Opportunity: Kedah’s Mohd Syafiq Ahmad attempting to score against Terengganu during the Super League match. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Despite being owed seven months’ wages, Kedah players have decided to stand by their club and play for their future.
That was the assurance given by their captain and winger Sony Norde after they beat Terengganu 1-0 in the Super League at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar on Saturday.
Brazilian centreback Cleylton dos Santos scored the winner in the 45th minute. Kedah moved to ninth with 12 points, while Terengganu remained third with 17.
In the post-match press conference, Norde, who hails from Haiti, said the boys entertained thoughts of boycotts but decided to play on for their future, with the hope that the management would find a way to settle their dues.
“Everyone knows about our situation. We spoke before about the plan to boycott some training sessions, to see if we can put some pressure on the management,” said the 35-year-old.
“But we are aware that the management is working hard to ease the financial problem.
“Unfortunately, they are struggling on that front and can’t get anything.
“We had a conversation among the players and staff, we are playing for the future, for our tomorrow.
“We called ourselves to give our all in training and matches without expecting anything from the management.
“That is why you saw everyone giving their best against Terengganu and achieving their plans we made the whole week for this match.
“Kedah are a big side, not like any smaller club. Now we are ninth, but Kedah are always top four, top three.”
Despite the financial problems, Norde said the players respect him and always listened to his orders.
“We are playing for ourselves and not forgetting our coach (Nafuzi Zain), to me, he too, doesn’t deserve to be in such a predicament. Him, the kitman, his coaching staff and the ball boys, we are in this together.
“We are not losing hope. To be honest, yes, this is the hardest situation I have faced since being a professional player.”
