Author: aircond

Rajan Hails Character as Negeri Sembilan FC End Winless Run In Selayang

Negeri Sembilan FC interim head coach K. Rajan praised his players’ resilience and commitment after the Jang Hobin secured a convincing 6–1 victory over PDRM FC in the Malaysia Super League clash at Stadium Majlis Perbandaran Selayang on 13 March.

Speaking during the post-match press conference, Rajan described the win as a significant psychological boost for the squad, particularly after a difficult run of six league matches without victory. The triumph also marked Negeri Sembilan’s first away win of the 2025–26 Super League campaign and Rajan’s first success since taking over in an interim capacity.

The coach credited the collective effort behind the scenes, emphasising the strong support from his coaching staff and club management during the transitional period. He noted that although the team’s overall performance was “moderate,” the result itself was the most important outcome in competitive football.

“In football, only the result counts. Sometimes you play well and don’t win, and sometimes you play average but still get the result. Today the players deserve full credit,” Rajan explained. 

Clinical Finishing the Key Difference

Negeri Sembilan displayed ruthless efficiency, scoring three goals in each half to seal an emphatic victory. Rajan revealed that his message at half-time was simple — maintain intensity and continue attacking. He stressed that goal difference could prove decisive later in the season, particularly after last season’s tight battles near the lower end of the table. 

Despite the dominant scoreline, the interim coach remained pragmatic in his assessment of the team’s progress. He acknowledged that tactical adjustments and improvements in playing style will require time, especially after stepping into the role midway through the campaign. 

Signs of Momentum Before Festive Break

Rajan highlighted that the team had already shown encouraging performances in previous matches, even when results did not go their way. He believes the Selayang victory could serve as a turning point as the squad heads into the upcoming festive break with renewed confidence. 

The coach also commended the players’ commitment in both training and matches, stressing that gradual tactical evolution is part of a longer-term process. With morale lifted and momentum regained, Negeri Sembilan FC will look to build on this breakthrough result in the remaining fixtures of the Super League season. 

Brilliant Hobin Jang Hobin End Winless Run in Style with Six-Star Demolition of PDRM

Negeri Sembilan FC emphatically ended their Malaysian Super League winless streak with a commanding 6–1 victory over PDRM FC at the Selayang Municipal Council Stadium on Thursday night.

The impressive triumph marked a long-awaited return to winning ways for the Jang Hobin squad, who last collected three points in league action back in December.

The attacking partnership of Takumi Sasaki and Luqman Hakim Shamsudin proved instrumental throughout the match, with both players constantly creating dangerous opportunities and spearheading Negeri Sembilan’s offensive dominance.

The visitors drew first blood as early as the fifth minute when Luqman capitalised on a well-worked move before calmly beating PDRM goalkeeper Nor Hakeem Hamidun to give Negeri Sembilan a 1–0 lead.

Needing no invitation to press their advantage, Negeri Sembilan doubled their tally in the 38th minute through Sasaki, who finished clinically after another incisive attacking sequence. Just three minutes later, Luqman grabbed his second goal of the night, pouncing on a loose ball after Nor Hakeem failed to deal with a powerful effort from Sasaki.

PDRM’s defensive line struggled to cope with Negeri Sembilan’s relentless attacking momentum in the first half, as wave after wave of pressure penetrated the danger zone with ease.

After the restart, Negeri Sembilan maintained their intensity and extended their lead in the 53rd minute when Kei Oshiro rose highest to head home the fourth goal.

Sasaki then compounded PDRM’s misery with a fifth strike in the 69th minute before substitute Khuzaimi Pie completed the emphatic victory with a sixth goal nine minutes later.

The result lifts K. Rajan’s side to sixth place in the league standings with 22 points, while Eddy Gapil’s PDRM remain rooted at the bottom with just 10 points from their campaign so far.

MFL Defends Registration Process as Eligibility Scandal Continues

The Malaysian Football League (MFL) has issued a formal clarification regarding the registration status of several players linked to the recent eligibility controversy involving the national team, stating that all relevant procedures under the Liga Malaysia regulations were properly followed.

In a media statement, MFL confirmed that the registrations of João Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), as well as Gabriel Palmero of Kuching City FC, as local players for the 2025–2026 Liga Malaysia season were conducted in full compliance with competition rules.

Registrations Conducted According to League Procedures

According to MFL, the player registrations were processed based on provisions outlined in the Liga Malaysia Manual (2025–2026 Edition), particularly under the sections governing player registration systems and documentation requirements through the FAM MYPAS platform (FIFA Connect).

The league body explained that clubs are required to submit either a valid national identity card or a passport copy as part of the registration process. In the case of the four players, MFL stated that legitimate identity cards issued by the National Registration Department (JPN) were provided and verified prior to approval.

The league also noted that detailed circulars had been issued to all participating clubs as early as June 2025, specifying the documents that must be uploaded in digital format for eligibility clearance.

Based on these procedures, MFL concluded that no breach of league regulations had occurred in the registration of the players concerned for the current season.

However, the governing body acknowledged that the players are still required to serve a 12-month suspension from official matches, as determined by FIFA and later amended by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Growing Concerns Among Fans and Stakeholders

Despite the league’s clarification, the case continues to generate strong reactions among supporters and observers across Malaysian football.

A significant segment of fans has raised questions about the broader integrity of the naturalisation and eligibility process, particularly regarding claims that some players were granted citizenship based on heritage connections that were later disputed.

Among the concerns voiced are calls for greater transparency on how fast-track citizenship applications for football purposes were handled, as well as suggestions that authorities should review whether citizenship status obtained under potentially misleading circumstances ought to be reassessed.

Some supporters argue that the situation has exposed what they perceive as systemic vulnerabilities in governance and due diligence, warning that similar cases could undermine public confidence in both sporting institutions and administrative processes.

At the same time, others caution against rushing to conclusions, noting that citizenship decisions fall under national legal jurisdiction and must be determined through proper investigation and due process rather than public pressure.

A Complex Issue Beyond League Regulations

The MFL statement highlights an important distinction in the ongoing controversy: while the league is responsible for ensuring compliance with competition rules, matters related to nationality, eligibility at international level and potential administrative misconduct involve different authorities and regulatory frameworks.

As investigations continue, stakeholders across Malaysian football are increasingly calling for clearer coordination between government agencies, national associations and league organisers to ensure that future naturalisation initiatives meet both legal standards and international sporting regulations.

For now, MFL maintains that its role has been fulfilled according to established procedures. Nevertheless, the wider debate surrounding governance, accountability and the credibility of eligibility processes suggests that the issue is likely to remain a major talking point within Malaysian football in the months ahead.

Should Citizenship Be Reviewed? FAM Statement Fuels National Debate After CAS Ruling

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has acknowledged the decision delivered by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in the high-profile eligibility case involving seven naturalised players, while expressing reservations about the severity of the sanctions imposed.

In a media statement issued on 6 March 2026, FAM confirmed that it had received the operative part of the CAS award concerning appeals filed by both the association and the seven affected players.

Under the ruling, FAM’s appeal was dismissed, while the players’ appeals were partially upheld, leading to an adjustment in the sanctions originally imposed by FIFA. The players will remain barred from participating in official matches for another eight months, although they are permitted to continue training and engaging in football-related activities with their respective clubs.

FAM also noted that the full reasoning behind the CAS decision has not yet been released, and further comments will be made once the complete written award becomes available.

FAM Accepts Administrative Oversight

In its statement, FAM acknowledged oversight failures in the administrative process related to the players’ naturalisation and eligibility documentation. The association confirmed that investigations by Malaysian federal agencies and FIFA are still ongoing, and reiterated its commitment to cooperate fully with all relevant authorities.

The association described the outcome as deeply disappointing, particularly for the players involved. According to FAM, the players were not involved in the administrative preparation of the documents used in the eligibility process and had no knowledge of the matters handled by administrators.

FAM also emphasised that the players had obtained Malaysian citizenship in accordance with Malaysian law, and thanked supporters for their continued backing during what it described as a difficult period for Malaysian football.

A Wider Issue: Sovereignty and Sporting Regulations

Beyond the immediate sporting consequences, the case raises an important question that sits at the intersection of sports governance and national sovereignty.

While FIFA and CAS regulate eligibility rules for international football, citizenship itself is a sovereign matter governed by Malaysian law and the Federal Constitution. In other words, international sporting bodies determine whether a player can represent a national team, but they do not have the authority to grant or revoke nationality.

This creates a complex situation. The players may remain Malaysian citizens under domestic law, yet still be deemed ineligible to represent the national team under FIFA regulations.

From a diplomatic standpoint, FAM’s response can be seen as cautious and measured, acknowledging the CAS ruling while leaving room to review the detailed reasoning of the decision before determining further steps.

Should the Citizenship Be Revoked?

One of the more sensitive questions emerging from the case is whether the Malaysian government should revoke the citizenship granted to the players, particularly if the naturalisation process involved falsified eligibility claims.

From a legal and policy perspective, the answer is not straightforward.

Under Malaysian law, citizenship granted through naturalisation can potentially be revoked if it is proven that the status was obtained through fraud, false representation, or concealment of material facts. If future investigations confirm that the naturalisation process relied on falsified documentation, the government technically has the legal authority to review or withdraw that citizenship.

However, several factors complicate the matter:

  • The CAS ruling itself suggests that the players had limited involvement in preparing the documents, implying that the issue may lie more with administrative processes rather than deliberate deception by the players.
  • Revoking citizenship is an extremely serious action that goes beyond sporting sanctions and would carry diplomatic, legal and reputational consequences.
  • The players have already been sanctioned under football regulations, which may lead policymakers to view the sporting penalties as sufficient.

For these reasons, many observers argue that revoking citizenship would likely be disproportionate unless clear evidence emerges that the players themselves knowingly participated in falsification.

What the Malaysian Government Should Do Next

Rather than focusing solely on punitive measures, the more pressing priority for Malaysia may be institutional reform.

Several steps would help prevent similar controversies in the future:

1. Establish a clear national framework for sports naturalisation
Malaysia needs a transparent policy outlining how athletes may obtain fast-track citizenship and how eligibility requirements align with international federation rules.

2. Strengthen coordination between ministries and sporting bodies
Naturalisation for sporting purposes often involves multiple institutions, including the Home Ministry, immigration authorities and national associations. Clear protocols would reduce the risk of administrative gaps.

3. Implement stronger due-diligence checks before eligibility submissions
Ensuring that documentation submitted to FIFA meets eligibility standards would protect both athletes and national federations from reputational damage.

A Turning Point for Malaysian Football Governance

While the CAS decision offers partial relief by allowing the players to continue training during their suspension, the controversy has exposed systemic weaknesses in how sporting naturalisation was handled.

The case is therefore likely to serve as a turning point for governance in Malaysian football, forcing stakeholders to reconsider how competitive ambition, regulatory compliance and national sovereignty should be balanced moving forward.

For now, the focus remains on awaiting the full CAS written award, which will provide the detailed reasoning behind the ruling and may further shape how Malaysia responds to one of the most significant eligibility disputes in its football history.

MSL 2025/26: PDRM FC Versus Negeri Sembilan FC Ticket Sales Info

Tickets for the Malaysia Super League 2025-26 match between PDRM FC and Negeri Sembilan FC on 13 March 2026 at the Majlis Perbandaran Selayang Stadium are now on sale!

Click the link below to purchase:

https://tickethotline.com.my/events/liga-super-malaysia-2025-2026-pdrm-fc-vs-negeri-sembilan-fc

Choose ‘Away Entrance’ section.

For the State, We’re Heading to Selayang! 🚌

Bus slots for the away day to Selayang are now open!

📍 Departure point: Wisma PBNS
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM
💸 Price: RM60 (Members) | RM65 (Non-members)
ℹ️ Price includes match ticket

Come on, Sekalian Yang Setia!
Let’s rock Selayang with chants of For the State! 

Click the link below to make your booking:
http://wa.me/60196802669

Rajan Calls for Late-Game Focus After Dramatic Draw as Negeri Sembilan Show Signs of Progress

Negeri Sembilan FC interim head coach K. Rajan acknowledged clear improvements in his team’s overall performance despite a frustrating late setback following their 3-3 draw against Penang FC in the Malaysia Super League at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi on 7 March.

Speaking during the post-match press conference after the Liga Super 2025/26 Matchday 20 encounter, Rajan praised the effort and attacking intent displayed by Negeri Sembilan FC, highlighting the team’s ability to create numerous chances throughout the match.

“Overall, we played a good game. We created a lot of chances, but we didn’t convert them,” Rajan said, noting that the team had shown significant improvement compared to the previous outing.

Positive Signs Despite Frustrating Ending

The interim head coach emphasised that while the result may feel disappointing, there were clear indicators of progress in the team’s performance.

According to Rajan, the players demonstrated better attacking structure and were able to generate several goal-scoring opportunities, suggesting that the team’s tactical adjustments and training work are beginning to take effect.

“You saw in the last two games, we improved a lot. We created many chances, but sometimes we couldn’t finish them,” he explained.

However, Rajan also admitted that defensive concentration in the closing stages remains a concern, especially after conceding a late goal that denied the home side a crucial victory.

Focus and Concentration Key for Final Minutes

Reflecting on the decisive moments late in the match, Rajan pointed to the importance of maintaining focus and mental discipline until the final whistle.

“For the last-minute goal, players must focus and concentrate until the last whistle,” he said. “At the end of the game, players are already tired, but concentration is very important.”

The coach added that such situations can sometimes be unpredictable, particularly when refereeing decisions or late challenges come into play, but maintaining defensive discipline remains essential.

Post-Match Review Planned

Looking ahead, Rajan confirmed that the coaching staff will conduct a detailed post-mortem with the players to analyse the match and identify areas that require improvement.

“Tomorrow we will do a post-mortem with the players. We will talk together and improve game by game,” he said.

While the late concession prevented Negeri Sembilan from securing all three points, Rajan remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory under his interim leadership, stressing that continuous improvement and hard work in training will be key as the Hobin Jang Hobin squad prepares for their upcoming fixtures.

Last-Gasp Penalty Denies Jang Victory in Six-Goal Thriller at Paroi

Negeri Sembilan FC were forced to settle for a point after being held to a dramatic 3-3 draw by Penang FC in a pulsating Super League encounter at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi, earlier today.

The Hobin Jang Hobin squad had hoped to secure a valuable victory on home soil, but a late penalty from the visitors denied them all three points in a match filled with momentum swings and six goals.

Penang FC struck first in the 22nd minute through a swift counterattack. Dylan Christopher finished the move clinically to give the visitors the early advantage and silence the Paroi crowd.

Negeri Sembilan, however, responded strongly and found the equaliser seven minutes later through Jovan Motika in the 29th minute.

The goal was crafted through a well-orchestrated midfield move involving Yuichi Hirano and Takumi Sasaki. The pair combined neatly before Sasaki threaded a precise pass into Motika’s path. The forward showed excellent composure to beat two Penang defenders before unleashing a powerful strike past goalkeeper Mohamad Ramdhan Ab Hamid to level the score.

As the match progressed into the final stages, Penang head coach Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail made a decisive substitution by introducing experienced striker Tchetche Kipre. The move proved effective as the 38-year-old found the back of the net in the 79th minute, converting a delivery from Jose Porteria to restore the visitors’ lead.

Despite the setback, Negeri Sembilan refused to surrender and mounted an impressive late comeback.

Substitute Mio Tsuneyasu brought the home side back into the contest in the 82nd minute, finishing clinically to make it 2-2. The momentum then shifted firmly in favour of the hosts when Joseph Esso completed the turnaround in the 88th minute, putting Negeri Sembilan ahead and seemingly on course for a memorable victory.

However, heartbreak struck in the dying moments of the match.

Penang were awarded a penalty in the 90th minute, and Stefano Brundo stepped up to convert from the spot, ensuring the visitors salvaged a point from the thrilling contest.

The result sees both sides share the spoils after an entertaining encounter in Paroi, with Negeri Sembilan left to reflect on a match that slipped away at the very last moment despite a spirited fightback.

CAS Rules on Malaysia Eligibility Controversy: Seven Players Banned from Matches

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has partially amended the sanctions imposed on seven footballers who were previously ruled ineligible to represent Malaysia, confirming a 12-month suspension from official matches but allowing the players to continue training and participating in other football-related activities.

In a media release issued on 5 March 2026 from Lausanne, Switzerland, CAS announced that it had partly upheld the appeals filed by the players against the decision by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). The case concerned allegations of falsified documents used during the naturalisation and eligibility process for the Malaysian national team.

Background of the Case

The case dates back to 2025 when the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) approached seven foreign players to potentially represent Malaysia at international level. The players involved were:

  • Facundo Tomás Garcés Rattaro
  • Rodrigo Julián Holgado
  • Imanol Javier Machuca
  • João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo
  • Gabriel Felipe Arrocha
  • Jon Irazabal Iraurgi
  • Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano

Following the process, the players underwent naturalisation procedures and were issued Malaysian passports.

However, on 25 September 2025, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee ruled that FAM and the players had violated the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) after determining that falsified documents had been used in the naturalisation and eligibility process. FIFA concluded that the players had no legitimate connection to Malaysia that would justify their eligibility.

As a result, FIFA imposed a 12-month suspension from all football-related activities on the players, along with a fine of CHF 2,000 for each player. FAM was also fined CHF 350,000. The decision was later upheld by the FIFA Appeal Committee on 3 November 2025.

Appeals Taken to CAS

FAM and the players subsequently filed consolidated appeals with CAS on 5 December 2025.

In its appeal, FAM acknowledged the presence of what it described as “institutional shortcomings” and accepted that it may bear responsibility for breaching the FIFA Disciplinary Code. However, the association argued that the players had only provided documents requested by FAM and did not prepare or alter the documents themselves.

FAM requested that the FIFA decision be set aside and proposed that any sanction should not exceed a fine of CHF 50,000.

Meanwhile, the players appealed for the complete annulment of the FIFA Appeal Committee’s decision, arguing that they had not acted with intent or negligence. Alternatively, they requested that any sanctions imposed should be proportionate to their role in the case.

The appeals were heard by a CAS panel consisting of Lars Hilliger (Denmark) as President, alongside José Luis Andrade (Portugal) and Massimo Coccia (Italy). The hearing took place in person on 26 February 2026 at the CAS headquarters in Lausanne.

CAS Decision

After reviewing the evidence, the CAS Panel concluded that the use of falsified eligibility documents had indeed occurred. The panel ruled that a 12-month ban was a reasonable and proportionate sanction, given the players’ involvement in the process.

However, CAS determined that the suspension should apply only to official matches, rather than to all football-related activities.

This adjustment means the players are allowed to continue training and working with their respective clubs during the suspension period, but they remain barred from participating in official matches.

The ban officially begins on 5 March 2026, with credit given for the period already served between 25 September 2025 and 26 January 2026, when the original suspension had effectively been in force.

CAS also ruled that FAM’s fine of CHF 350,000 remains justified and proportionate, dismissing the association’s appeal on the matter.

Next Steps

CAS clarified that the announcement represents an operative decision without detailed grounds, meaning the full written award explaining the panel’s reasoning will be issued at a later date. For legal purposes, only the wording of the final written decision will be binding.

The ruling brings partial relief for the affected players, who can now continue training and maintaining their professional careers while serving their match suspensions. At the same time, the decision reinforces the strict regulatory framework governing player eligibility and international representation in football.

Understanding the AFC/FAM Coaching Diploma Pathway

The development of qualified football coaches is a crucial pillar in strengthening the overall football ecosystem. In Malaysia, the structured coaching pathway designed by the Football Association of Malaysia in collaboration with the Asian Football Confederation provides a progressive framework for coaches to advance their knowledge, technical competency, and leadership within the game.

This structured pathway ensures that coaches are equipped with the necessary education, experience, and certification required to train players across different age groups and levels, from grassroots football to professional teams.

A Structured Coaching Pathway

The coaching pathway implemented by FAM follows a step-by-step progression designed to guide aspiring coaches through increasingly advanced levels of training and responsibility.

The system begins with grassroots coaching certification and gradually progresses through multiple licensing levels including D Licence, C Licence, B Licence, A Licence, and eventually the Pro Diploma, which represents the highest level of coaching certification within the AFC framework.

Each stage of certification equips coaches with more sophisticated knowledge in areas such as tactical training, match preparation, player development, and team management.

Grassroots Coaching Course: The Foundation

The entry point into the coaching pathway is the FAM Grassroots Coaching Certificate, designed to introduce football coaching fundamentals to community coaches and youth instructors.

The primary focus of this course is to develop coaches capable of teaching young players aged 6 to 11 years old, particularly in non-elite environments.

Key technical areas emphasized include:

  • First Touch
  • Striking the Ball
  • Running with the Ball
  • 1v1 Situations

The course typically runs for two full days, combining approximately 70% practical field training and 30% classroom theory.

Graduates of the grassroots certification play a vital role in introducing football fundamentals to children, primarily through small-sided games such as 1v1, 3v3, and 5v5 formats.

AFC/FAM D Licence: Entry into Advanced Coaching

The AFC/FAM D Licence represents the first step toward more advanced coaching qualifications. This course prepares coaches to transition from basic instruction into structured training environments that simulate real match scenarios.

The course focuses on preparing coaches to manage training sessions for players aged 12 and above, particularly those competing in 11-a-side football formats.

Key training topics include:

  • Playing out from the back
  • Midfield combination play involving key central roles (No.6 and No.8)

Participants are required to demonstrate active involvement in coaching teams at schools, academies, or clubs, particularly those competing at youth or amateur levels.

AFC/FAM C Licence: Tactical and Game Training Development

The C Licence represents a significant milestone in the coaching journey, focusing on game training and performance phases for teams competing in 11-a-side football.

Coaches participating in this course must already hold a D Licence certification and be actively coaching players from under-13 level up to senior teams.

During the course, participants are required to complete practical assignments including:

  • Maintaining a training logbook
  • Preparing detailed session plans
  • Producing video analysis or half-time team briefings

Key tactical topics covered include:

  • Structured build-up play from the back
  • Defensive pressing from the front third
  • Central midfield attacking combinations
  • Attacking wing play and wide combinations

These assignments ensure that coaches gain hands-on experience implementing structured tactical training in real team environments.

AFC/FAM B Licence: Advanced Tactical Coaching

The B Licence further elevates a coach’s responsibilities by focusing on full-team tactical development and match preparation.

At this stage, coaches work closely with elite youth, amateur, and professional-level players, with an emphasis on performance training and team organization.

Key areas covered in the B Licence curriculum include:

  • Football vision and coaching philosophy
  • A structured six-point evaluation checklist for training sessions
  • Attacking and defending principles
  • Transition play models
  • Formation theory and tactical systems

Participants must also prepare detailed documentation, including training logs, session plans, and match analysis reports before, during, and after the course period.

AFC/FAM A Licence: Coaching at the Highest Level

The A Licence prepares coaches for leadership roles at the highest levels of football.

At this stage, coaches are expected to develop their own football philosophy and tactical identity, shaping how their teams play and perform on the field.

Key areas of focus include:

  • Player selection strategies
  • Tactical planning and game models
  • Advanced match analysis
  • Training design based on coaching philosophy
  • Media management and communication skills

This level of certification equips coaches with the competencies required to manage professional teams and elite players, including advanced tactical instruction and high-level match analysis.

The Coaching Model: Beyond Technical Skills

The FAM coaching framework also highlights a broader coaching model built around five key components:

  • Vision and Philosophy
  • Training
  • Match Management
  • Player Management
  • Football Knowledge

Together, these elements ensure that coaches develop not only technical expertise but also leadership, communication, and strategic thinking abilities essential for modern football coaching.

Building the Future of Malaysian Football

Through the AFC/FAM coaching pathway, Malaysia continues to strengthen the foundation of its football development system. By ensuring that coaches receive structured education and professional certification, the pathway helps produce knowledgeable and competent coaches capable of nurturing talent from grassroots to the professional level.

As more coaches progress through this pathway, the long-term impact will be reflected in the quality of training, tactical understanding, and player development across Malaysian football.

Ultimately, investing in coach education is a critical step toward building a sustainable and competitive football ecosystem for the future.

NSFC CEO Faliq Firdaus Outlines Vision for a Stronger Negeri Sembilan Football Ecosystem

Negeri Sembilan FC Chief Executive Officer Faliq Firdaus has shared a heartfelt reflection on the evolution of football development in Negeri Sembilan, highlighting both the challenges of the past and the promising pathway being built today for the next generation of players.

In a personal message, Faliq reflected on his own school days playing football, recalling how talented players from his generation often struggled to progress due to limited opportunities and a fragmented development structure.

“Back in school, I played football too, though I wasn’t as good as many of my friends. What was sad was that even the talented ones couldn’t go far because the opportunities simply weren’t there,” he said.

According to Faliq, the core issue during that era was not talent but the lack of a structured development system. Young players found it difficult to gain enough competitive exposure, often relying heavily on the Majlis Sukan Sekolah-Sekolah Daerah (MSSD) pathway, which offered limited continuity.

“To even get 30 competitive matches a year was difficult. Training would go on for months, then you would only play in a one-week tournament. There was no continuity,” he explained.

Progress in the Development Structure

Faliq noted that the football landscape has changed significantly over the years, with club-based development pathways now emerging alongside the national and school systems. However, he acknowledged that the ecosystem is still evolving and requires greater coordination among stakeholders.

“Today, the situation is different. Club pathways now exist, including elite club pathways linked to the Liga Super. But the system is still maturing, and many stakeholders are still working in silos,” he said.

He emphasised that improving the system will take time but remains essential if Malaysian football — and Negeri Sembilan in particular — is to produce more high-quality players.

Young Talents Representing Negeri Sembilan in Japan

Faliq also expressed pride in seeing three young players from Negeri Sembilan earn the opportunity to train and undergo trials in Japan, describing it as a moment that symbolises how far the development pathway has progressed.

The trio — a player from Rembau, another from Labu, and one from Kuantan — are currently spending a month in Japan, carrying the name of Negeri Sembilan while gaining valuable international exposure.

“For me personally, I’m proud because these younger players are getting opportunities that many of us never had before,” he said.

If they perform well and receive the right opportunities, the players could potentially continue their development in Japan — a prospect that once seemed like a distant dream for many young Malaysian footballers.

“They are living our dreams,” he added.

Strengthening the Negeri Sembilan Development Pipeline

To ensure long-term sustainability, Faliq emphasised that Negeri Sembilan must continue strengthening its own grassroots and development systems.

He hopes that in the future, players representing the club internationally will increasingly come from the Sekolah Sukan Negeri Sembilan (SSN) system, signalling that the state is producing talent through its own structured development pipeline.

To improve the quality of training at SSN, Negeri Sembilan FC will place an AFC A-Licence coach within the school programme, starting with the Under-17 squad, with another coach set to work with the Under-14 team by 2027.

The initiative is part of a collaborative effort between the club and the Negeri Sembilan State Education Department (JPNNS).

“I would like to thank the school principal and JPNNS for welcoming this idea. We are combining resources for the benefit of Negeri Sembilan,” he said.

Building a Complete Football Ecosystem

Beyond elite development, NSFC is also focusing on expanding grassroots opportunities and strengthening the football ecosystem across the state.

The club will soon participate in the FAM National Youth League, competing in the Under-12 and Under-15/16 categories, further providing competitive exposure for young players.

At the same time, Faliq emphasised the importance of community clubs in nurturing talent.

“Clubs like Bunga Raya FC and Teck Hin FC must continue to grow. This is an ecosystem, and everyone plays a role,” he said.

He also confirmed that the Negeri Sembilan Football Symposium will return this year as part of ongoing efforts to bring together stakeholders to discuss the future of football development in the state.

Expanding Grassroots Opportunities

As part of its grassroots commitment, NSFC has also launched the NSFC Football School in Seremban, targeting boys and girls aged 7 to 12 years old.

Parents are encouraged to enrol their children, with the club aiming to expand the programme to other districts across Negeri Sembilan after establishing a strong foundation in Seremban.

“Once Seremban is established, we will expand to other districts,” Faliq said.

A Collective Journey Forward

Faliq concluded by emphasising that football development in Negeri Sembilan requires collaboration between clubs, schools, associations, and community academies.

Only through a united ecosystem, he said, can the state continue producing players capable of competing at higher levels while proudly carrying the name of Negeri Sembilan.

“It’s an ecosystem. We must move forward together,” he said.

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