BJSS coach Mohd Haris has one month to prepare team for MOE League

BUKIT Jalil Sports School (BJSS) Under-13 football coach Mohd Haris Lajid has one month to prepare his team for the Ministry of Education (MOE) Football League. Mohd Haris said the players were the new intakes for the year and would be playing in the Under-14 age group.

“They reported to the school last month and we started training in mid-January. We are in the midst of going through the physical training programme as well as some friendly matches,’’ said Mohd Haris.

A total of 25 players were called up by the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) to join BJSS. The players were selected based on their performances in last year’s MSSM Under-12 competition. Some of the players had represented Malaysia in the Saitama Cup in Japan and Appso Championship in Jakarta. However, only 21 reported at BJSS and are currently in Form One. Mohd Haris said the players were currently undergoing training twice a day.

“In fact, we also have training sessions on weekends. Our concentration is on physical training as well as basic skills. Technically, they are not up to the mark yet. But they are showing a lot of enthusiasm in training. They are prepared to go the extra mile in training. “These are some of the positive qualities the players have shown in the last one month,’’ said Mohd Haris. Last week, the team took part in an Under-15 competition in Sabak Bernam where BJSS finished as runners-up.

Mohd Haris said it was a good performance from the players. “They were playing against older players. Making the final was a good sign. Then, we played a friendly against a team from Selangor and it was a valuable experience,’’ said Mohd Haris. The MOE Football League is expected to kick off in April. By then, Mohd Haris believes he would have a strong side to face the challenges in the league.

As a run-up to the league, Mohd Haris has plans to have more friendly matches. As for the league, he hopes to see the players gain valuable exposure. “The league will also give us the opportunity to evaluate the players. The players cannot take their places in BJSS for granted. Their discipline, commitment and attitude on and off the field will determine their future. “The parents are also aware of our expectations. We have briefed them when the players came for an orientation programme,’’ said Mohd Haris.