Arif Aiman Pledges To Stay With JDT
The 2024-2025 National Football Awards (ABK) Most Valuable Player (MVP) said he still needs to work hard to become a higher quality player to help the Southern Tigers face greater challenges in the future.
"My challenges in Malaysia or in JDT are enormous. But it's not easy for me to stay in JDT forever and I need to work harder to keep my position.
bootstrap slideshow
"Maybe the supporters or the media like to say there are offers from outside (clubs). But as a player, I know how difficult it is for clubs from outside to find players in Malaysia. I think I will stay at JDT forever,' he said.
He said this when met after the ABK 20242-2025 ceremony here, last night.
Yesterday, Arif Aiman made history when he became the first player to be named MVP for the fourth consecutive time in ABK 2024-2025.
The success put the national player in a class of his own when he surpassed the achievements of former national striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha who won a hat-trick in the 2010 to 2012 seasons.
The 22-year-old player also dominated three other categories, namely the Best Midfielder, the Best Goal of the Malaysia League (M-League) 2024-2025 and also the Fans XI (Forward).
Arif Aiman continued to make the Malaysia League this season a stage for him to demonstrate his prowess by scoring 12 goals and 13 'assists' to help the Southern Tigers lift the Super League, Charity Shield and FA Cup and advance to the Malaysia Cup final against Sri Pahang FC at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, this Saturday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
KL City dominate Immigration FC 3-0 in Super League opener
KUALA Lumpur City FC kicked off their 2025/2026 Super League campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over debutants Immigration FC. The match took place at the State Stadium in Batu Kawan, Penang, where KL City showcased their dominance early. An own goal by Immigration FC defender Mohd Rizal Mohd Ghazali in the 30th minute gave KL City the lead. Immigration FC nearly equalised but were denied by the crossbar after Rafael Holstein's long-range effort in the 34th minute. KL City doubled their advantage in the 56th minute through Muhammad Safawi Rasid's header from Manuel Hidalgo's free-kick. Goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad preserved the clean sheet with a crucial penalty save against Joao Pedro in the 71st minute. Immigration FC's struggles worsened when Hidalgo converted a penalty in the 83rd minute after a foul on Zhafri Yahya. Holstein missed a late penalty for the hosts, hitting the crossbar in stoppage time to seal their defeat. The result leaves Immigration FC with a tough start to their first-ever Super League season.
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
No stopping Arif's ascent as JDT winger keeps raising the bar
Arif Aiman Hanapi (centre) reacts after being challenged by two Buriram players during their encounter at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium. - Photo by JDT FC PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) hotshot Arif Aiman Hanapi sets the bar higher for himself every season and in Friday's Charity Shield match, he showed exactly just why. With a goal and a performance full of intent, the 23-year-old winger helped the Southern Tigers seal a commanding 3-0 victory over Selangor, marking a perfect start to life under new coach Xisco Munoz. "Every new season, I always aspire to do even better. It is important," said Arif, reflecting on his mindset before the game. "The new boys have really helped us. We are getting stronger every season. I have to work hard to keep my spot." That hard work was evident from the first whistle. Operating in the free role Munoz entrusted him with, Arif constantly probed Selangor's backline, drifting into pockets of space and linking up seamlessly with his teammates. His moment came in the 72nd minute, latching onto a clever pass before coolly slotting past the keeper to triple JDT's lead. "Before the season started, I prepared a lot to ensure I get better. The coach gave me a free role and gave me lots of details to ensure our plays are better." Some might have thought he was struggling to adapt to the new system because he was quiet in the first half but Arif dismissed that notion with calm confidence. "You may think I am struggling, but I am not. I didn't see myself struggling because in football, you have lots of situations and moments to take on." JDT's dominant display not only secured silverware but also hinted at the evolving tactical identity under Munoz. For Arif , it's about embracing the journey with all its highs and lows. "You will have the trials and tribulations, easy moments as well but I do not give up. Every game, you just do your best and show you're made of sterner stuff." If the Charity Shield was the opening statement of the season, Arif has made it clear. He is ready to reach new heights and take JDT with him.
New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Arif Aiman vows to fight for his place in JDT starting XI
KUALA LUMPUR: The arrival of new signings at Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) this season has spurred winger Arif Aiman Hanapi to work even harder to secure his spot in the starting XI. The fleet-footed Southern Tigers star said the influx of foreign and heritage players has created healthy competition in training and given everyone the chance to lift their game. "Yes, now I have to work hard for my place. I have to fight with my teammates in training," said Arif Aiman. "I prepared seriously before the season started because every season is a new opportunity. I never treat it the same as the last. "Every new season is important. The arrival of new players has helped the team a lot and JDT are getting stronger and stronger." JDT claimed the Charity Shield for the 10th time after a 3-0 win over Selangor in the Charity Shield at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Friday. Arif Aiman was on target in the 72nd minute to complete a stylish victory for the Southern Tigers after debutant Jairo Da Silva struck in the second minute and Eddy Israfilov headed home in the 64th Arif Aiman admitted every player faces ups and downs but vowed never to give up, always giving his best on the pitch. He thanked coach Xisco Munoz for giving him freedom in training, and stressed the importance of personal preparation ahead of the league campaign. "In football there are times when you struggle and times when it's easy. But I'll keep learning and taking my chances, no matter whether the opponent is strong or weak," he said. Arif also believes Jairo brings a different dimension compared to his partnership with prolific forward Bergson da Silva. "Every player has their strengths and weaknesses. In pre-season we played a lot together, so I know how Jairo plays and he knows how I play. "With Bergson it's different, with Jairo it's different. Every minute in a match is different, and we adapt from there," he said.
