KUALA LUMPUR – Polis Diraja Malaysia FC (PDRM FC) head coach P. Maniam believes that his players’ fitness levels will be the deciding factor in his team’s run this season in the Malaysia Super League.
The 55-year-old experienced coach, who came on board to replace Datuk Yunus Alif, is aiming for a top-five finish in the league, which includes powerhouse clubs such as Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), Selangor FC, Terengganu FC, and Kedah FC.
In their sixth appearance in the top-tier Malaysian football league, PDRM FC finished in eighth place last season with 37 points, narrowly missing out on the 2024/25 Asean Club Championship group stage (AFF Shopee Cup) by just one point behind Kuala Lumpur City FC, which finished seventh with 38 points.
To strengthen their team for this season’s Super League campaign, PDRM FC signed three foreign players – Chidi Osuchukwu and Faith Obilor from Nigeria, and Mario Arques from Spain.
Speaking to Scoop, Maniam said that he will not compromise on his players’ fitness levels, highlighting the increased competitiveness of the Super League in recent years.
“Fitness is going to be a decisive factor in our league performance. I may sound like an old-school coach, but for me, fitness is non-negotiable.
“Regardless of a player’s status, superstar or not, maintaining peak fitness is essential. I won’t think twice to drop players who neglect this aspect.
“The Super League has become much more competitive with numerous teams fielding foreign players.
“To compete, our players must be in top shape. Drawing from my experience at Petaling Jaya City FC, I’m committed to ensuring our players reach their peak fitness levels at PDRM FC,” he said when contacted.
Throughout his 19-year coaching career, Maniam has coached various age levels of Selangor FC, including the under-19, under-21, and senior teams.
He has also coached PJ City in the Super League until its disbandment in 2022, and Harini FC in the M3 League.
Additionally, he has experience coaching the national under-16 team from 2019 to 2020.
Notable players developed by Maniam during his career include Syahmi Safari (JDT), V. Ruventhiran (Selangor FC), Darren Lok (Sabah FC), and Mahalli Jasuli (Negri Sembilan FC).
Maniam, a former national player and Selangor FC player in the 1990s, holds a Pro Diploma license from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the highest coaching qualification in Asia, equivalent to UEFA’s pro licence. – April 8, 2024