Arif hunts for more despite historic fourth MVP crown

New Straits Times

24-04-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: As Arif Aiman Hanapi continued to make Malaysian football history, the Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) star insists he is far from satisfied.
The 23-year-old winger became the first player to be crowned Most Valuable Player (MVP) for four consecutive years at the National Football Awards on Wednesday, but remains hungry for more.
"This is the highest honour for a local player in Malaysia, to win it four times in a row.
"But every year is a big challenge for me. I don't take it lightly, and I'm not satisfied with what I've achieved so far.
"My performance hasn't yet reached the level I want. Only I know how hard I've worked to reach this level, but I want even more. I still don't feel satisfied, I will give my best until I feel proud of myself," he said.
It has been a standout season for Arif, who scored 12 goals and contributed 13 assists to help JDT lift the Super League and FA Cup titles, and book a place in the Malaysia Cup final against Sri Pahang this Saturday.
"This success will drive me to end the season beautifully in the Malaysia Cup final," he added.
Despite a slow start to the season due to injury, Arif forced his way back into the Southern Tigers' starting 11. "This wasn't an easy year, I had a slow start because of injury, but I didn't give up.
Arif also bagged three other awards, Best Midfielder, Best Goal of the M-League, and was named in the Fans XI. It was his first time being named Best Midfielder, after winning Best Forward three times from 2021-2023.
As fans speculate on the rare Malaysian talent getting offers from abroad, Arif said: "My dream is to stay at JDT forever. But it's not easy to remain here, I have to work hard for it. I don't think there's any need to look elsewhere. I will stay a Southern Tiger, always."
Arif's teammate Bergson da Silva bagged the Super League Golden Boot with 32 goals, and was also crowned Best Import Player for the third time.
"Every match I give my all, and thanks to my teammates, I scored 32 goals. This motivates me to give my best in the Malaysia Cup final," said da Silva.
JDT's dominance extended across eight major categories at the awards, including Best Team, Best Goalkeeper (Ahmad Syihan Hazmi), and Best Defender (Feroz Baharudin).
But Kuching City's Aidil Sharin Sahak stunned many by winning the Best Coach award, guiding the club to a remarkable fourth-place Super League finish.
KL City's Paulo Josue claimed the Best Forward award with 17 goals. His teammate Haqimi Azim Rosli was named Best Young Player.
JDT II's Gabriel Nistelrooy Tamin won the MFL Cup Golden Boot and Best MFL Cup Player, while JDT's Boys of Straits were named Best Supporters. Terengganu retained the Fair Play Award.