JOHOR BARU (1 Jan 2015) – Hours after ushering in 2015, the Johor FA added yet another feather to its cap with another first in Malaysian football by laying the groundwork for a purpose-built indoor training pitch – giving the “Southern Tigers” a pleasant new year present.
Johor FA president HRH Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, the Crown Prince of Johor, officiated the ground breaking ceremony for the training pitch at Sri Gelam here today.
It is another shot in the arm for football in Johor after Johor DarulTakzim (JDT), known as the Southern Tigers, won the 2014 Super League title. JDT also finished runners-up in the prestigious Malaysia Cup, while in the FA Cup, JDT reached the semi-finals.
The indoor training pitch is fully sponsored by Iskandar Waterfront HoldingsSdn Bhd (IWH) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. IWH is also one of the major sponsors of Johor FA.
The FIFA approved standard sized football pitch comes with the latest state-of-the-art design and facilities which will take the game to a higher level, not only in Johor but also in the country.
The training pitch comes with design and facilities built according to FIFA requirements. The indoor facility will enable players to train and hone their skills come rain or shine. Also to be added will be a Medical Centre for “recuperation and rehabilitation” of players from injuries.
Other facilities to be added will be a Medical Centre for “recuperation and rehabilitation” of players from injuries.
This project is another “pit stop”for HRH Tunku Ismail on a journey that began two years ago to turn Johor into a power house in the game not only in the country but also in the Asian region. He firmly believes that the millions he has invested will reap dividends.
“You need to have the best infrastructure and facilities to thrive in this game. Success does not come overnight, but the transformation taking place in Johor football is on the right track to bring the desired results,” said HRH Tunku Ismail sharing on the future of Johor Football Association.
“You need to invest millions to get the best and it is my dream to make Johor the best football team in terms of professionalism and management. You need to spend on players who in turn need the best facilities to get the best out of them.
“Johor is taking the lead to develop the facilities and infrastructure which complies with international standards for the development of the game. It is not only for Johor but it will also benefit the country and take the game to greater heights in the long run.”
IWH group executive director Lim Chen Herng, who is also a newly appointed Johor Football Association executive council member, said the training pitch will be the pride of the rakyatin Johor as it is the first of its kind in the country.
“Football is the number one sport in the country. Football is also very big in Johor under the leadership of HRH Tunku Ismail. There is so much pride and passion in the players, the fans and supporters of the team,” noted Chen Herng.
“IWH is proud to do this for the community as part of our CSR initiative as Johoreans are proud of their football team. More importantly, football has brought the rakyat together.
“The massive crowds seen at the stadium for matches and even at training grounds shows how united Johoreans are. IWH is very happy to contribute towards this worthy cause,” he added.
JDT could give themselves an early cheer when they take on FA Cup champions Pahang in the Charity Shield. The M-League curtain raiser will be played at Larkin Stadium on Jan 31. JDT will also get a crack at the AFC Cup in 2015.
