No rest for the weary
JDT winger Safawi promises to work extra hard for coming season
PETALING JAYA: Winger Muhammad Safawi Rasid may have been Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) best player last season, but he is not going to rest on his laurels.
Calling the 2019 season his toughest one yet, the boy from Dungun, Terengganu said he would have to fight for his place with the other talented attacking players in the side.
“It will be much more challenging because we are playing in the AFC Champions League (ACL) next season. There will be lots of games to be played, and all the players in the squad will fight for a spot,” said the 21-year-old.
“I cannot be telling myself that I am the best just because of my exploits last season. Everyone on the roster is good, and as a professional player I have to fight every day for my spot in the team.”
Last season, Safawi scored 16 goals in 35 matches for the Super League champions.
The young winger also won big in the National Football Awards, when he bagged the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Best Midfielder and the Most Promising Player awards.
“Last season I worked hard to fight for a place and was happy to get lots of games,” added Safawi. “This season, I have to put in extra work by working on my technique and learning from the senior players in JDT.
“I am looking forward to playing with Aaron (Niguez) because he is Saul Niguez’s brother. It will be good to play with him and learn about the game in detail.”
Safawi also expects the younger players in JDT to play a more prominent role in the team as he believes that they have what it takes to improve the team.
“Players like Dominic (Tan Jun Jin), Syamer (Kutty Abba) and Adam (Nor Azlin) are good, but we have to double our efforts to feature more in this team.
“For me, I emphasise on extra work after training and also make sure that I am ready mentally and physically for matches. I do not know if I am going to be a regular next season, but I know I will work harder to help the team achieve their targets.”
Safawi is looking forward to playing in the ACL as he can test himself against the best clubs in Asia and also learn from them.
“Playing in the ACL is something for JDT. Players will have to take advantage of his opportunity and do their best for the club.”
The former T-Team player said that it is going to be a tough task to repeat last season’s exploits, but if it happens again it will be a real blessing to him.
“I want to help the team get better than last season. That’s my motivation for the upcoming season,” he said.