KUALA LUMPUR – National footballer Syafiq Ahmad, recently loaned to Kedah FC from Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), seeks rejuvenation under head coach Nafuzi Zain as he sets his sights on donning the iconic black and yellow jersey once again.
The 29-year-old previously featured for Kedah from 2013 to 2017, becoming a key player for the northern side before being swooped up by the Southern Tigers in 2018.
During his tenure with the 10-time Malaysia Super League champions, Syafiq struggled to break into the first eleven, often being used as a super sub by the coaches.
In 2022, he briefly returned to Kedah on loan, appearing in only nine matches and scoring two goals before being recalled by JDT midway through the season.
Speaking to Scoop, Syafiq expressed his admiration for Nafuzi’s tactical acumen and personal approach, citing that he always wanted to play under his guidance.
He also aims to help the Canaries qualify for the AFC Asian Champions League 2 after narrowly missing out on qualification last season.
“Returning to Kedah holds special significance for me, as this club provided me with my foundation in the early stages of my career.
“My target for the new season is to help as much as possible, both by finding the back of the net and ensuring a strong league finish.
“My recent form hasn’t been ideal, and I’m here to regain momentum through increased game time. I hold coach Nafuzi and his strategies in high regard, and I can’t wait to work under his guidance.
“I believe he can bring out the best in me and help me reclaim my spot in the Harimau Malaya squad.
“At 29, I still have much to offer. I hope that my teammates share my drive, uniting to secure our place in the AFC Asian Champions League 2 – an opportunity we narrowly missed last season,” said Syafiq.
Meanwhile, Syafiq, who boasts 10 goals in 37 appearances for Harimau Malaya, said that the ongoing club issues would not distract him from proving himself to his boyhood club.
Previously, Scoop reported that the Malaysian Football League (MFL) issued a stern directive to Kedah FC regarding the urgency of resolving player salary disputes to avert potential exclusion from the upcoming Malaysia Super League season.
According to MFL, Kedah FC received multiple notifications from the First Instance Body, a division under the Football Association of Malaysia, tasked with fortifying governance and administrative frameworks within football clubs.
“Whatever is happening off the pitch doesn’t bother me as I’m here to play football and mentor younger players by sharing my knowledge of the game.
“The club’s setup looks promising, with several new players coming into the club. I can’t wait to team up with them on the pitch.
“Kedah’s fan base is unmatched. Their fans demonstrate unwavering support through thick and thin.
“There’s no better feeling than playing for a club with such a rich history,” Syafiq added.
Despite financial challenges, Kedah FC remained active in the transfer market, acquiring talents such as Rizal Ghazali and Irfan Zakaria from Sabah FC and Zamri Pin Ramli from Negeri Sembilan FC.
They also continue to deliver on the pitch, securing fourth place with 53 points in the 2023 Super League season.
The club boast a prestigious history, having clinched the Super League title three times (1993, 2006, and 2007) and winning the FA Cup five times (1990, 1993, 2007, 2008, and 2016). – March 10, 2024