Emulate Arif Aiman, Be Inspired By His Feats - Mohd Yusoff Tells Young Footballers

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Young footballers should emulate and draw inspiration from the achievements of Harimau Malaya ace Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi in their quest to reach the highest level, said Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) acting president Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi.

Mohd Yusoff added that the Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) player's nomination for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Player of the Year award is proof that local talents are capable of competing on the Asian stage if they possess a high level of discipline and work ethic.

"I think this is the first time that a player from Malaysia has been nominated for this award, and what is more impressive is that it is a local player. This is a significant and proud achievement.

"Young players must make Arif Aiman their role model, meaning if they work hard and put in the hard yards, they too can be on par with the best in Asia,” he said when met recently.

He said the success of the 23-year-old Arif Aiman, who is currently hailed as the country's best player, proves that the factor of origin or lineage is not the main measure in determining a player's ability to represent the national team.

"Although many feel that we need these heritage players, it is not so. In football, what matters is that a player’s quality and performance must be of the highest level for him to represent Malaysia,” he said.

 Mohd Yusoff said that, at the same time, many local players have huge potential, but need to improve in terms of discipline, hard work and commitment to reach the highest level.

As such, he hopes that the history made by Arif Aiman, who is also a four-time consecutive National Football Awards (ABK) Most Valuable Player (MVP), will light the spirit in young players to reach greater heights.

The winner of the 2025 AFC Award will be announced in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA