PETALING JAYA – The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is poised to kickstart its National Training Centre (NTC) project as early as June, signalling a renewed commitment to its long-standing development goals.
Speaking exclusively to Scoop, FAM president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin indicated that efforts were underway to address the delays that had plagued the project over the past five years.
The NTC project, with an estimated total cost of RM65 million, will be executed in two phases.
The first phase, backed by a RM21 million allocation from FIFA, is slated to commence in June and expected to be completed within a two-year time frame.
Phase two will see the establishment of a covered training centre, gymnasium and training facilities, with the anticipated commencement by late next year.
“We anticipate that the project, which has been replaced due to this issue, will begin in perhaps a month or two, after obtaining approval from various parties, as well as FIFA’s approval and (after) all contracts and tenders have been signed.
“The pitches at the NTC will also be equipped with Bermuda, Zeon Zoysia and hybrid grass, with seating capacity for 500 to 1,000 spectators at a time.
“The funding provided by the Youth and Sports Ministry through Hannah Yeoh, amounting to RM45 million for phase two, will be managed by the Public Works Department,” said Hamidin.
The NTC was initially an integral component of the Sultan Ahmad Shah Soccer City development, launched in 2019, spanning 42.43ac in Putrajaya’s Presint 5, which also included the construction of a 10,000-seat football stadium, an AFC headquarters and an AFF headquarters. – May 11, 2024