Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) has pledged RM120,000 in sponsorship to Penang FC for the 2025/2026 Malaysian Super League season, marking its second consecutive year of supporting the island’s professional football club.
The sponsorship will primarily be used for club operations, with allocations for football clinics, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and environmental programmes.
PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng expressed his enthusiasm for the continued partnership:
“We are happy to support Penang FC once again and wish the team all the best for the upcoming season,” he said during a brief media conference in Komtar today.
Also present at the sponsorship event was Penang FC general manager Jeffrey Chew Gim Eam.
With just under a month to go before the start of the new Malaysian Super League season, Penang FC’s preparations are well underway.
Head coach Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail said the team is on track with its pre-season work.
“This is our sixth week of preparations, and I can say we are on the right path to be competitive this season.
“We have about three more weeks to finalise preparations so we do not repeat the performances of previous seasons,” he said earlier.
Wan revealed that 80% of the squad is made up of new players, many with significant experience.
“Although we have had challenges integrating the team, the players are showing strong chemistry during training and friendlies.
“Our target for the new season is to finish in the Top 7,” he added.
Penang currently has seven imported players and is eyeing one more before the transfer window closes at the end of August.
State Youth, Sports, and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi highlighted the calibre of players now with the club.
“This Penang FC squad has a lot of experienced players.
“For instance, we have Stefano Brundo, who previously played for Pahang, Wan Zack Haikal, a fan favourite, and Dylan Wenzel-Halls, who has won the Asian Champions League with his former team in Australia.
“These experienced players show professionalism and excellent work ethic, which will further strengthen the squad,” he explained.
He also revealed that Penang is in discussions with a major foreign investor and emphasised the importance of long-term commitment.
“We are attracting a huge investor from abroad.
“Let’s see how far this goes. We are taking detailed measures to ensure sponsors can commit and not sway away. We cannot allow unserious commitments to disrupt Penang FC’s management or its players,” Gooi emphasised.
Gooi further mentioned that the Malaysian Football League (MFL) has introduced Financial Fair Play (FFP) measures to ensure clubs manage their finances responsibly:
“Audits have already been conducted for all Super League teams to ensure smooth operations, particularly with regard to salary payments and financial performance,” he said.
Penang FC will kick off its 2025/2026 Malaysian Super League campaign on Aug 10, hosting Terengganu FC at the City Stadium in Datuk Keramat. Kick-off is set for 9pm.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat