KUCHING: PFA Odin Under-16’s 2-1 win over SMK Sri Matang in the Petronas Youth Football Closed Tournament 2024 showcased not only their tactical brilliance but also their resilience in overcoming numerous challenges.
Head Coach Awang Jobli Awang Bidin, speaking after the match, credited the team’s success to careful planning and preparation, despite facing significant challenges along the way.
“For me, everything was simple. We planned how we wanted to play and how to execute our strategy.
“The key to our success was confidence in the players and the game plan.
“We pressed hard from the start, made sure we didn’t give our opponents any chances, and it was something we had already trained for,” said Awang.
While the team’s performance on the field was exemplary, Awang highlighted the struggles they faced off the field, particularly the lack of a dedicated training ground for PFA Odin.
“We only had two weeks of training, and we had to rent pitches for practice. Right now, we don’t have our own field for regular training, which makes things difficult.
“We’ve been training in Samarahan, DBKU Kuching, and various other locations to get the players the exposure they need.
“It’s not easy, but the players have embraced it and have grown tremendously from the experience,” he told Sarawak Tribune at the Sarawak State Stadium on Saturday (Nov 16).
Despite the challenges, PFA Odin’s players have shown exceptional discipline and technical skill, particularly in their seamless passing game and fluid attacking play.
“We’ve had a lot of exposure, and when you see other teams perform, it gives you the belief that you can do the same.
“But not everyone has that same level of exposure,” said Awang, proud of his team’s development despite the limitations.
Looking ahead, Awang remains focused on the future and the continued development of his players.
“Next, we’re focusing on futsal. From December 12-15, we’ll be in Bintulu for another challenge,” he revealed.
