Arif keeps raising the bar for himself

New Straits Times

27-04-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: For many footballers, scoring in a Malaysia Cup final and being named Man of the Match would be the perfect way to cap a long season, but for Johor Darul Ta'zim's (JDT) Arif Aiman Hanapi, there is no time to rest on his laurels.
On Saturday, the 23-year-old winger delivered once again for the Southern Tigers, helping them come from behind to beat Sri Pahang 2-1 and secure a historic triple quadruple at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
After his decisive role, Arif believes he still has much more to give.
"This match was tough, Sri Pahang gave us a hard time. Even though we were one goal down, we stayed serious, we kept playing hard because we believed the goals would come.
"It was not just me, we are one team, and we all worked hard to get that second goal because we wanted to win tonight," said the Kuantan-born player.
Though Arif has won everything that is to be won in Malaysian football, he feels that he needs to keep improving.
"Honestly, I do not feel satisfied with myself. As a footballer, my career is short. We do not know how long we will play, so at this age, I need to work hard.
"I need to forget about my personal life and focus on my career, to build it, for however long I can.
"I have to keep going, I have to keep becoming better. That is it. Sometimes people ask me the same question, and I will keep trying until I succeed. If I fail 10 times, I will try 10 times."
Arif, who scored JDT's second goal in the final after Bergson da Silva had equalised from the penalty spot (54th minute), shared that he had kept his teammates motivated at half-time, even when they were trailing.
"I told them during the break that we had chances to score. We needed to believe.
"Tonight was tough for us. It has been a long season, full of ups and downs, but we gave our best in every match," he said.
As Harimau Malaya prepare for their next competition in June, Arif hinted that there will be little rest.
"I will prepare as best as I can for the next game in June (Malaysia vs Vietnam Asian Cup qualifier on June 10).
Asked about his future with JDT, Arif said he remains committed to the club, but left the door open to whatever lies ahead.
"I do not know what will happen, but whatever it is, I know JDT will keep growing because JDT is a big club. I will always be ready to help."
Arif made history when he became the first player to be crowned Most Valuable Player (MVP) for four consecutive years at the recent National Football Awards.
He scored 18 goals and made 15 assists this season in 41 games.