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New Straits Times
25-04-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Haqimi proves critics wrong with Best Young Player award
KUALA LUMPUR: KL City winger Haqimi Azim Rosli has learnt to roll with the punches from social media. The 22-year-old never let the online criticism demoralised him. It made him more determined instead. This has made Haqimi more determined to "put his boots in the mouth of his detractors". Haqimi worked hard to improve his skill, and it has reached a level that he was named the Best Young Player at the National Football Awards on Wednesday. "Being criticised is normal. That's what usually happens with footballers. I think we can't take it seriously," he said. His Best Young Player award was a recognition of his calibre performances for KL City in the Super League. "This is all due to my hard work, game by game, and I will continue to improve myself after winning this trophy," he said. "Of course, this award will have a huge impact on me. This is the first time I've won it. "It's a great honour. This award is for my family and friends who are constantly supporting me," he said. Haqimi also credited KL City for their role in his rise, thanking the club as the foundation of his development.
New Straits Times
24-04-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
A Singaporean performs miracles at Kuching City
KUALA LUMPUR: Aidil Sharin Sahak has a gift - the ability to turn nothing into something special. This season, the 48-year-old Singaporean proved once again why he is one of Southeast Asia's most resourceful coaches, transforming lowly Kuching City into a Super League powerhouse. From finishing 13th last season to securing fourth place this year, Aidil has worked wonders at Sarawak, crafting a team from scratch and driving them to heights no one imagined, having only joined in August, 2023. His efforts were rewarded with the Best Coach award at the National Football Awards in Bukit Jalil yesterday, a fitting recognition for a man whose career has been defined by defying odds. "I didn't expect this. This is my fourth time being nominated, and maybe number four is my lucky number. It's all because of the hard work of the management and the team. This trophy is for them," he said. The Cats were written off at the start of the season. It was a club with modest means, a new-look squad, 90 per cent of whom were new signings, and no big stars to boast. Yet, where others saw limitations, Aidil saw potential. "We had a very good season, but we can still improve more as a team," he said. It's Aidil's unique ability to blend experience with raw talent that has set him apart. He brought in seasoned campaigners, integrated several players from Johor Darul Ta'zim, and combined them with imports from Nigeria and Ghana. What emerged wasn't just a team, it was a collective force that played with purpose and belief. "It's not easy. When you build a team, you have players from the Peninsula, Sarawak, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Ghana… but I did my best to bring them together. I'm delighted with these players. They are disciplined, professional, and they understand how we want to grow," he said. The magic wasn't instant. The first month was tough and points were hard to come by. But Aidil's strength lies in the long game. "In the first month, we didn't collect many points, but we bonded more as a team. That was key," he said. By mid-season, Kuching City no longer looked like survivors, but contenders. This isn't the first time Aidil has pulled off the improbable. His coaching journey, which began in Singapore with Home United, saw him lead the club to an AFC Cup zonal final in 2017 and a runners-up finish in the Singapore Premier League in 2018. At Kedah, he won the 2019 FA Cup and became the first Singaporean coach to lead a foreign team in the AFC Champions League. But what he has done at Kuching City, with far less, might be his most remarkable feat yet. "I will stay at Kuching City next season. I want to make this club even better," he said.
Barnama
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Barnama
Arif Aiman Pledges To Stay With JDT
KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- Despite having the potential to make a name for himself abroad, sensational winger Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi remains loyal to local football giants Johor Darul Ta'zim (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.
The Sun
24-04-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Arif Aiman makes history with fourth consecutive MVP crown
JOHOR Darul Ta'zim (JDT) star Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi made history tonight by becoming the first player to be crowned Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the fourth consecutive time at the 2024–2025 National Football Awards (ABK) held here. The national player's remarkable achievement places him in a league of his own, surpassing the record of former national striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, who won the title three times in a row from 2010 to 2012. It was also a memorable night for the 23-year-old, who swept three other categories - Best Midfielder, Best Goal in the Malaysia League (M-League) 2024–2025, and Fans XI (Forward). This marks Arif Aiman's first win in the Best Midfielder category (based on the position registered by the club), having previously won the Best Forward title three times from 2021 to 2023. Arif Aiman continued to shine in this season's M-League, showcasing his brilliance with 12 goals and 13 assists, helping the Southern Tigers to lift the Super League and FA Cup trophies, while also reaching the Malaysia Cup final against Sri Pahang FC which will be played at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil this Saturday. Although he is now the most successful player in terms of the highest achievement, Arif Aiman admitted that he is still not satisfied with all his accomplishments so far and will strive to deliver even better performances in the future. 'Alhamdulillah, I didn't expect to win the MVP award. But every year is a big challenge for me. 'I feel I'm still not satisfied. I will give my best until I feel proud of myself,' he told reporters after the ceremony. Meanwhile, Arif Aiman's teammate, Bergson da Silva, also drew attention after winning the Super League Golden Boot and Best Foreign Player award, having excelled as the top scorer with 32 goals in total this season in the league. In fact, that goal tally is his highest since playing in the Malaysian League with JDT, with the last time he emerged as top scorer being in the 2022 season with 29 Super League goals. In the Best Coach category, Kuching City FC head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak caused an upset by clinching the award for the first time, beating two other nominees, Hector Bidoglio (JDT) and Kinoshi Katsuhito (Selangor FC). Having been nominated from 2019 to 2021, the Singaporean-born coach finally proved his credibility by winning the award after leading Kuching City to fourth place in the Super League in only their second season in Malaysia's top-flight league. It marks the club's best achievement since its founding as an amateur team competing in the People's Football League in 2015, and now standing proudly among the top-tier Super League teams. Overall, the 2024–2025 National Football Awards (ABK) saw JDT dominate eight of the main categories contested this time. In addition to the three awards won by Arif Aiman and two by Bergson, Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamed lived up to expectations by successfully defending his Best Goalkeeper crown for the third consecutive time, while Feroz Baharudin took home the Best Defender trophy for the first time. As Super League champions for the 11th consecutive time, JDT were also named Best Team of the season, bringing their total haul to eight major awards under Bidoglio's leadership. The full list of 2024–2025 National Football Awards (ABK) winners is as follows: Best Goalkeeper: Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamed (JDT) Best Defender: Feroz Baharudin (JDT) Best Midfielder: Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi (JDT) Best Forward: Paulo Josue (Kuala Lumpur City FC) Best Coach: Aidil Sharin Sahak (Kuching City FC) Best Foreign Player: Bergson da Silva (JDT) Best Young Player: Haqimi Azim Rosli (KLC) Best MFL Cup Player: Gabriel Nistelrooy Tamin (JDT2) Most Valuable Player (MVP): Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi (JDT) Fair Play Award: Terengganu FC Best Team: JDT Best Goal (Malaysia League 2024–2025): Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi (JDT) MFL Cup Golden Boot: Gabriel Nistelrooy Tamin (JDT2) – 24 Goals Super League Golden Boot: Bergson da Silva (JDT) – 32 Goals Super League Golden Boot (Local): Paulo Josue (Kuala Lumpur City FC) – 17 Goals Best Supporters: Boys of Straits (JDT)
The Sun
24-04-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
ABK: Arif Aiman makes history with fourth consecutive MVP crown
JOHOR Darul Ta'zim (JDT) star Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi made history tonight by becoming the first player to be crowned Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the fourth consecutive time at the 2024–2025 National Football Awards (ABK) held here. The national player's remarkable achievement places him in a league of his own, surpassing the record of former national striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, who won the title three times in a row from 2010 to 2012. It was also a memorable night for the 23-year-old, who swept three other categories - Best Midfielder, Best Goal in the Malaysia League (M-League) 2024–2025, and Fans XI (Forward). This marks Arif Aiman's first win in the Best Midfielder category (based on the position registered by the club), having previously won the Best Forward title three times from 2021 to 2023. Arif Aiman continued to shine in this season's M-League, showcasing his brilliance with 12 goals and 13 assists, helping the Southern Tigers to lift the Super League and FA Cup trophies, while also reaching the Malaysia Cup final against Sri Pahang FC which will be played at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil this Saturday. Although he is now the most successful player in terms of the highest achievement, Arif Aiman admitted that he is still not satisfied with all his accomplishments so far and will strive to deliver even better performances in the future. 'Alhamdulillah, I didn't expect to win the MVP award. But every year is a big challenge for me. 'I feel I'm still not satisfied. I will give my best until I feel proud of myself,' he told reporters after the ceremony. Meanwhile, Arif Aiman's teammate, Bergson da Silva, also drew attention after winning the Super League Golden Boot and Best Foreign Player award, having excelled as the top scorer with 32 goals in total this season in the league. In fact, that goal tally is his highest since playing in the Malaysian League with JDT, with the last time he emerged as top scorer being in the 2022 season with 29 Super League goals. In the Best Coach category, Kuching City FC head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak caused an upset by clinching the award for the first time, beating two other nominees, Hector Bidoglio (JDT) and Kinoshi Katsuhito (Selangor FC). Having been nominated from 2019 to 2021, the Singaporean-born coach finally proved his credibility by winning the award after leading Kuching City to fourth place in the Super League in only their second season in Malaysia's top-flight league. It marks the club's best achievement since its founding as an amateur team competing in the People's Football League in 2015, and now standing proudly among the top-tier Super League teams. Overall, the 2024–2025 National Football Awards (ABK) saw JDT dominate eight of the main categories contested this time. In addition to the three awards won by Arif Aiman and two by Bergson, Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamed lived up to expectations by successfully defending his Best Goalkeeper crown for the third consecutive time, while Feroz Baharudin took home the Best Defender trophy for the first time. As Super League champions for the 11th consecutive time, JDT were also named Best Team of the season, bringing their total haul to eight major awards under Bidoglio's leadership. The full list of 2024–2025 National Football Awards (ABK) winners is as follows: Best Goalkeeper: Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamed (JDT) Best Defender: Feroz Baharudin (JDT) Best Midfielder: Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi (JDT) Best Forward: Paulo Josue (Kuala Lumpur City FC) Best Coach: Aidil Sharin Sahak (Kuching City FC) Best Foreign Player: Bergson da Silva (JDT) Best Young Player: Haqimi Azim Rosli (KLC) Best MFL Cup Player: Gabriel Nistelrooy Tamin (JDT2) Most Valuable Player (MVP): Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi (JDT) Fair Play Award: Terengganu FC Best Team: JDT Best Goal (Malaysia League 2024–2025): Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi (JDT) MFL Cup Golden Boot: Gabriel Nistelrooy Tamin (JDT2) – 24 Goals Super League Golden Boot: Bergson da Silva (JDT) – 32 Goals Super League Golden Boot (Local): Paulo Josue (Kuala Lumpur City FC) – 17 Goals
