Tag: interview

Ahmad Khuzaimi Ready to Lead NSFC as Captain for the 2025/2026 Season

Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) centre-back Ahmad Khuzaimi Piee is ready to take on the responsibility of team captain for the 2025/2026 Malaysia Super League campaign, which kicks off this Saturday.

Khuzaimi, fondly known as Jimmy, received the captain’s armband from head coach Nidzam Jamil, and has vowed to carry out the role to the best of his ability with full support from his teammates.

“I consider this role entrusted by the coaching staff as a responsibility to be fulfilled sincerely. But I don’t see it as a burden, because I’ll be carrying it together with my teammates,” he said.

“Every player wants to elevate Negeri Sembilan’s name and achieve better results throughout the 2025/2026 season. So everyone will do their part and take their responsibilities seriously.”

The 31-year-old former Harimau Malaya defender is focused on restoring pride to the Hobin Jang Hobin squad after a disappointing previous season.

Khuzaimi believes that with a mix of experienced and young talents in the squad all hungry for success, Negeri Sembilan has the potential to become one of the strongest challengers in this year’s Super League campaign.

“My teammates and I will give our best to place the team in the top positions of the Super League. Of course, every player dreams of lifting a trophy, but we also need to be realistic and take it step by step.”

“God willing, with the fresh changes in the team and strong camaraderie among us, we can achieve something unexpected,” said the Melaka-born veteran, who previously played for NSFC.

NSFC Aiming for Strong Start in 2025–2026 Super League Campaign

Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) hopes to kick off the 2025–2026 Super League season with positive results in their opening three matches this August.

The Jangs will first face Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) on 12 August, followed by two home matches at Paroi, against Selangor FC on 24 August and Kuching City FC on 28 August.

Head coach Mohd Nidzam Jamil acknowledged that all three teams possess different strengths and will require varying tactical approaches and strategies.

“Each of these matches presents its own set of challenges, and we will assess and approach them one at a time, depending on the strengths of our opponents,”

“The best approach is to remain positive and keep an open mindset so we stay prepared to face any challenge,” he said.

Nidzam also emphasized the message from NSFC Chairman Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, that the team must no longer be seen as easy opponents as a motivating factor to push for strong results.

He noted that there have been many positive developments within the team recently, with players showing enthusiasm following a solid round of training sessions and friendlies.

“Day by day, the players are embracing a positive mindset and work ethic, which is vital for helping the team navigate a demanding season,” he added.

At the same time, Nidzam called on fans to come out and show their full support in every match.

“I see the supporters as the team’s number one asset. Whether at training or in coffee shops, they’re talking about the team and that truly excites me.”

“We want the people of this state to feel that this is their team, a team they’re proud of, just like they are with our culture, customs, and food,” he said.

Luqman Hakim Returns with New Spirit, Fulfilling His Late Father’s Wish

National youth striker Luqman Hakim is determined to revive his career and make a name for himself once again after spending five years abroad.

Having recently joined Negeri Sembilan FC from a Japanese club, Luqman admits he’s ready to prove himself again after nearly fading from the spotlight in Malaysian football.

More than just a career move, Luqman shared that his return is deeply personal, driven by a desire to fulfill his late father’s dream of seeing him become one of the best footballers in Malaysia.

“That’s one of the reasons that broke me for two months, I didn’t get the chance to see my late father before he passed,” Luqman told Astro Arena during an emotional interview.

“The lesson I learned was simple, I was too caught up with matches in Japan, whether home or away. I didn’t even have time for a video call with him. I only managed to send a message to my mother.”

Luqman now returns to Malaysia with renewed motivation.

“This season, I carry a new spirit, and my father’s spirit to prove myself. He believed in me. He knew I was strong and capable of becoming one of the best footballers in Malaysia.”