided them into three groups based on their fitness level. We will now build up their endurance for the next two to three weeks.
“Then we need to train with full contact for a minimum of three weeks before we start playing competitively.
“I really hope the government will allow full contact training soon.”
The 62-year-old has welcomed back his injured players – midfield dynamo S. Sarkuna, nippy wingers
Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor, Mohd Syazwan Zainon, midfielder Abdul Halim Saari and Spanish striker Rufino Segovia.
Sathia said although he finally has a full squad, he needs to get them ready competitively and for that, he needs friendly matches.
“Everyone is eager to play as they are bored after being at home for the past three months,” added Sathia.
“Overall everything is fine, we will start training with balls on
Wednesday.
“We need to do things in stages and being well prepared is important for us to make an impact when the M-League restarts.”
The Super League is expected to resume on Sept 1.