YANGON (6 Sept 2011) – The persistent rain might yet be the main decisive factor which could well decide the outcome of this year’s AFF Under-19 Championship here in Yangon, Myanmar.
For the past week, rain has been a constant feature of the city of Yangon where the evening rain has affected the quality of the pitch at the Youth Training Centre – the venue of the championship.
An inspection this evening of the pitch condition saw grounds men working hard to repair and maintain the field of play, raising concerns that with two games being played every day in a tournament which will start in two days, the rain might not only affect the quality of play but also the continued playability of the field.
U Tin Aung, the general secretary of the Myanmar Football Federation (MFF) said that they have prepared for every eventuality.
“Whatever is decided by the match officials, we are ready to comply,” said Tin Aung.
“We have provided five grounds men to work on the pitch for the last several days and this work are continuing. If the match officials feel that the ground is not good enough after the first day then we can alternatively use the Aung San Stadium.
“Anyway, we are going to use the Aung San Stadium for the simultaneous kick-off on the last group match day, so we are prepared.”
The team managers’ meeting will be held tomorrow afternoon at the Yangon Stadium.
This year’s championship will see ten teams taking part with the AFF lauding the return of Brunei back into the fold with the AFF U19 Championship here in Yangon being their first competitive tournament since FIFA lifted their suspension earlier this year.
