Category: Football

Farewell to a True Jang: Kaharuddin Abdul Rahman

For any player, the decision to retire from football is never easy. For Kaharuddin Abdul Rahman, it marks the end of a remarkable 15-year journey dedicated entirely to Negeri Sembilan FC—a journey defined by loyalty, resilience, and unforgettable memories.

A Career of Glory and Dedication

Affectionately known as “Kahar”, the Kuala Pilah-born goalkeeper has been a mainstay of Negeri Sembilan football since making his senior debut in the 2009 Malaysia Super League against UPB-MyTeam. Over the years, he became synonymous with agility, courage, and unwavering commitment.

During his career, Kahar helped Negeri Sembilan lift two Malaysia Cups, one FA Cup, one Premier League title, and one Charity Shield, cementing his legacy as one of the most decorated players in the club’s modern history. 

His performances often rescued the team in crucial moments, earning him the admiration of “Sekalian Yang Setia”, the club’s passionate supporters.

Fighter, Leader, Inspiration

“Ini Kahar lah, den fighter,” was the phrase that captured his spirit. Even through injuries and setbacks, his determination never wavered. For young aspiring players, his resilience and relentless fighting spirit remain an inspiration.

Reflecting on his career, Kahar said:

“Winning trophies with Negeri Sembilan is the greatest moment of my career. My dream now is to become a goalkeeper coach for this team one day. I have given everything as a player—now I want to give back by sharing my knowledge and experience with the next generation.”

He also left a heartfelt message for the youth:

“Play with all your heart. Be sincere, be honest, and always protect the good name of the team.”

A Legend in Black and Yellow

NSFC CEO Muhammad Faliq Firdaus paid tribute to the club stalwart:

“To remain loyal to Negeri Sembilan for 15 years is an honour. His entire professional career was lived here, and he has won almost every trophy available. Kahar is truly a club legend. Thank you for 15 glorious years.”

Closing a Chapter, Opening Another

Kahar’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his spirit will continue to echo in Paroi. His legacy is more than medals—it is the grit, loyalty, and pride he carried every time he stood between the posts.

To Kahar: thank you, and happy retirement. May your next chapter as a mentor and role model be just as successful as your playing career.

Hobin Jang Hobin! 🟡⚫🔴

A Club Steeped in Glory: Negeri Sembilan’s Story from Paroi

Heritage and Identity

Rebranded for a time as NS Matrix, Negeri Sembilan may feel distant to some newer followers of Malaysian football—but the club’s DNA is rich with history and triumphs.

Long before the semi-pro era, the team helped produce legends such as Ghani Minhat, and the 1990s ushered in another wave of standouts including B. Rajinikandh, Ching Hong Aik, Khairul Anuar Baharom, and Effendi Malek.

The 2000 Malaysia Cup Run

In 2000, Negeri Sembilan stunned many by marching to the Malaysia Cup final, falling only to a powerhouse Perak side. The semi-final remains folklore: away in Kuching—then a Sarawak fortress—Effendi Malek struck twice, before returning to Paroi to end Sarawak’s comeback hopes against a team stacked with the likes of Mazlan Wahid, Bobby Pian, and Ibrahim Mantali.

A Production Line of Talent

Through the years, Negeri Sembilan have nurtured names that became national fixtures—Shukor Adan among them—and even cult favourites such as the stylish Wong Sai Kong. After the famed Razak twins era, however, the squad depth thinned and sustaining a top-flight revival became difficult.

Champions of Malaysia (2006)

Against the grain of pre-season predictions favouring Perak, NS Naza (as the team was then known) captured the 2005–06 Malaysia Super League under K. Devan, led by the club’s “golden generation” featuring Rezal Zambery Yahya. They came close to a famous double, only to be edged by Perlis in the 2006 Malaysia Cup.

A Romance with the Malaysia Cup (2009–2011)

Few Malaysian teams can claim it: three consecutive Malaysia Cup finals.

  • 2009 – Champions (3–1 vs Kelantan): Ending a 61-year wait, Negeri Sembilan outclassed the “Red Warriors.” Surprise package Shahurain Abu Samah opened the scoring, veteran Hairuddin Omar did what he does best in finals, and Zaquan Adha sealed it from the spot.
  • 2010 – Runners-up (1–2 vs Kelantan): Shahurain struck first again, but Kelantan replied through—ironically—Hairuddin Omar, now in red, before Badhri “Piya” Radzi completed the comeback.
  • 2011 – Champions (2–1 vs Terengganu): Facing a superb Terengganu side that had already won the FA Cup, Negeri Sembilan produced a famous late rally. S. Kunanlan levelled in the 81st minute; Hairuddin Omar volleyed home the winner in the 86th—his third straight Malaysia Cup final with a goal.

The Downturn and Hard Lessons

After lifting the 2012 Charity Shield, the squad gradually thinned as key players departed season after season, culminating in relegation to the Premier League (2014). The departures exposed structural gaps in succession planning, contract strategy, and wage frameworks—areas that needed a firmer, longer-term blueprint.

The lesson was clear: avoid large cohorts hitting contract expiry together, protect core assets, and build sustainable depth. The goal remains the same—restore Paroi as a fortress worthy of the chant “Hobin Jang Hobin.”

A Call to Rise

This club has never been just a name; it’s a legacy. With planning, patience, and smart investment, Negeri Sembilan can reclaim its rightful place among Malaysia’s elite.

Come on, Jang—rise again and return to where you truly belong.

Three Jangs in AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers

Three young Negeri Sembilan FC talents – Syahmi Adib, Haiqal Haqeemi, and Filip Chinzorig Andersen – proudly represented their nations in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers.

In the highly anticipated clash between Malaysia U-23 and Mongolia U-23, both Haiqal and Filip were named in the starting line-ups for their respective countries, while Syahmi Adib also featured in the squad.

Their involvement highlights the continued growth of NSFC’s youth development and the club’s rising influence on the international stage.

Hobin Jang Hobin! 🟡⚫🔴

Mio Tsuneyasu’s Contract Situation: Key to Negeri Sembilan FC’s Long-Term Plans

Negeri Sembilan FC’s (NSFC) breakout performer this season, Mio Tsuneyasu, has not only impressed with his on-field performances but also sparked crucial discussions about his future at the club.

Current Status: Loan from Gainare Tottori

The 23-year-old winger is currently on loan from Japanese third-tier side Gainare Tottori. Since arriving, he has already made a significant impact, scoring three goals in four appearances despite not starting any matches so far. 

His dynamic style, late-game effectiveness, and ability to change matches have quickly made him a fan favorite at Paroi.

Contract Timeline

Tsuneyasu’s current contract with Gainare Tottori is set to expire on 31 January 2026. According to data from Transfermarkt and industry sources, this means he will officially become a free agent at the start of next year, making him available to negotiate with any club of his choice.

This timeline puts NSFC in a strategic position. The club now faces a critical decision:

  • Secure him permanently before rival clubs step in, especially given his rising stock in the Malaysian Super League.
  • Or risk losing him back to the Japanese market, where the higher competitiveness and exposure of the J.League system could tempt him back.

The Opportunity for NSFC

From a business and football perspective, locking down Tsuneyasu represents a golden opportunity for Negeri Sembilan. His age, adaptability, and growing connection with both teammates and fans make him an ideal long-term investment.

Moreover, his synergy with fellow Japanese import Takumi Sasaki has already added a new dimension to NSFC’s attacking play. Should both remain with the squad, the club could build a consistent tactical identity anchored around these dynamic imports.

Potential Challenges

Securing Tsuneyasu permanently may not be straightforward. His performances will undoubtedly attract interest from other Malaysian Super League teams — and possibly clubs abroad.

NSFC must act decisively, leveraging the player’s positive experience in Paroi and the strong support from fans to convince him that his future lies in Negeri Sembilan.

Conclusion

Mio Tsuneyasu’s contract situation could define NSFC’s medium-term trajectory. As things stand, he has all the qualities to become more than just a loan success story. For Negeri Sembilan, the message is clear: act fast, secure Mio, and build the future of the club around his talent.

Photo: Deshooterz

Ching Hong Aik: The Loyal Star of Negeri Sembilan FC

Few names resonate as strongly with Negeri Sembilan FC as Ching Hong Aik. Born on 30 November 1973 in Malacca, Ching carved out a legacy defined by loyalty, consistency, and quiet excellence—qualities that made him one of the most respected figures in Malaysian football.

A Career of Dedication

Ching’s professional journey began with the Malacca Youth Team before he was recruited into the Negeri Sembilan senior squad in 1993. Across nearly two decades, he became a pillar of the club, representing Negeri Sembilan FA from 1993 to 2001, returning in 2003 to 2010, and later concluding his career at MP Muar FC in 2011. His only season away came in 2002, when he turned out for Sarawak FA.

Records and Achievements

During his remarkable tenure, Ching amassed approximately 260 appearances, placing him among the most capped players in club history. His service to Negeri Sembilan spanned 17 years, making him the embodiment of loyalty and commitment to the badge.

With Ching anchoring the defense, Negeri Sembilan achieved some of its greatest triumphs:

  • Malaysia Super League – 2005/06
  • Malaysia Premier League – 2005
  • Malaysia FA Cup – 2003, 2010
  • Malaysia Cup – 2009

Style and Legacy

Operating primarily as a left-back, Ching was renowned for his defensive discipline, tactical intelligence, and ability to deliver under pressure. While never the loudest voice on the pitch, his reliability and work ethic made him indispensable to every squad he was part of.

For fans, Ching is more than just a player of the past—he represents an era where loyalty to the club came before all else. His name is etched not only in our record books but also in the hearts of supporters who witnessed his journey from a promising youth to a seasoned stalwart.

Player Biodata

AttributeDetails
Full NameChing Hong Aik (郑宏育)
Date of Birth30 November 1973
Place of BirthMalacca, Malaysia
Height1.56 m (5 ft 1 in)
PositionLeft-back
Youth ClubMalacca Youth Team
Senior CareerNegeri Sembilan FA (1993–2001, 2003–2010); Sarawak FA (2002); MP Muar FC (2011)
AppearancesApprox. 260 (Negeri Sembilan FC)
Years of Service17 years with Negeri Sembilan FC
Major HonorsMalaysia Super League (2005/06); Malaysia Premier League (2005); Malaysia FA Cup (2003, 2010); Malaysia Cup (2009)

🔰 Ching Hong Aik remains a shining example of dedication and professionalism—an icon of Negeri Sembilan FC whose influence continues to inspire generations of Jang supporters.

A Meaningful Debut For NSFC Duo!

Two young The Jangs players, Haiqal Haqeemi (22 years old) and Aidil Zailani (21 years old), made their first senior team appearances in the 2025 FA Cup clash against PDRM FC on 18 August 2025.

This debut marks more than just minutes on the pitch—it’s a symbolic first step towards a brighter future, as both players continue to shine as part of Jang Mudo on the national stage.

💛⚫️ For Negeri, For the Future!

NSFC Players on International Duty

Negeri Sembilan FC is proud to announce the call-ups of several of our players to represent their respective national teams during the upcoming international break.

🇲🇾 Senior National Team (International Friendlies 2025)

  • Azri Ghani – Malaysia
  • Luis Enrique Nsue – Equatorial Guinea
  • Wai Lin Aung – Myanmar

🏆 U-23 National Team (AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers)

  • Haiqal Haqeemi – Malaysia
  • Syahmi Adib – Malaysia
  • Filip Chinzorig Andersen – Mongolia

🙌 Congratulations to all our players on this prestigious recognition. Your hard work and commitment continue to inspire the club and our supporters.

Demi Negeri, Demi Negara!

Opponent Analysis: Kuching City FC Home Season 2025/2026

Kuching City FC showed flashes of attacking promise and tactical structure, particularly in their opening win, but have since struggled against better-organized and higher-pressing teams. The side’s underlying issues — defensive errors, poor duel success, and inefficiency in final third — became increasingly exposed.

⚽️ MATCH-BY-MATCH SNAPSHOT

1. Kuching City 4–0 Kelantan Darul Naim

  • Possession: 58%
  • xG: 4.17
  • Shots: 15 (8 on target)
  • Touches in opp. box: 21
  • Defensive errors: 2
  • Result: Convincing win with fluid transitions and dominance in final third.

🔑 Key Players:

  • R. Ngah (2 goals)
  • J. Pedro (goal + creativity)
  • Saifullah (wing threat)

🧠 Tactics:

  • 4-4-2 shape, strong pressing, smart through balls (3).
  • Exploited KDN’s lack of structure; excellent verticality and wing play.

2. DPMM FC 3–2 Kuching City

  • Possession: 63%
  • xG: 3.99
  • Shots: 22 (5 on target)
  • Touches in opp. box: 36
  • Defensive errors: 8
  • Result: Frustrating defeat despite dominance and high xG.

🔑 Key Players:

  • Shitembi (7.9 rating — midfield control)
  • Saifullah and Pedro (continued attacking output)

🧠 Tactics:

  • 4-3-3 shape with fluid possession but vulnerable in transitions.
  • Lack of duel success (only 36% total), and massive defensive lapses (8 errors leading to shots) cost them the match.

3. Kuching City 0–1 JDT

  • Possession: 38%
  • xG: 0.44
  • Shots: 4 (0 on target)
  • Touches in opp. box: 4
  • Red card: Tanigawa 49’
  • Result: Disciplined first half undone by red card and elite JDT control.

🔑 Key Players:

  • M. H. Nadzli (GK, 4 saves, kept scoreline tight)

🧠 Tactics:

  • Shifted to 4-1-4-1, defending deep and hoping for counters.
  • Couldn’t break JDT press or hold possession (only 180 passes).
  • Created no big chances; no shots on target; lost physical and aerial battles.

🔬 TACTICAL THEMES & INSIGHTS

🧠 Positives

  1. Structured Build-Up (vs KDN & DPMM):
    • Good control through midfielders Atede, Shitembi.
    • Short combination play and occasional vertical balls.
  2. Wing Play & Width:
    • Saifullah and Pedro provide penetration wide.
    • Frequently reached by Raymond or Woods overlapping.
  3. Box Occupation (vs KDN & DPMM):
    • Touches in opposition box: 21 and 36 respectively.
    • Shows ambition and attacking intent when confidence is high.

❌ Recurring Problems

  1. DEFENSIVE ERRORS:
    • 2 vs KDN, 8 vs DPMM, 5 vs JDT → 15 errors in 3 games, leading to dangerous chances or goals.
  2. DUEL WEAKNESS:
    • vs DPMM: Only 25% ground duels
    • vs JDT: 31% ground / 29% aerial
    • Losing physical battles consistently.
  3. LOW FINAL THIRD CONVERSION:
    • xG vs DPMM: 3.99 but only 2 goals
    • xG vs JDT: 0.44, no shots on target
    • Wasteful finishing or poor decision-making.
  4. MENTAL FRAGILITY UNDER PRESSURE:
    • Red card vs JDT (Tanigawa) derailed a disciplined game plan.
    • Poor concentration in transitions vs DPMM (conceded right after scoring).

📊 PERFORMANCE TRENDS

Metricvs KDNvs DPMMvs JDT
xG4.173.990.44
Possession (%)58%63%38%
Shots15224
Shots on target850
Defensive errors285
Duel win %51%36%40%
Touches in opp. box21364

Insight: Sharp regression in offensive threat and duel control, peaking vs DPMM but collapsing vs JDT.

🧭 STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS

🔧 Tactical Adjustments:

  • Switch to 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1 in tougher fixtures for better midfield cover.
  • Use Atede or Shitembi as deep pivots to avoid transition gaps.
  • Develop set-piece strategies — low corner threat currently.

🧍 Personnel / Training:

  • Prioritize defensive drills: clearances, pressure management, off-ball structure.
  • Improve mental resilience: avoid drop in intensity post-conceding.
  • Strengthen aerial and ground duel work, especially from midfield and fullbacks.

🎯 Attacking Focus:

  • Add a second striker or No. 10 in matches where possession is high.
  • Encourage more direct play when under pressing — especially vs top-tier clubs like JDT.

🧠 FINAL VERDICT

Kuching City FC is a side with modern possession ideas and fluid wide play, but they lack the defensive backbone and physical presence to sustain pressure or dominate top teams. A deeper midfield screen and smarter rotations could unlock more points.