Mawi’s in tune with the backline
PETALING JAYA: Ashmawi Yakin has been a bit-part player for the clubs he played for over the years.
However, this season, the 26-year-old is relishing the prospect of anchoring a permanent spot in defence for Selangor.
He has, so far, played as a centreback, rightback and most recently as a leftback for the Red Giants.
And he’s certainly enjoying his new found role as the leftback in interim coach Michael Feichtenbeiner’s team since the Covid-19 disrupted Super League resumed on Aug 26.
Known as Mawi among his teammates, he has adapted to the task.
“When I was in the development squad, I played in that position for several matches. So when coach Michael told me to play in that spot, I had no problems with it,” said Ashmawi, who had played in that position for Harimau Muda in 2015.
“Maybe that experience has given me the confidence to give my best in recent matches. I do not mind playing in any position as long as I get to start matches,” he said.
Since the restart, he played in five matches and impressed with his reading of the game, and ability to make decent interceptions and clearances.
The Seremban-born player first played for Harimau Muda in 2012, and later got drafted into the main squad in 2015.
In 2016, he joined his boyhood club Negri Sembilan before signing for the Red Giants in 2018.
Ashmawi said even though they are currently fifth in the league, he feels the whole team should be praised for their never say die attitude.
Selangor are fifth in the Super League with 17 points but will have to wait for the outcome of the match between UiTM and Sabah, which has been postponed to Oct 31, to know their final standings in the league.
The Malaysia Cup involved the top 11 and five teams in the Super and Premier Leagues respectively.
“We all gave our best and fought throughout the season. Now, we are focused on the Malaysia Cup, and preparations are going good.
“We hope to start well and go all the way to win the competition. My form is good, but I know it can be better. For that to happen, I need to work hard, be humble and be positive.”
Malaysia Cup has been scheduled to start on Nov 6.