Arif's historic AFC nomination cements spot among Malaysia's greats
Johor Darul Ta'zim's Arif Aiman poses ahead of the AFC awards ceremony at King Fahad Cultural Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Thursday. - REUTERS PIC
By Farah Azharie
KUALA LUMPUR: Arif Aiman Hanapi has secured his place among the country's football greats despite narrowly losing the AFC Player of the Year award in Riyadh on Thursday.
The Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) forward's historic nomination has cemented his position alongside icons like Datuk Mokhtar Dahari, Datuk Soh Chin Ann, and Datuk Santokh Singh, according to former national defender Datuk Jamal Nasir.
"We should feel proud even though he didn't win," Jamal said.
"The fact that a Malaysian player made it to the final shortlist for the AFC Player of the Year is already a huge achievement for Malaysian football.
"The whole nation should be proud because he is the only local player to reach that level."
Jamal added that Arif has earned his place among the country's greats and will be remembered alongside players who inspired generations.
"He has become a modern-day icon," Jamal said.
"Arif's rise should be a turning point for Malaysian football, showing that local players can compete with Asia's best through hard work and belief.
"We hope the next generation sees this as an opportunity and draws inspiration from Arif's journey. His dedication and achievements should motivate young footballers to play with the same passion and spirit, and to see Arif as an icon, someone to look up to and follow in his footsteps," he added
At just 23, Arif has already made history as Malaysia's first-ever nominee and only the second Asean player, after Thailand's Therdsak Chaiman, the 2003 winner, to be shortlisted for Asia's top individual honour.
His nomination came on the back of an outstanding year for JDT, where his creativity and composure helped the Southern Tigers dominate domestically and impress in the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE).
Saudi Arabia's Salem Al Dawsari was crowned AFC Player of the Year at the awards in Riyadh.
Source: arifs-historic-afc-nomination-cements-spot-among-malaysias-greats
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