Why must other Malaysian clubs pay the price for JDT, Kuching City?
KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu coach Nafuzi Zain joined the growing chorus of criticism over the hectic domestic schedule after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Star City FC in Saturday’s Super League match in Kangar.
Terengganu coach Nafuzi Zain joined a growing chorus of criticism over the intense domestic football schedule after his side drew 1-1 with Star City FC. Selangor coach Kim Pan Gon also criticized the league's recent schedule, prompting a weak response from the Malaysian Football League (MFL). Nafuzi admitted fatigue and travel had hindered his team's performance, noting that his players were tired and their capability was compromised.
However, two of his key players, Gervane Kastaneer and Danial Amier, are injured and unavailable for the upcoming FA Cup match. The MFL has cited a packed FIFA window, AFC competitions, and the Asean Club Championship as reasons for the congested schedule, but many feel that MFL's planning revolves heavily around accommodating Johor Darul Ta zim (JDT) and Kuching City.
This approach forces the entire domestic league into compressed, midweek-weekend-midweek cycles, unlike neighboring countries like Thailand and Indonesia, which have more sensible recovery buffers and computerized schedule frameworks. Malaysia's clubs, even those without Asian travel obligations, still face Sunday-Wednesday-Saturday slates, leading to muscular injuries and late-night bus journeys.
The MFL's explanations for its congested calendar are becoming increasingly questionable as clubs like Terengganu and Selangor struggle with player fatigue.
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