ISKANDAR PUTERI: Kuala Lumpur Rovers (KL Rovers) head coach Wan Mustaffa Wan Ismail hopes that the welfare of players in terms of salary payment and training will be a priority in everything that happens involving a club. He said clubs should emulate Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) which always prioritises its players.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wan Mustaffa expressed his views at a press conference following the Malaysia Cup round of 16 match between KL Rovers and JDT. He emphasized the significance of responsible management and the necessity for players to receive proper training and timely salaries. “My hope (if) there is a new management or sponsorship, I feel it is better and the most important thing is that we have to emulate JDT who always prioritises players,” he stated.

He elaborated on the importance of player welfare, noting that players are indispensable to the existence of clubs. “It is not just (management) to take over and take positions, but we want the main thing for them to be responsible
and the players to be given priority in terms of training, commensurate salary and on time,” he added. Wan Mustaffa’s comments came in response to questions regarding rumours of potential buyers for the club.

The media reported that KL Rovers is set to be sold for RM3.5 million, with both local and foreign companies showing interest in acquiring the club. Financial issues have been speculated as a factor affecting club operations, including the venue change for the Malaysia Cup match. However, Wan Mustaffa indicated that other factors influenced these decisions.

The match, initially scheduled at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium, Cheras, was moved to the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, where JDT defeated KL Rovers 3-0. The return match is also set to take place at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on November 30.