Young Tigers to unleash 'Nafuzi Ball' at Asean Championship
The 47-year-old, renowned for transforming Terengganu into one of the Super League's most exciting sides from 2019 to 2022, is now aiming to apply the same philosophy on the international stage.
With three warm-up matches completed — two wins (1-0 against Police and 4-1 against Melaka FC) and one defeat (1-0 to Negri Sembilan) — Nafuzi says performance, not results, remains his focus.
"We're still in a building phase. It's not about results but how we play," he said.
"There's been day-by-day improvement, especially in the players' ability to execute my style. I'm happy with their commitment."
"Nafuzi Ball" — characterised by fluid passing, aggressive pressing and attacking intelligence — powered Terengganu to back-to-back Malaysia Cup semi-finals and a Super League runners-up finish in 2021, often outclassing richer clubs.
The style followed him to Kedah Darul Aman in 2023, where he helped stabilise performances and again implemented his tactical identity.
Now at the helm of the national Under-23 side, Nafuzi is introducing the same principles, albeit with tweaks.
"This is my philosophy, my style. But of course, adjustments are needed — these are young players and we've had limited time," he said.
"They're responding well and absorbing the ideas. That's the essence of 'Nafuzi Ball' — understanding and expressing our identity on the pitch."
For Malaysia's Group A opener against the Philippines on July 15, Nafuzi hinted his first XI is taking shape following tactical experimentation in the friendlies.
Trainees Fakrul Haikal and G. Pavitran are sidelined with injuries, but the rest of the squad are fit, and more importantly, eager.
"Our most recent friendly ended without injuries, and that's crucial. We're managing their load and balancing fitness with preparation," he added.
The Young Tigers are already drawing attention, with captain Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili and forward Haqimi Azim Rosli listed by tournament organisers as "players to watch".
"They've both played in the Super League and been called up to the senior national team — that experience gives them an edge," said Nafuzi.
Leadership duties will likely fall to Ubaidullah or midfielder Aysar Hadi Shapri, but the coach is keeping his options open.
"They've shown leadership before and naturally stand out, but I'm also watching to see who steps up under pressure," he said.
This will be Nafuzi's first international outing with the national youth side.
The other teams in Group A are hosts Indonesia and Brunei.
Only the group winners and the best runner-up from three groups will reach the semi-finals.
The team will depart for Jakarta on Sunday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
9 hours ago
- New Straits Times
PM pledges RM1mil to Kuala Lumpur FA, praises grassroots efforts
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim drew laughs when he quipped that Kuala Lumpur FA (KLFA) was the only group that didn't ask him for money — before pledging RM1 million to the association anyway. Speaking at KLFA's 50th Jubilee celebration at Connexion Bangsar South on Saturday, Anwar made the surprise announcement during a speech that also saw the launch of KL City's new kits and logos for the 2025-2026 season. "This is the only event I've attended where no one asked me for funding," said Anwar, prompting laughter from the audience. "So I bid thank you, and I pledge RM1 million to KLFA." The Prime Minister praised KLFA for reviving its legacy and strengthening grassroots football. He lauded the efforts of patron Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and president Syed Yazid Syed Omar, saying their commitment reflects a broader long-term vision. "I once told them not to over-prioritise, but when it comes to facilities, we're willing to support, especially for football, as it has massive appeal and community impact," he said. Anwar also acknowledged football's wider influence on society, noting concerns about hooliganism and stressing the sport's potential as a platform for unity and national pride. "I spoke to the Police earlier today and reminded them to help ensure football remains a force for good," he said. The event not only honoured KLFA's storied past, but reaffirmed its ambition to be a major player in Malaysian football, now backed by renewed government support.
New Straits Times
15 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Young Tigers to unleash 'Nafuzi Ball' at Asean Championship
KUALA LUMPUR: National youth coach Nafuzi Zain is banking on his trademark attacking style, dubbed "Nafuzi Ball", to inspire his Under-23 squad at the Asean Championship in Jakarta on July 15-28. The 47-year-old, renowned for transforming Terengganu into one of the Super League's most exciting sides from 2019 to 2022, is now aiming to apply the same philosophy on the international stage. With three warm-up matches completed — two wins (1-0 against Police and 4-1 against Melaka FC) and one defeat (1-0 to Negri Sembilan) — Nafuzi says performance, not results, remains his focus. "We're still in a building phase. It's not about results but how we play," he said. "There's been day-by-day improvement, especially in the players' ability to execute my style. I'm happy with their commitment." "Nafuzi Ball" — characterised by fluid passing, aggressive pressing and attacking intelligence — powered Terengganu to back-to-back Malaysia Cup semi-finals and a Super League runners-up finish in 2021, often outclassing richer clubs. The style followed him to Kedah Darul Aman in 2023, where he helped stabilise performances and again implemented his tactical identity. Now at the helm of the national Under-23 side, Nafuzi is introducing the same principles, albeit with tweaks. "This is my philosophy, my style. But of course, adjustments are needed — these are young players and we've had limited time," he said. "They're responding well and absorbing the ideas. That's the essence of 'Nafuzi Ball' — understanding and expressing our identity on the pitch." For Malaysia's Group A opener against the Philippines on July 15, Nafuzi hinted his first XI is taking shape following tactical experimentation in the friendlies. Trainees Fakrul Haikal and G. Pavitran are sidelined with injuries, but the rest of the squad are fit, and more importantly, eager. "Our most recent friendly ended without injuries, and that's crucial. We're managing their load and balancing fitness with preparation," he added. The Young Tigers are already drawing attention, with captain Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili and forward Haqimi Azim Rosli listed by tournament organisers as "players to watch". "They've both played in the Super League and been called up to the senior national team — that experience gives them an edge," said Nafuzi. Leadership duties will likely fall to Ubaidullah or midfielder Aysar Hadi Shapri, but the coach is keeping his options open. "They've shown leadership before and naturally stand out, but I'm also watching to see who steps up under pressure," he said. This will be Nafuzi's first international outing with the national youth side. The other teams in Group A are hosts Indonesia and Brunei. Only the group winners and the best runner-up from three groups will reach the semi-finals. The team will depart for Jakarta on Sunday.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Clubs hope more locals will claim starting spots after reduction in imports
PETALING JAYA: Super League clubs consider the Malaysian Football League's (MFL) decision to reduce the number of foreign players on the field as a golden opportunity for local players to claim starting spots. In the recent Board of Directors (BoD) meeting, MFL decided to amend the 2025-2026 Malaysia League manual, reducing the number of foreign players allowed on the field to six - down from the previously announced seven. According to the latest amendments, the new foreign player quota of six will consist of four open slots together with one Asian and one South-East Asian, and three foreigners on the bench.. For Negri Sembilan chief executive officer Faliq Firdaus, the decision is a strategic move to strike a balance between maintaining the league's competitiveness and creating greater space for the development of local talent. However, he stressed that local players given this chance should not merely be space-fillers. They must prove their quality on the pitch to make the most of the opportunity that comes with this reduction in foreign player slots. 'With six foreign players allowed on the field, the main challenge is ensuring local players don't just become quota fillers. They need to compete on merit and be placed in a technical environment that is educational and challenging,' he said. 'Without serious investment in local player development, reducing one foreign slot won't have a significant impact. 'At Negri, we're committed to giving opportunities to local players who demonstrate a competitive mentality. We don't want them in the starting eleven just because there's space. We want them there because they've earned it.'' Terengganu interim chief executive officer Shahrizan Mohd Zain echoed the same sentiment, saying the revised rule aligns with the club's plans to promote local players, especially the younger ones. 'Naturally, with fewer foreign players, there's a bonus for local players to grab the opportunity to be in the starting eleven. Our planning has been smooth so far to ensure a good balance between imports and locals moving forward,' he said. 'So far, we've announced four new imports – Junior Ngong Sam (Cameroon), Yan Mabella (France), Gabriel Costa (Brazil), and Raianderson da Costa (Brazil), and we've retained Nurillo Tukhtasinov (Uzbekistan). One more will be added soon, bringing our total to six imports.'
