Heritage players strengthen Harimau Malaya, says Arif Aiman
'The presence of heritage players has been a big help to the team from time to time,' he said. 'Mentality is key, and every player shares the same goal under one flag.'
Arif Aiman, speaking after being named ambassador for a leading sports brand, confirmed the team's full focus on the upcoming Tier 1 friendlies against Singapore and Palestine. Malaysia will face Singapore on Sept 4 and Palestine on Sept 8, matches that serve as warm-ups for the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers in October.
When asked about Malaysia's withdrawal from the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup, the Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) star declined to comment, stating, 'To me, I just focus on what's ahead. Preparation is important.' - Bernama
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The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Spain stint spurs winger Arif to take on bigger responsibilities
JDT's Arif Aiman (left) control the ball from Sri Pahang's Muhamad Baquidin during Malaysia Cup final match at National Stadium, Bukit Jalil. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star PETALING JAYA: National winger Arif Aiman Hanapi's time in Spain during the pre-season has prepared him to take on bigger responsibilities ahead of the new season. The 23-year-old, who was captain of Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) during the team's pre-season stint in Spain, said the time abroad has further motivated him ahead of the Super League season starting next month. "I'm honoured by the trust placed in me. Rather than taking it as pressure, I saw it as an opportunity for me to prove myself both as a player and leader," said Arif after being announced as sportswear brand Puma's newest ambassador yesterday. "I learned a lot from that experience." Arif said there is no rivalry between local-born and heritage players in the national squad. "The presence of heritage players has been a big help to the team from time to time," he said. Arif also said the players are fully focused on preparing for September's friendlies against Singapore and Palestine, and declined to comment on Malaysia's withdrawal from the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup. "It doesn't affect me, I'm just focused on what lies ahead. Preparation is important, even in a friendly game. We need to be fully prepared for our next matches regardless of who we play," he said. The Harimau Malaya will play friendly matches against Singapore on Sept 4 and Palestine on Sept 8.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Heritage players strengthen Harimau Malaya, says Arif Aiman
HARIMAU Malaya winger Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi dismissed any notion of rivalry between local-born and heritage players in the national squad, emphasizing unity as the team prepares for crucial friendlies in September. 'The presence of heritage players has been a big help to the team from time to time,' he said. 'Mentality is key, and every player shares the same goal under one flag.' Arif Aiman, speaking after being named ambassador for a leading sports brand, confirmed the team's full focus on the upcoming Tier 1 friendlies against Singapore and Palestine. Malaysia will face Singapore on Sept 4 and Palestine on Sept 8, matches that serve as warm-ups for the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers in October. When asked about Malaysia's withdrawal from the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup, the Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) star declined to comment, stating, 'To me, I just focus on what's ahead. Preparation is important.' - Bernama
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Arif Aiman ready for more responsibilities after Spanish stint
KUALA LUMPUR: Winger Arif Aiman Hanapi is ready to step up on all fronts this season, both for club and country, following a transformative pre-season stint in Spain. Appointed as Puma Football's latest ambassador today, the Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) star said the training camp in Europe had given him renewed belief. "The (M-League) season is about to start, and I've prepared intensely. I spent pre-season in Spain and gained a lot of experience and confidence from it," said the 22-year-old. "I learned a lot facing strong and competitive European teams. Preparation is always the key to my success, not just for every season, but for every moment ahead." Arif, who captained the JDT team in Spain, said the armband had only inspired him to grow further. "It was an honour, and I'm proud of the trust given to me. I didn't see it as pressure, but as an opportunity to showcase myself as a player and as a captain. I've learned a lot from it." On the presence of naturalised heritage players in the national team, Arif said: "The arrival of new players and heritage players helps me to become a better player. These are guys who've played in top leagues like Turkey and Portugal, and I'm learning from them." He also addressed the growing debate among fans over Harimau Malaya's recent withdrawal from the Central Asian Football Association Nations Cup in favour of friendlies against Singapore and Palestine on Sept 4 and 8 respectively. "As a player, I don't focus on the outside noise. I'm just concentrating on what's ahead of me now," he said.
