Latest news with #Safee
The Star
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Kick-start the local engine
Safee: 'We want to see new faces breaking through, gaining experience, making their mark.' PETALING JAYA: Malaysian football great Safee Sali is hopeful that the upcoming Super League season will serve as a springboard for emerging local talent - players who could one day lead Harimau Malaya on the international stage. Concerns have been raised recently over the lack of youth involvement in top flight football, with just 11 per cent of first-team starters aged between 20 and 24. This trend has stirred anxiety, particularly within national team circles, as preparations for the 2030 World Cup qualifiers intensify ahead of the next phase in 2027. Safee believes clubs must play a more active role in nurturing homegrown talent under national coach Peter Cklamovski's long-term vision. 'The influx of foreign players has lifted the league's quality but local youngsters need minutes,' he said. 'We want to see new faces breaking through, gaining experience, making their mark.' As someone who once carried Malaysia's attacking hopes, Safee knows the value of trust and game time. Now 41, the former striker is calling on clubs to look beyond short term gains and toward building a sustainable future for Malaysian football. 'We have to think bigger - how the league can feed into the national team. That's the ultimate goal.' Ahead of the new campaign, Safee pointed to several developments that have piqued his interest. Among them is the return of Brunei's club to the competition, strengthened by the arrival of striker Syafiq Ahmad. 'It's refreshing to see Brunei back. With Syafiq joining them, it adds flavour to the competition and raises the bar,' he added. He is also keen to watch the resurgence of clubs like Selangor, Negri Sembilan, and perennial powerhouse Johor Darul Ta'zim - all of whom will be looking to assert their dominance in the revamped top flight. All eyes will be on the curtain raiser – the Charity Shield clash between JDT and Selangor at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri today. For Safee, it's more than just an opener – it is a benchmark for the league's competitive edge. 'These early matches show where our football stands – in terms of intensity, quality, and ambition. It sets the tone for what's to come.'
The Star
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Safee says clubs must play a more active role in nurturing homegrown talent
Interview bekas pemain bola sepak kebangsaan yang juga Presiden PFAM untuk ruangan Metropolitan amp, Obses. 28 JUNE 2023一CHAN TAK KONG/The Star PETALING JAYA: Malaysian football great Safee Sali is hopeful that the upcoming Super League season will serve as a springboard for emerging local talent - players who could one day lead Harimau Malaya on the international stage. Concerns have been raised recently over the lack of youth involvement in top flight football, with just 11 per cent of first-team starters aged between 20 and 24. This trend has stirred anxiety, particularly within national team circles, as preparations for the 2030 World Cup qualifiers intensify ahead of the next phase in 2027. Safee believes clubs must play a more active role in nurturing homegrown talent under national coach Peter Cklamovski's long-term vision. "The influx of foreign players has lifted the league's quality but local youngsters need minutes," he said. "We want to see new faces breaking through, gaining experience, making their mark." As someone who once carried Malaysia's attacking hopes, Safee knows the value of trust and game time. Now 41, the former striker is calling on clubs to look beyond short term gains and toward building a sustainable future for Malaysian football. "We have to think bigger - how the league can feed into the national team. That's the ultimate goal." Ahead of the new campaign, Safee pointed to several developments that have piqued his interest. Among them is the return of Brunei's club to the competition, strengthened by the arrival of striker Syafiq Ahmad. "It's refreshing to see Brunei back. With Syafiq joining them, it adds flavour to the competition and raises the bar," he added. He is also keen to watch the resurgence of clubs like Selangor, Negri Sembilan, and perennial powerhouse Johor Darul Ta'zim - all of whom will be looking to assert their dominance in the revamped top flight. All eyes will be on the curtain raiser - the Charity Shield clash between JDT and Selangor at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri today. For Safee, it's more than just an opener - it is a benchmark for the league's competitive edge. "These early matches show where our football stands - in terms of intensity, quality, and ambition. It sets the tone for what's to come."
The Star
27-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Ex-PFAM boss Safee keeping door open for possible future lead role in FAM
PETALING JAYA: Former international Safee Sali has his eyes set on leading Malaysian football from the top – by becoming the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president one day. The former national striker officially stepped down as president of the Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) yesterday, ending a near seven-year tenure marked by strong advocacy for player welfare. For now, the 41-year-old Safee will shift his focus to his broadcasting career – but made it clear that his passion for football development is far from over. Having served as PFAM president since 2019, Safee's third term tenure was supposed to end in January 2026, but he has had a change of heart. Ready to go: Safee Sali officially stepped down as president of the Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia yesterday. 'It was not an easy decision, I believe it is time for me to step aside and allow the younger generation to take the lead,' he said in a heartfelt statement. 'I love this game, but I have to let go, for now.' Safee disclosed that his perspective shifted after a recent trip to Japan, where he observed their national body being led by former national players, young, energetic, and deeply connected to the modern game. The Japan Football Association are currently led by former international footballer Tsuneyasu Miyamoto. 'When I saw how the FA in Japan are led by former national players, it really resonated with me,' said Safee. 'Maybe it's time for me to write another chapter. Maybe even consider the presidency of FAM one day. 'Only footballers truly understand what it takes to run this sport. 'I've left the door open for a possible leadership role in FAM as my unique blend of on-field experience and off-field administration can come in handy. 'It's not impossible. If I ever get the chance to do something bigger for football, I'll be ready. 'I believe I can bring value. I've been through everything, both as a player and a leader. I'm looking forward to what's next.' Safee said he has spoken with PFAM chief executive officer Izham Ismail and proposed that the current deputy president Razman Roslan take over on an interim basis until new elections are held at the end of the year. 'I want to give space for new faces, players who are passionate and serious about shaping this body,' he said. 'It's a great opportunity for the younger generation to learn about their rights and how to manage a professional football organisation.' Under Safee's leadership, PFAM grew in visibility and influence, championing players welfare, raising awareness on contractual rights, and strengthening the voice of footballers across Malaysia. Though stepping down, Safee made it clear he was not stepping away from the game entirely. Now more involved in broadcasting and commercial ventures, he remains active in the football industry. 'I'm really focused on the commercial side now and enjoying broadcasting work. But my passion for the game hasn't faded. 'I want to bring my experience, from playing to management, and use it to contribute more meaningfully to Malaysian football in the future.'
New Straits Times
27-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Safee Sali steps down as PFAM president
KUALA LUMPUR: Former national striker Safee Sali announced his resignation as president of the Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) today, marking the end of his leadership since 2019. In a heartfelt two-minute video shared on Instagram, the 41-year-old said the decision was not an easy one, but it was time to make way for new, younger leadership. "I would like to wish everyone a blessed Awal Muharram. Hopefully, the new year brings strength and prosperity for a better life. "Secondly, this will be my final week as president of PFAM. It's not an easy decision, but I believe it's time to give space to the younger generation to take over." Safee said he hopes his departure will open the door for fresh perspectives and allow Malaysian football to grow with the players at the forefront. "Players are the key to moving football forward in Malaysia. I hope the new leadership will introduce innovative ideas and implement the necessary changes. I wish them the best of luck," he said. "My job is done. From 2019 to the present, I would like to thank all PFAM staff, especially Izham Ismail (PFAM CEO), and the players who have supported me. Good luck in the future, the future is yours." In a separate caption accompanying the video, Safee wrote: "Today, I officially announce my resignation as president of PFAM. It has been a fulfilling journey working alongside passionate individuals. I will continue to support PFAM in a new way and am excited to see what the future holds. Thank you all for the great memories." He also attached a statement thanking PFAM for the opportunity to serve, and expressed his belief in the potential of the next generation. "This decision did not come easily, but I believe it is time for me to step aside and allow the younger generation to take the lead," he said. "I am confident that the future leaders of our association will bring new energy and vision to our shared passion for the game. I look forward to seeing the positive changes and am excited about what the future holds for football and the young talents it represents." Safee, who enjoyed a storied career at the club and international level, was appointed president of PFAM in 2019. His tenure saw greater advocacy for player welfare and efforts to professionalise support structures within the local football scene.
The Sun
27-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Safee steps down as PFAM president
FORMER national striker Safee Sali has resigned as president of the Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM). Safee said it was not an easy decision to make, but he believed the time had come for him to step aside for the younger generation to lead the association. 'I firmly believe that introducing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas is vital for the continued growth and development of football on a global scale. 'It has been an honour to serve in this capacity, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together during my tenure. My responsibility as PFAM president, which began in 2019, has come to an end today,' he said in a statement on his Instagram account today. Safee expressed confidence that the new leaders of the association will inject fresh energy into the game and that he looks forward to seeing the positive changes they will make.
