One brother for another
THREE years ago, Mohd Afiq Fazail was merely a spectator at the Malaysia Cup final in Bukit Jalil, when Johor Darul Ta’zim lost 5-3 in a penalty shootout to Pahang, following the 1-1 score after regular time.
Afiq was there to support his older brother Irfan, who was part of the Johor Southern Tigers squad.
Fast forward and Afiq is now set to replace his brother as JDT take on defending champions Kedah in the final at the Shah Alam Stadium tomorrow.
According to the 23-year-old who hails from Pontian, he had never expected to be in a major final so soon.
“If I am given the opportunity to take to the pitch this Saturday, I promise to give my best as I want to help my team win the Malaysia Cup.
“In 2014, I was still a Harimau Muda B player, and I was there at the final to support my brother (Irfan) along with my family as a spectator from the stands.
“The final this year will be my first, and I had never expected to make it to this stage so soon,” said Afiq.
The holding midfielder ’s improvement over a short period of time, saw him being roped in by JDT from Johor Darul Ta’zim II, and he has since been a regular under coach Ulisses Morais.
“Players like Natxo (Insa) and Safiq (Rahim) have taught me a lot and I am always looking at ways to improve myself.
“I have not played against Kedah before, but I believe Sandro (Mendonca) and Liridon (Krasniqi) would be the players to look out for,” added Afiq, who also received a national call-up. Aziman Rosdi