Tag: youth

NSFC Clarifies Strategic Shift: Focus on Elite Pathway Drives Decision to Skip Piala Belia

Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) Chief Executive Officer Faliq Firdaus has provided a comprehensive explanation behind the club’s decision not to field a team in the Piala Belia (U18) competition—framing it as a calculated, long-term move to strengthen the club’s elite development pathway and financial sustainability.

In a detailed statement, Faliq highlighted that NSFC currently operates eight teams across various levels, far exceeding the minimum five teams required under AFC club licensing regulations. These include the senior squad in the Malaysia Super League, Liga A1, President’s Cup (largely U18), and multiple grassroots squads from B-17 down to B-10, including a women’s B-16 side.

A Clear Division of Roles

Faliq emphasised that NSFC and Negeri Sembilan FA (NSFA) have aligned their responsibilities to avoid duplication and maximise efficiency.

  • NSFC will focus on elite talent development and end-product readiness, particularly at Liga A1 level
  • NSFA will handle grassroots competitions and development platforms, including A3 leagues and youth tournaments

This structured separation ensures that both entities contribute effectively to the broader football ecosystem in Negeri Sembilan.

Why Skip Piala Belia?

The decision not to participate in Piala Belia was not taken lightly—but it is rooted in practical realities and performance outcomes.

Faliq revealed that:

  • The annual cost of running a youth team can reach RM600,000–RM700,000, including insurance, logistics, lodging, equipment, and staffing
  • Despite this investment, only a small number of players (often fewer than three) successfully progress to the senior level

“Before even factoring in salaries, a club already commits around RM300,000 just to compete,” he explained, pointing to rising coaching costs and mandatory licensing requirements.

Given these figures, NSFC believes resources are better allocated towards optimising development at Liga A1 level, where players aged 18–21 can gain higher-level exposure and readiness for the Super League.

A Smarter Player Pathway

Rather than relying on traditional youth competitions, NSFC is reshaping its pathway:

  • Players from the State Sports School (SSN) will progress directly into the President’s Cup squad
  • The President’s Cup team, now largely composed of 18-year-olds, will compete against older U19 and U20 players—accelerating development
  • Only those who prove themselves will be offered professional contracts at Liga A1 or higher levels

Faliq stressed that there is “no issue with the pathway”, but rather a need to streamline and strengthen it.

Building an Ecosystem, Not Just a Team

A key theme in the CEO’s statement was the importance of ecosystem development over isolated team-building.

NSFA has already taken steps by launching the Liga Premier Negeri Sembilan (LPNS), featuring 20 teams competing at minimal cost. This initiative aims to:

  • Expand participation at grassroots level
  • Encourage independent clubs to develop their own youth teams
  • Reduce reliance on state-funded teams

Faliq also suggested a “zonal approach” for youth competitions to reduce travel and operational costs—making participation more sustainable for smaller clubs.

Looking Ahead

NSFC remains committed to youth development, as seen in its continued participation in national programmes such as the NFDP League for B-12, despite logistical costs exceeding RM100,000 annually.

At the same time, plans are in place to gradually expand into additional age categories in the coming years—once the structure and ecosystem are fully stabilised.

Drawing comparisons to the growth of Japan’s professional system, Faliq concluded that sustainable success lies in building a strong football ecosystem from the ground up, not merely fielding more teams.

The Bigger Picture

This strategic shift signals a more data-driven and financially disciplined approach by NSFC—prioritising quality over quantity in player development.

While the absence from Piala Belia may raise eyebrows initially, the club’s leadership is betting on a leaner, more effective pathway that ultimately delivers what matters most:

First-team-ready players capable of competing at the highest level.

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.

Norhafiz Zamani and Three Young Talents Set for Gainare Tottori Stint

Negeri Sembilan FC is pleased to announce that Under-20 Head Coach Norhafiz Zamani Misbah and three promising young players — Airiel Zafran Mohd Azrul (20), Aqil Faris Shalahudin (19), and Adam Haris Hamizon (21) — will travel to Gainare Tottori of Japan’s J3 League for a one-month training and trial programme beginning at the end of February.

During their time in Japan, the three players will undergo a structured assessment under Gainare Tottori’s academy coaching staff. Should they meet the required standards and criteria, they will be afforded the opportunity to train with the club’s senior squad — a significant step in their professional development pathway.

At the same time, Norhafiz Zamani Misbah will be embedded within Gainare Tottori’s first-team coaching structure, where he will gain first-hand exposure to advanced training methodologies, team management systems, and tactical frameworks practised within Japan’s highly disciplined and high-intensity professional football environment.

According to NSFC Chairman, Aminuddin Harun, the initiative is designed to elevate the quality of local youth players as part of preparations for this year’s SUKMA Games, while also opening the door for potential professional contracts in the J-League should the players meet the required benchmarks.

“This training and trial programme reflects NSFC’s serious commitment to building a sustainable and competitive youth development foundation. We cannot rely solely on short-term success; we must establish a strong structure for the future.

Our positive relationship with Gainare Tottori creates valuable opportunities for our players and coaches to experience Japan’s professional football ecosystem, renowned for its discipline and intensity.

I hope this opportunity is fully embraced — not only for personal growth, but to bring back new knowledge and standards that can elevate the quality of football in Negeri Sembilan.”

This initiative forms part of NSFC’s long-term strategy to nurture emerging talents as future pillars of the club’s Super League squad. Rather than focusing narrowly on immediate results, the club continues to invest in structured exposure, international benchmarking, and sustainable player progression.

NSFC has also affirmed that programmes of this nature will be implemented annually, involving different groups of young players as part of the club’s continuous development blueprint.

Through consistent international exposure and strategic partnerships, NSFC remains confident that local talents can be empowered to compete at higher levels — strengthening the club’s Super League ambitions while proudly representing Negeri Sembilan on a broader stage.

NSFC Football Schools Open Recruitment for Grassroots Coaches

Are you passionate about contributing to grassroots football development in Negeri Sembilan? Negeri Sembilan FC Football Schools are now inviting qualified and committed individuals to join our coaching team.

9 coaching positions available!

Training Age Group: 7–12 years old
Qualifications Required: AFC/FAM Licence B, C, D, or Grassroots
Working Days: Every Saturday & Sunday (Training Sessions) and Matchdays
Location: Senawang, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan

Additional Requirements:

  • Must have a clean criminal record (background checks will be conducted).
  • Successful applicants must complete the “FIFA Guardians Safeguarding in Football” course.

Interested? Scan the QR code on the poster to register or click this link.

Be part of the journey in shaping the next generation of football talent in Negeri Sembilan.

Kuala Pilah Lift Piala Tuanku 2026 After Dramatic Penalty Shootout Triumph

The Piala Tuanku 2026 reached a thrilling climax on Saturday night as Kuala Pilah were crowned champions after edging Port Dickson 6–5 on penalties in a tense final at the Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi.

The championship decider lived up to expectations, with both teams locked in a tightly contested battle that saw neither side able to break the deadlock. The highly charged final delivered drama from the early stages when both teams were reduced to ten men in the first half after red cards were shown. Despite the numerical disadvantage on both sides, the intensity never dropped as Kuala Pilah and Port Dickson battled relentlessly for supremacy.

After 90 minutes of intense action, the match ended goalless at 0–0, forcing the outcome to be decided via a penalty shootout. Kuala Pilah held their nerve from the spot to secure a 6–5 victory, sealing the title in dramatic fashion and sparking celebrations among players, officials, and supporters alike.

The triumph marked a remarkable journey for Kuala Pilah, who rose from the group stage to complete an impressive turnaround and ultimately lift the trophy. Their success reflected resilience, unity, and consistent improvement throughout the tournament.

Port Dickson, meanwhile, deserve equal credit for an outstanding campaign that culminated in a hard-fought final appearance. Their performance throughout the competition underlined the growing quality and competitiveness of district-level football in Negeri Sembilan.

With a passionate crowd filling the stands in Paroi, the 2026 final will be remembered as a showcase of determination, sportsmanship, and the enduring spirit of local football.

Lim Teong Kim Inspires Youth Development Focus at NSFC Refresher Course 1.0

The second day of NSFC Refresher Course 1.0 continued today with three key sessions centred on the holistic development of coaches, reinforcing Negeri Sembilan FC’s long-term vision for sustainable youth progression.

A highlight of the day was a special sharing session by Lim Teong Kim, former coach of the Bayern Munich Academy and former Technical Director of Akademi Mokhtar Dahari (AMD). Drawing from his extensive experience at elite youth environments, Lim offered valuable insights into modern player development, talent identification, and the importance of structured coaching pathways.

During the session, Lim emphasised the role of coaches not only as tacticians, but also as educators and mentors in shaping young players both on and off the pitch. His perspectives provided practical guidance on building strong foundations at grassroots level while maintaining alignment with professional football standards.

This ongoing initiative forms part of Negeri Sembilan FC’s commitment to strengthening the implementation of the Negeri Sembilan Football DNA across all levels of development. By continuously investing in coach education and knowledge-sharing, the club aims to ensure a unified philosophy that supports long-term player growth and a sustainable football ecosystem for the future.

NSFC Refresher Course 1.0 Sets Foundation for Unified Football DNA

Negeri Sembilan FC officially kicked off the first day of NSFC Refresher Course 1.0 today at Wisma PBNS, marking an important step in strengthening coaching standards and aligning development pathways across the club.

The three-day programme brings together NSFC’s development coaches from various age-group teams, including the Under-20, Under-18, Under-17, Under-14, Women’s Under-16, Under-12 and Under-10 squads. The initiative serves as an early phase in implementing a unified Negeri Sembilan FC football DNA across all levels of player development.

This shared philosophy will also be introduced at the upcoming NSFC Football School, which is scheduled to be launched in the near future, ensuring continuity and consistency from grassroots to elite pathways.

The programme is led by NSFC Technical Director, Efendi Abd Malek, and will run from today until Sunday. The refresher course combines structured discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at enhancing coaching methodologies while reinforcing the club’s long-term vision.

Tomorrow’s session will feature a special sharing by Lim Teong Kim, former coach of the FC Bayern Munich Academy and former Technical Director of Akademi Mokhtar Dahari (AMD), who will share insights drawn from his extensive experience in elite youth development.

As part of its long-term commitment to continuous improvement, the NSFC Refresher Course will be conducted regularly every three to six months, reinforcing the club’s focus on coach education, sustainable development, and the establishment of a clear and consistent playing identity for Negeri Sembilan FC.

Piala Tuanku 2026: Goals, Grit and a Final Showdown Await

The Piala Tuanku 2026 has continued to celebrate the strength of grassroots football in Negeri Sembilan, delivering competitive matches, decisive moments and standout individual performances. From the opening weeks to the semi-final stage, the tournament has produced goals and drama that underline its growing prestige.

Weeks One and Two: Early Momentum Set

The opening two matchweeks saw Seremban and Port Dickson emerge as the early frontrunners, with both teams securing back-to-back victories.

  • Seremban 2–0 Rembau
    M. Bilal Benyamin (12’), M. Hakim Hafie (45’)
  • Port Dickson 3–1 Kuala Pilah
    Putra Daniel (6’), Fakhri Haidhar (45+1’), Ammar Irham (49’)
    Kuala Pilah scorer: Iskandar Izuan (37’)

These results highlighted strong attacking intent from both sides as they collected maximum points in the early phase.

Week Three: Competitive Battles Continue

The third week of action brought further intensity as teams pushed for position heading into the knockout rounds.

  • Jelebu 2–1 Tampin
    Nik Norfarez (61’), Hasanuddin A. Hadi (68’)
    Tampin scorer: Aisy Marzuq (17’)
  • Tampin 1–0 Kuala Pilah
    Hazwan Haziq (88’)
  • Rembau 2–0 Jempol
    Aqil Rozadi (21’), Aliff Mukhriz (89’)
  • Tampin 0–6 Port Dickson
    Adib Fahri (14’, 27’), Fakhri Haidhar (pen) (19’), Hadi Firdaus (78’), Adil Afdhal (81’), Ahmad Amar Shah (90+1’)

Port Dickson’s emphatic win further underlined their attacking strength, while Rembau and Jelebu showed resilience with important victories.

Semi-Finals: Finalists Decided

Two semi-final matches were contested yesterday afternoon, producing high-quality football and decisive moments.

  • Seremban 1–2 Kuala Pilah
    Seremban scorer: Bilal Benyamin (49’)
    Kuala Pilah scorers: Amirul Aiman (47’), Khairul Akhmal (78’)
  • Port Dickson 1–0 Rembau
    Fakhri Haidhar (15’)

With these results, Kuala Pilah and Port Dickson booked their places in the final after composed and disciplined performances.

All Eyes on the Final

The Piala Tuanku 2026 Final is scheduled to take place on 31 January 2026 at the Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi, where Kuala Pilah and Port Dickson will meet in a highly anticipated showdown.

Congratulations to Kuala Pilah and Port Dickson on reaching the final, and commendations to all participating teams for their commitment and contributions throughout the tournament.

The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to Piala Tuanku 2026.

NSFC Strengthens Youth Pathway Through Japan Training Attachment

Negeri Sembilan FC continue to demonstrate a clear and long-term commitment to youth development, following an Instagram story shared by Chief Executive Officer, Faliq Firdaus, outlining a significant upcoming initiative for the club’s next generation.

In the post, the CEO revealed that three Under-20 players and one coach are set to be sent to Japan for a training attachment this March, marking an unprecedented step in the club’s development programme. The initiative reflects NSFC’s growing ambition to expose young talents to high-performance football environments and international best practices at an early stage of their careers.

According to Faliq, this opportunity goes beyond individual player development. It is seen as a strategic move to reignite and strengthen ties with the Japanese football ecosystem, particularly with clubs and institutions linked to the J.League. Such access is expected to open doors to advanced coaching methodologies, elite training standards, and a deeper understanding of player development pathways in one of Asia’s most progressive football nations.

“This is unprecedented,” the CEO hinted in his message, highlighting the scale and importance of the programme. “It represents an opportunity to further tighten our relationships and access within Japanese football.”

The training attachment is also expected to benefit NSFC structurally, as the inclusion of a coach allows the club to internalise knowledge gained abroad and apply it directly within the local development system. This aligns with NSFC’s broader vision of building a sustainable football model, where youth players are nurtured systematically rather than relying solely on short-term solutions.

A full official announcement regarding the programme will be made jointly by Negeri Sembilan FC and the YAB Chairman in early February.

As NSFC continue to lay the foundation for the future, this initiative sends a strong message: youth development is not merely a slogan, but a long-term investment in the identity, competitiveness, and sustainability of The Jangs.

NSFC Lays Out Clear Pathway for Youth Football Development Ahead of 2026

Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to grassroots and youth development with a comprehensive plan aimed at strengthening the club’s footballing pipeline, as outlined by Chief Executive Officer Faliq Firdaus in a recent Facebook post.

The announcement follows the successful completion of the 2025 training cycle for the NSFC Under-12 (B-12) squad, marking another important milestone in the club’s growing youth programme.

Gradual, Sustainable Growth at Grassroots Level

Faliq highlighted that 2025 represents the second year of structured training for NSFC’s B-10 and B-12 squads, based at the PBNS Training Centre in Rahang. The club has adopted a phased approach to development, balancing ambition with financial sustainability.

After training once a week in their inaugural year, the squads progressed to twice-weekly sessions this season. Looking ahead, NSFC plans to increase training frequency to three sessions per week in 2026.

“This gradual improvement reflects our commitment to building properly, in line with the club’s financial capabilities,” Faliq noted, emphasising long-term stability over short-term results.

Strong Talent Pathway to Elite Programmes

Several players from the current youth setup are expected to progress into elite development programmes, including Akademi Mokhtar Dahari (AMD) and Sekolah Sukan Negeri (SSN), underlining the effectiveness of NSFC’s grassroots framework.

The club believes this transition is a key indicator of success, proving that local talent can be nurtured systematically and compete at national development levels.

NSFC Football School to Launch in Seremban

As part of its next phase, NSFC will establish an official NSFC Football School in Seremban before expanding to other districts across Negeri Sembilan. The initiative aims to create a structured “grassroots-to-elite” pathway, offering young players aged B-10 to B-12 a clear route into the club’s elite squads.

Parents interested in NSFC’s coaching methodology will be able to enrol their children at the training centre through a monthly fee-based programme, widening access while maintaining coaching standards.

Strengthening the Academy Structure

NSFC also plans to place its head youth coach within the B-17 team at Sekolah Sukan Negeri Za’ba, as part of a long-term strategy to elevate the school into an official NSFC Academy partner in stages.

Once the programme is fully established, the club intends to expand further into the B-14 age group, completing a more comprehensive development ladder.

These initiatives will be overseen by Technical Director Efendi Malek, whose leadership is expected to play a central role in shaping the club’s future generation of players.

Looking Ahead

Faliq concluded by acknowledging that challenges and shortcomings are inevitable in any development process, offering an apology for any gaps encountered throughout the year. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism that 2026 will be a pivotal year for NSFC’s youth development programme.

With a clearer structure, stronger pathways, and a commitment to gradual improvement, Negeri Sembilan FC continues to lay solid foundations for the future of football in the state.

“Jumpa tahun depan,” he signed off — a confident message that the best is yet to come.