Negeri Sembilan FC are entering the final phase of preparations before making the journey to the Land of the Hornbills to face Kuching City FC at Stadium Negeri Sarawak this Saturday. The squad led by Nidzam Jamil is determined to maintain its positive momentum in the 2025–26 Super League campaign.

Much of the spotlight has been on newly signed Singaporean defender Amirul Adli, who joined the team during the second transfer window. Since donning The Jangs jersey, Adli has featured in three matches—two against Imigresen FC and one versus Selangor FC—and has shown increasing chemistry within the team’s defensive structure.

Speaking after a recent training session, Adli admitted that the previous victory over Imigresen FC had a significant psychological boost on squad morale.

“That win gave us a huge confidence lift. It showed that the hard work we’ve been putting in during training with the coaching staff is starting to pay off. We want to carry this spirit into the next match,” said Adli.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s challenge, Adli acknowledged that Kuching City FC, under the guidance of Aidil Sharin Sahak, are not a side to be taken lightly—especially when playing on home soil.

“Kuching City have a strong attacking line. As a defender, I know we must be fully prepared for a tough game. Focus is the most important factor. We cannot switch off even for a minute, because they can score from just one or two chances,” he added.

With the league race growing increasingly competitive, Negeri Sembilan FC are targeting valuable points from their Sarawak trip to improve and strengthen their position in the standings. Tactical discipline and sharpness in front of goal will be key as the Hobin Jang Hobin march into another crucial Super League encounter.

Singapore international defender Amirul Adli is embracing a fresh challenge as he continues his journey in the Malaysia Super League (MSL) with Negeri Sembilan FC.

According to Berita Harian Singapura, Tampines Rovers confirmed Amirul’s six-month loan move via their official Instagram account, announced on 13 January—coinciding with the player’s 30th birthday.

“We announce that Amirul Adli will be joining Negeri Sembilan FC in the Malaysia Super League on loan for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. All the best, Amirul Adli,” Tampines wrote.

Despite the short duration of the loan, Amirul views the move as a valuable opportunity to elevate his performance and gain further maturity ahead of major international competitions such as the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Championship later this year and the AFC Asian Cup 2027.

“Six months is not a long time. So I see this as a very good opportunity to try something different,” Amirul was quoted as saying by Berita Harian Singapura.

The defender also shared his enthusiasm after observing the success of several Singapore national stalwarts—Safuwan Baharudin, Hariss Harun, and his Tampines teammate Faris Ramli—who previously featured in Malaysian football.

“I’ve always heard positive things about Singaporean players who play in Malaysia,” he explained.

“They have gone through this journey, so I see them as references and sources of advice.”

A player with an impressive domestic résumé in the Singapore Premier League (SPL), Amirul believes the timing is right to challenge himself in a new footballing environment.

He began his professional career at 18 with Young Lions before representing Geylang International (2023), Lion City Sailors (2021), and Tampines Rovers (2018, 2024–present).

Throughout his career, Amirul has lifted several major honours, including the Singapore Cup with Tampines (2018–19), the SPL title with Lion City Sailors (2020–21), and multiple Community Shield triumphs with both Tampines and Lion City Sailors.

Amirul has already made his Malaysia Super League debut for Negeri Sembilan, coming on as a substitute against Selangor FC on 14 January.

Although Negeri Sembilan were edged 1–0 in that encounter, the experience left a strong impression on the defender.

“The match atmosphere and the support from the fans are very different from what I experienced in Singapore,” he said. “It really opened my eyes.”

From a tactical standpoint, Amirul described the MSL as a more physically demanding league, presenting a contrasting challenge compared to the more technical style in Singapore.

“Both leagues have their own strengths. Here, the physical aspect stands out, and that’s something I can learn from,” he added.

Optimistic about his role, Amirul believes his experience can strengthen Negeri Sembilan, who currently sit sixth in the MSL standings.

“I hope I can contribute in terms of stability and organisation at the back,” he said.

“With the experience I have, I want to help the team play in a more structured and cohesive manner.”

Beyond immediate contributions, Amirul sees this loan spell as a crucial step in his personal development.

“I want to bring back the experience from Malaysian football, especially the physical side, and combine it with the technical aspects of Singapore football,” he explained.

“If that helps me become a better player for both club and country, that would be very meaningful.”

With the AFC Asian Cup 2027 on the horizon, Amirul acknowledged that the move is also part of his effort to remain firmly in contention for national team selection.

“I’ve been playing in Singapore for a long time. It’s comfortable, but to keep improving, I need a new challenge,” he concluded.