Latest news with #ArifAimanHanapi
The Star
9 minutes ago
- Sport
- 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
26-07-2025
- Sport
- 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.
New Straits Times
13-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
JDT hold La Liga side Levante to a draw
KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) continued their impressive preseason form in Spain by holding newly promoted La Liga side Levante UD to a goalless draw in a friendly on Saturday. The match, held at Levante's training centre in Bunol, saw the Segunda Division champions pile continuous pressure on the 11-time Super League champions. However, JDT, guided by Xisco Munoz, showed defensive steel throughout the match. Leading the JDT charge was Arif Aiman Hanapi, who showcased his trademark flair and agility, creating several chances and forcing the Levante defence to stay on high alert. The draw against Levante follows JDT's earlier 2-2 stalemate with English Championship side Cardiff City, reinforcing the Johor club's growing reputation as more than just a domestic powerhouse. The Southern Tigers will wrap up their Spanish tour with a final friendly against Valencia's reserve team, Valencia Mestalla, at the Camilo Cano Olympic Stadium tomorrow.
The Star
15-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
An A for courage
Valuable player: Winger Arif Aiman Hanapi (centre) has been a key figure not just for JDT but also in Malaysia's attacking unit and a role model for younger players. — Bernama PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) sensation Arif Aiman Hanapi may be Malaysia's most valuable footballer, but the gifted winger knows that status means little when it comes to earning a spot in the national team's starting eleven. With the recent influx of new heritage and homegrown talents under coach Peter Cklamovski, the 23-year-old, who has won the Malaysian Football League (MFL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for four consecutive times since 2021, has embraced the heightened competition not with fear, but with determination. 'The new players have really helped us,' said Arif. 'As for me, it looks like I have to keep competing to be better. I will fight to keep my spot in the first eleven. Wherever I am, that is the motto.' Arif's response reflects the evolving mindset in the Harimau Malaya camp, one that thrives on meritocracy and collective growth. Despite not finding the net in the recent matches, the JDT star still played a pivotal role, registering two assists and showcasing his trademark creativity and composure on the ball. 'As for my performance, maybe I didn't score but everything that you saw on the pitch was the result of teamwork.' Last season he scored 13 goals and provided 14 assists in 31 matches in domestic competitions, he has also made his mark in the AFC Champions League Elite where he netted five goals with two assists. Known for his dribbling flair and intelligence in the final third, Arif's humility and team-first mentality have made him a key figure not just for JDT but also in Malaysia's attacking unit and a role model for younger players. But he insists that the team must not rest on their laurels. 'This must continue. We now know what is needed to raise our standards. We must get better.' With a growing pool of talent and a player like Arif willing to raise his game further, Harimau Malaya look poised to make a real statement in the Asian football scene.
The Star
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Drawing the cheers
Getting intense: Malaysia's Arif Aiman Hanapi (centre) trying to get past two Cape Verde players at the Cheras Football Stadium. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: It was not a win but a performance filled with belief, grit, and glimpses of a new identity taking shape. Malaysia coach Peter Cklamovski was full of pride as Harimau Malaya battled to a 1-1 draw against world No. 72 Cape Verde at the Cheras Football Stadium on Thursday night. Despite trailing early and facing a side boasting several Europe-based talents, the Malaysians refused to bow. The hosts adapted and grew stronger as the game progressed. Cape Verde took the lead in the ninth minute through wingback Sidny Cabral, who rifled a powerful finish past the Malaysian defence. But the equaliser, when it came in the 79th minute via Paulo Josue, was well deserved, the result of sustained attacking pressure and smart substitutions from the touchline. For Cklamovski, it wasn't just about the result – it was about the process. 'I am proud of the professionalism, the mindset and the way the boys carried themselves,' said the Australian tactician, who previously coached FC Tokyo. 'We are building something. You could see the layers in our performance, the structure from defence to attack.' The match played in front of a lively home crowd, served as part one of a two-match series against Cape Verde with the return fixture set for June 3 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. While the draw was encouraging, Cklamovski is already focused on sharpening the team further. 'We played a very good opponent, with world-class players in their ranks,' he said. 'From a defensive standpoint, we were brave. We pressed, we took risks and we improved as the game went on. With the ball, there's still a lot to improve and we will bring that into the next match.' One of the biggest talking points was Cklamovski's starting 11, which featured seven local players - a bold and refreshing approach. Yet, for the coach, the talk of local, mixed heritage and naturalised players does not matter. 'Whether they play abroad or in the Super League, it doesn't matter. I choose the best squad available - players who are ready to give everything for the badge,' he stressed. 'This camp is unique because of the off-season timing and our phased approach. But the stadium was electric, and the players responded. That connection with the fans was special. 'I believe in the potential of Malaysian football. It's time to show the world what Malaysians can do.' Meanwhile, Cape Verde coach Pedro 'Bubista' Brito was gracious in praise for the home team. 'We're not surprised with Malaysia. Rankings mean little. This is football - anyone can beat anyone,' he said. 'We fielded 12 new players and are trying to find our rhythm and chemistry. This was a good test and Malaysia gave us a strong game. We wish them all the best in the future.'
