KUALA LUMPUR – Selangor FC are committed to prioritising Faisal Halim’s mental health as much as his physical recovery following his recent ordeal.
The 26-year-old winger was attacked at a Petaling Jaya shopping centre on May 5, resulting in severe fourth-degree burns and the player requiring intensive care.
Following multiple surgeries and a skin transplant using skin imported from Belgium at a hospital in Shah Alam, Faisal was stabilised and subsequently discharged.
He is currently in the early stages of recovery before starting sports rehabilitation.
The club’s head of sports science, Dr Muhammad Hazwan Khair, emphasised the importance of mental health treatment for Faisal, who has shown signs of trauma following the attack.
“Mental health is crucial for an athlete who has gone through such a situation like Faisal, who has been sidelined after the horrific incident.
“He is experiencing fear and trauma, and our priority is to provide comprehensive support to help him overcome these challenges.
“While we haven’t set a specific timeline for his return to the pitch, our assessments suggest it may take three to six months.
“Hence, integrating both physical recovery and mental health treatment is essential. We will also heavily focus on his stress management.
“We are closely collaborating with psychologists and psychiatrists. We are confident that he will be mentally able to overcome his traumatic experience in the days to come,” said Hazwan during a press conference at the Selangor Football Training Centre yesterday.
Hazwan also added that Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh had assured Selangor FC of the ministry’s full support for Faisal’s recovery.
Previously, Scoop reported that Selangor FC chief executive Johan Kamal Hamidon revealed that the club had received offers from the National Sports Institute to aid in expediting Faisal’s rehabilitation.
Faisal joined the Red Giants from Terengganu FC last year and scored 12 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions last season.
Selangor FC currently rank fourth in the Super League table with six points from three games.
The team have played only two matches after withdrawing from the Charity Shield, resulting in a walkover win and three points for Johor Darul Ta’zim FC. – June 14, 2024