Author: aircond

Piala Tuanku 2026: Negeri Sembilan FA Celebrates Youth Development and Royal Legacy

Negeri Sembilan FA is proud to present Piala Tuanku 2026, a prestigious youth football tournament organised in conjunction with the 78th Birthday Celebration of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Yang DiPertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir.

Organised under the auspices of Negeri Sembilan FA, the tournament serves as both a competitive platform and a symbolic celebration—honouring royal tradition while reinforcing Negeri Sembilan’s long-term commitment to grassroots and youth football development.

Platform for Under-21 Talent

Piala Tuanku 2026 is contested exclusively by players aged under 21, providing a valuable pathway for emerging talents across the districts of Negeri Sembilan. Beyond the pursuit of silverware, the competition is designed to nurture discipline, competitive maturity, and match exposure at an organised state level.

The tournament also acts as an important scouting and benchmarking opportunity for coaches and administrators involved in the Negeri Sembilan football ecosystem.

Group Allocation

As outlined in the official poster, the participating teams are divided into two groups:

Group A

  • Jempol
  • Rembau
  • Seremban

Group B

  • Jelebu
  • Tampin
  • Port Dickson
  • Kuala Pilah

Match Schedule (as of 4 January 2026)

The confirmed fixtures, venues, and kick-off times are as follows:

  • 27 December 2025 | 5.00 PM
    Seremban vs Rembau
    Pusat Latihan PBNS, Seremban
  • 28 December 2025 | 4.30 PM
    Port Dickson vs Kuala Pilah
    Padang Kilat, Port Dickson
  • 28 December 2025 | 4.30 PM
    Jelebu vs Tampin
    Stadium Mini Kuala Klawang
  • 3 January 2026 | 4.30 PM
    Tampin vs Kuala Pilah
    Stadium Mini Tampin
  • 3 January 2026 | 4.30 PM
    Jelebu vs Port Dickson
    Stadium Mini Kuala Klawang
  • 4 January 2026 | 4.30 PM
    Jempol vs Seremban
    Stadium Mini Bahau

Note: Fixtures and details are accurate as per the latest update up to 4 January 2026.

More Than a Tournament

Piala Tuanku is more than a youth competition—it is a celebration of identity, tradition, and the future of Negeri Sembilan football. By combining royal commemoration with structured youth development, Negeri Sembilan FA continues to strengthen its footballing foundation from the grassroots up.

Supporters are encouraged to attend the matches and show their backing for the next generation of Negeri Sembilan footballers as they compete with pride, passion, and respect for the occasion.

Hobin Jang Hobin.

Luqman Hakim on the Rise: Nidzam Jamil Praises Striker’s Positive Progress

Head coach Nidzam Jamil has described Luqman Hakim Shamsudin’s performances as encouraging after the forward netted three goals so far in the Liga Super campaign with Negeri Sembilan FC.

Nidzam acknowledged that expectations were high when the 23-year-old first joined the squad, given his overseas experience, and that his early appearances did not fully reflect that reputation. However, he stressed that Luqman’s recent displays point to clear and positive improvement.

“Three goals from a local striker is very decent. He also has assists to his name,” said Nidzam. “Deep down, I hoped he would score a hat-trick against Kelantan TRW FC, but the two goals he got were enough to secure three valuable points.”

The 45-year-old coach added that this is Luqman Hakim’s first season with Negeri Sembilan FC and in Malaysian football, expressing confidence that the striker will continue to grow.

“I believe he will keep learning, push himself to improve, and eventually reach the level of performance we want from him,” he said.

Nidzam also noted that Luqman’s upturn in form is a positive sign for the team and a source of excitement for the Hobin Jang Hobin faithful.

“I’m confident Luqman’s performances will become even more prominent in the remaining league matches. We want him to keep scoring goals for the team. We cannot rely solely on Jovan Motika, Joseph Esso, or our other foreign players,” he added.

In last Saturday’s clash against Kelantan TRW, Luqman Hakim struck twice to help Negeri Sembilan FC claim their fourth league victory of the season.

Just Friends or Future Teammates? Kei Oshiro with NSFC Stars

A recent Instagram Story shared by Negeri Sembilan FC midfielder Takumi Sasaki has ignited fresh transfer speculation among supporters, after it showed Sasaki and teammate Mio Tsuneyasu posing for a photo with Japanese footballer Kei Oshiro in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.

The image, tagged at a location in Seremban, quickly drew attention from fans who noted Oshiro’s presence alongside two current Negeri Sembilan FC players. While no official announcement has been made by the club, the casual yet timely appearance has inevitably fuelled discussion about a possible link-up or trial arrangement.

Kei Oshiro, who has built a reputation for his technical ability and work rate, is believed to be exploring opportunities in Southeast Asia. His meeting with Sasaki and Tsuneyasu — both key figures in Negeri Sembilan’s Japanese contingent — has added further intrigue to the situation, especially as clubs across the region begin shaping their squads for the upcoming phase of the season.

At this stage, the club has not released any statement confirming negotiations or interest, and the sighting could simply reflect a friendly meeting between compatriots. Nevertheless, the post has generated considerable buzz online, underlining the strong interest surrounding Negeri Sembilan FC’s recruitment strategy and its continued ties with Japanese players.

As always, supporters are advised to await official confirmation from the club regarding any potential transfer developments. Until then, the Instagram Story remains an interesting talking point — and a reminder of how quickly modern football rumours can gather momentum in the digital age.

From Amateur to Pro: LPNS Anchors Negeri Sembilan’s Football Ecosystem

Negeri Sembilan is set to take a significant step forward in football development with the introduction of the Liga Premier Negeri Sembilan (LPNS), scheduled to begin in March 2026. The initiative, announced by Faliq Firdaus, Chief Executive Officer of Negeri Sembilan FC, reflects a long-term commitment to building a sustainable and structured football ecosystem in the state.

According to Faliq, the league has already attracted interest from nearly 27 teams, despite the organisers initially targeting a maximum of 20 participating sides. The strong response highlights the demand for a structured competitive platform at the semi-professional and amateur levels within Negeri Sembilan.

A Flagship A3-Level Tournament

LPNS will be conducted as an A3-tier league over a three-month period, with matches hosted at the PBNS Training Centre in Rahang, Seremban. The league is supported by the Negeri Sembilan Youth and Sports Development Office, reinforcing the state government’s role in grassroots football advancement.

Importantly, LPNS is positioned as the flagship tournament under the Negeri Sembilan Football Association, or Persatuan Bolasepak Negeri Sembilan (PBNS), serving as a central development platform beneath the state’s professional setup.

Clear Division of Roles: NSFC and PBNS

Faliq explained that Negeri Sembilan FC and PBNS have reached a clear mutual understanding in their respective roles within the state football structure.

  • Negeri Sembilan FC will focus on elite talent identification and development, guiding players toward the professional level, including the Malaysia Super League.
  • PBNS, meanwhile, will concentrate on grassroots organisation, competition management, and long-term development programmes, beginning in 2026.

This structured separation ensures that development pathways are clearly defined, avoiding overlap while strengthening the overall football ecosystem.

Broadcast, Commercial Value and Spillover Effects

LPNS matches will be broadcast live via Pay-Per-View through NSFC Development, providing visibility not only for teams and players but also for sponsors, scouts, and stakeholders.

Faliq highlighted the spillover effects of running a structured league annually, particularly in attracting investment, improving player standards, and stimulating football-related economic activity at the local level.

Opening Global Pathways for Young Talent

One of the league’s most forward-looking proposals is the potential allowance for each team to register one import player aged 18–23. This initiative could:

  • Open Negeri Sembilan to the global youth football market
  • Encourage colleges and universities to offer combined academic scholarships and football opportunities
  • Provide affordable import options for local clubs, which NSFC could later scout and develop further

This model mirrors successful development ecosystems seen in other footballing regions.

Education, Licensing and Player Mobility

All LPNS teams will receive education on FAM’s MyPAS system, ensuring that every registered player holds a formal player licence. With proper licensing in place:

  • Player transfers can occur legitimately where applicable
  • Clubs can operate within amateur, semi-professional, or professional frameworks
  • Player value and mobility are formally recognised within the system

The initiative aims to professionalise football operations even at the amateur level.

Building the Bridge to Higher Leagues

Faliq emphasised that platforms must exist at the amateur level to allow more semi-professional and professional clubs to emerge from Negeri Sembilan. LPNS is designed as a development bridge to A3, A2 and A1 leagues, with future possibilities including Malaysia Super League clubs loaning players into lower tiers for competitive development.

“PBNS organises, NSFC supports,” Faliq stressed, adding that state football development should be driven by the association, not by individuals or external parties.

A Long-Term Football Ecosystem

Ultimately, the Liga Premier Negeri Sembilan is more than just a competition. It is a strategic ecosystem—one that connects grassroots football, education, international exposure, player licensing, and professional progression under a unified structure.

As Faliq concluded succinctly: “It’s an ecosystem.”

Creating Pathways, Not Promises: NSFC’s Vision for Youth Development

Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) has taken another significant step in strengthening its youth development ecosystem with the launch of NextGen Development Camp 1.0, a structured elite training programme designed specifically for promising young footballers.

Announced by NSFC Chief Executive Officer Faliq Firdaus, the camp is an initiative under the NSFC Development (nsfc1923devt) framework, reflecting the club’s long-term commitment to identifying, nurturing, and professionally preparing the next generation of players.

A Professional, High-Intensity Development Environment

Scheduled to run from 17 to 23 January 2026, the week-long programme will be held at the PBNS Training Centre, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. Although compact in duration, the camp is designed to be intensive and highly structured—mirroring the daily training environment of a professional football club.

Participants will undergo elite-level training sessions that focus on technical development, tactical understanding, physical conditioning, and professionalism both on and off the pitch. All aspects of the programme are fully organised, managed, and subsidised by NSFC, underlining the club’s investment in grassroots and youth progression.

Individual Performance Reports for Every Participant

One of the key highlights of NextGen Development Camp 1.0 is its emphasis on personalised development. Upon completion of the camp, every participant will receive an Individual Performance Report, offering detailed feedback on their strengths, areas for improvement, and overall development potential. This provides young players with valuable insight into their current level and a clearer roadmap for future progression.

Exposure to State League Coaches and Scouts

In a move that bridges development with real-world opportunity, coaches and talent scouts from Liga A1, Liga A2, and Liga A3 (Liga Premier Negeri Sembilan) will be invited to observe the camp. This allows standout participants to gain meaningful exposure within the Negeri Sembilan football ecosystem, reinforcing the camp’s role as part of the broader pre-season preparation framework for the Liga Premier Negeri Sembilan, which is set to begin in March 2026.

Diverse and Competitive Participant Pool

The camp is open to players aged 18 to 20, with a total intake of 31 outfield players and four goalkeepers. Participation is open to both Malaysian and non-Malaysian players, and interest has already been strong. According to Faliq Firdaus, four non-Malaysian import players have confirmed their places, with some participants also possessing national youth team experience, ensuring a competitive and high-quality training environment.

Building the Future, One Programme at a Time

While clearly stated as an exposure programme and football clinic—not a direct player selection session—NextGen Development Camp 1.0 represents an important pillar in NSFC’s long-term football strategy. It reflects the club’s belief that sustainable success begins with structured development, transparent assessment, and strong integration between youth pathways and competitive state leagues.

With this initiative, Negeri Sembilan FC continues to position itself as a club that invests not only in present results, but in the future of football in Negeri Sembilan.

Young players with ambition, discipline, and the hunger to improve are encouraged to step forward and be part of this elite development experience.

Motika Set to Stay as Negeri Sembilan FC Explore Midfield Option

Negeri Sembilan FC have moved to clarify speculation surrounding the future of Jovan Motika, with the club reaffirming that the midfielder remains a key part of their long-term plans.

According to T. Avineshwaran of The Star, despite recent transfer rumours, Motika is expected to stay on with Negeri Sembilan FC, with management confident in his role within the club’s future project.

The report comes amid online chatter sparked by a social media post that led to speculation over Motika’s status. However, club sources have since played down any uncertainty, stressing continuity and stability as core pillars of Negeri Sembilan’s squad planning.

Meanwhile, attention has also turned to the club’s midfield options, with Oday Kharoub emerging as a potential addition. Avineshwaran reported that discussions between the player and the club are progressing positively, with Kharoub viewed as a possible replacement for Alex Agyarkwa in the centre of the park.

Should the move materialise, it would represent a measured step by Negeri Sembilan to strengthen their midfield while maintaining balance within the squad. The combination of retaining established figures like Motika and exploring targeted reinforcements underlines the club’s intent to build sustainably rather than react impulsively to rumours.

As the transfer window unfolds, Negeri Sembilan FC are expected to continue prioritising clarity, long-term planning and squad cohesion—key elements in supporting their ambitions for the seasons ahead.

Nidzam Jamil Hails Commitment and Positive Attitude After Convincing Win Over Kelantan

Head coach Negeri Sembilan FC, Nidzam Jamil, praised the high level of commitment and positive mindset shown by his players following their 2-0 victory over Kelantan TRW FC in the Malaysia Super League at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi, on Tuesday night.

The 45-year-old tactician said the win was a clear response to the 1-1 draw against Kuala Lumpur City FC at the same venue last Saturday, with his squad displaying greater fighting spirit and a marked improvement in performance.

“Tonight, the team performed much better compared to the match against KL City four days ago. Even the substitutes such as Anwar Ibrahim, An Sang Su and Harith Samsuri came in and delivered commendable performances,” said Nidzam in his post-match remarks.

He added that the positive momentum carried into the second half allowed Negeri Sembilan to score a crucial second goal, despite Kelantan increasing their intensity in an attempt to disrupt the home side’s dominance.

“They tried to raise their tempo to stop our control of the game, but we defended well and continued to push forward. I’m pleased with this victory because the players executed the game plan exactly as we had prepared,” he said.

National striker Luqman Hakim Shamsudin was the standout performer, netting both goals in the 36th and 49th minutes to secure all three points for the Hobin Jang Hobin side.

Nidzam also explained the late change in the attacking lineup involving Joseph Esso and Mio Tsuneyasu, revealing that Esso was not fully fit to lead the frontline.

According to the head coach, Tsuneyasu’s aggressive approach had an immediate positive impact, unsettling Kelantan’s defence while effectively linking up play with Luqman Hakim and Jovan Motika in attack.

The result underlined Negeri Sembilan FC’s growing confidence and cohesion as they look to build momentum in the second half of the season.

Motika’s ‘Last Dance’ Sparks Transfer Talk, NSFC CEO Clarifies Club Position

Speculation surrounding Jovan Motika intensified over the past 24 hours after a social media post showing his No.9 jersey labelled “Last dance” circulated widely, prompting talk that the Serbian forward may be nearing the end of his stint with Negeri Sembilan FC.

The discussion gained further traction following commentary from local football platform 433Malaysia, which suggested that, based on form and age, Motika remains a capable scorer and that his reduced usage could indicate the club is already planning ahead for the second half of the Malaysia League season. The narrative was amplified after Motika featured against Kelantan TRW FC, with some interpreting the appearance as a potential farewell outing.

Responding on X (formerly Twitter), Negeri Sembilan FC Chief Executive Officer Faliq Firdaus addressed the speculation directly. Thanking Motika for his contribution, the CEO wrote: “Thank you JM9 for the collective effort today.”

When asked by a supporter whether Motika would still be part of NSFC moving forward, Faliq clarified: “Masih. Semalam last dance dio for 2025,” indicating that the match marked Motika’s final appearance for the club in the 2025 calendar year, rather than an immediate departure.

Further rumours linking Motika with a move to Selangor FC were also addressed. In response to a fan suggesting that the Selangor speculation “had some basis,” Faliq dismissed the claim succinctly, stating: “Tidak. We thank him and other players for playing as a team.”

At this stage, the club’s stance points to appreciation and professionalism rather than confirmation of an imminent transfer. While Motika’s “last dance” post has understandably sparked debate among supporters, NSFC’s leadership has emphasised collective effort and unity, leaving any future decisions to be handled through official channels.

For now, Jovan Motika remains part of Negeri Sembilan FC’s story in 2025—his contribution acknowledged, his status clarified, and the club firmly focused on team-first values amid ongoing speculation.

MSL 25/26: Negeri Sembilan FC Versus JDT FC Ticket Sales Info

Tickets for the Malaysia Super League 25/26 match between Negeri Sembilan FC and Johor Darul Ta’zim FC on 9 January 2026 at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi will be on sale!

Click the link below to purchase:

https://tickethotline.com.my/events/NSFCvsJDT

Choose Pintu A, Pintu B, or Pintu C sections only for home fans.

Physical Ticket Sales Information – MSL 25/26

Tickets are now available at the following locations:

🏢 Wisma PBNS
📅 29–31 December 2025, 2–9 January 2026
(Daily except weekends and public holidays)
🕙 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Break: 1:00–2:00 PM | Friday: 12:00–2:45 PM

🏟️ STAR Paroi
🛍️ Warrix Matchday Store
• 7 January 2026 (12:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
• 8 January 2026 (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
• 9 January 2026 (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

🎫 Ticket Counter 13
📆 9 January 2026
🕔 5:00 PM – 9:45 PM

ℹ️ Tickets for away supporters will be sold online only.

9 January. Wear yellow. Fill Paroi.
Together, let us #KuningkanParoi.

Luqman Hakim Double Seals First-Round Finale Victory for Negeri Sembilan

Negeri Sembilan FC wrapped up the final match of the first round of the Malaysia Super League on a high, securing a convincing 2–0 victory over Kelantan TRW FC at the Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman earlier today.

Forward Luqman Hakim Shamsudin emerged as the hero for the Hobin Jang Hobin side, scoring both goals to deliver the team’s fourth win of the season.

The rescheduled fixture—originally set to be played in Kota Bharu but moved due to weather conditions—was fully capitalised on by Negeri Sembilan, who claimed all three points for the first time since their 2–0 home win over PDRM FC on 25 October.

From the opening whistle, both teams showed attacking intent, trading early pressure in an open and energetic contest. Head coach Nidzam Jamil opted to start Japanese forward Mio Tsuneyasu, usually deployed as a super-sub, while resting Joseph Esso. The decision paid dividends, with Mio playing a proactive role up front and helping to create several promising moves, particularly in the opening 30 minutes.

Negeri Sembilan’s determination was rewarded in the 36th minute when Luqman Hakim latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Jovan Motika, calmly slotting past Kelantan goalkeeper Azfar Arif Mohd Shukri to give the home side the lead.

The goal further lifted the spirits of the Rusa squad, who continued to press and dominate proceedings until the interval.

Early in the second half, Negeri Sembilan doubled their advantage. A defensive lapse saw Azfar Arif fail to clear the ball outside his penalty area, allowing Luqman Hakim to pounce, race through on goal, and tap home his second of the night in the 49th minute.

Despite trailing, Kelantan—led by head coach Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli—pushed forward in search of a response, carving out several chances. However, they were unable to find a breakthrough as Negeri Sembilan’s defence held firm until the final whistle.

The victory delighted the 3,205 supporters in attendance, as Negeri Sembilan FC closed the first round of the season with renewed confidence and momentum.

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