Latest news with #ArifAimanHanapi
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
JDT hold La Liga side Levante to a draw
KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) continued their impressive preseason form in Spain by holding newly promoted La Liga side Levante UD to a goalless draw in a friendly on Saturday. The match, held at Levante's training centre in Bunol, saw the Segunda Division champions pile continuous pressure on the 11-time Super League champions. However, JDT, guided by Xisco Munoz, showed defensive steel throughout the match. Leading the JDT charge was Arif Aiman Hanapi, who showcased his trademark flair and agility, creating several chances and forcing the Levante defence to stay on high alert. The draw against Levante follows JDT's earlier 2-2 stalemate with English Championship side Cardiff City, reinforcing the Johor club's growing reputation as more than just a domestic powerhouse. The Southern Tigers will wrap up their Spanish tour with a final friendly against Valencia's reserve team, Valencia Mestalla, at the Camilo Cano Olympic Stadium tomorrow.
The Star
15-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
An A for courage
Valuable player: Winger Arif Aiman Hanapi (centre) has been a key figure not just for JDT but also in Malaysia's attacking unit and a role model for younger players. — Bernama PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) sensation Arif Aiman Hanapi may be Malaysia's most valuable footballer, but the gifted winger knows that status means little when it comes to earning a spot in the national team's starting eleven. With the recent influx of new heritage and homegrown talents under coach Peter Cklamovski, the 23-year-old, who has won the Malaysian Football League (MFL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for four consecutive times since 2021, has embraced the heightened competition not with fear, but with determination. 'The new players have really helped us,' said Arif. 'As for me, it looks like I have to keep competing to be better. I will fight to keep my spot in the first eleven. Wherever I am, that is the motto.' Arif's response reflects the evolving mindset in the Harimau Malaya camp, one that thrives on meritocracy and collective growth. Despite not finding the net in the recent matches, the JDT star still played a pivotal role, registering two assists and showcasing his trademark creativity and composure on the ball. 'As for my performance, maybe I didn't score but everything that you saw on the pitch was the result of teamwork.' Last season he scored 13 goals and provided 14 assists in 31 matches in domestic competitions, he has also made his mark in the AFC Champions League Elite where he netted five goals with two assists. Known for his dribbling flair and intelligence in the final third, Arif's humility and team-first mentality have made him a key figure not just for JDT but also in Malaysia's attacking unit and a role model for younger players. But he insists that the team must not rest on their laurels. 'This must continue. We now know what is needed to raise our standards. We must get better.' With a growing pool of talent and a player like Arif willing to raise his game further, Harimau Malaya look poised to make a real statement in the Asian football scene.
The Star
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Drawing the cheers
Getting intense: Malaysia's Arif Aiman Hanapi (centre) trying to get past two Cape Verde players at the Cheras Football Stadium. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: It was not a win but a performance filled with belief, grit, and glimpses of a new identity taking shape. Malaysia coach Peter Cklamovski was full of pride as Harimau Malaya battled to a 1-1 draw against world No. 72 Cape Verde at the Cheras Football Stadium on Thursday night. Despite trailing early and facing a side boasting several Europe-based talents, the Malaysians refused to bow. The hosts adapted and grew stronger as the game progressed. Cape Verde took the lead in the ninth minute through wingback Sidny Cabral, who rifled a powerful finish past the Malaysian defence. But the equaliser, when it came in the 79th minute via Paulo Josue, was well deserved, the result of sustained attacking pressure and smart substitutions from the touchline. For Cklamovski, it wasn't just about the result – it was about the process. 'I am proud of the professionalism, the mindset and the way the boys carried themselves,' said the Australian tactician, who previously coached FC Tokyo. 'We are building something. You could see the layers in our performance, the structure from defence to attack.' The match played in front of a lively home crowd, served as part one of a two-match series against Cape Verde with the return fixture set for June 3 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. While the draw was encouraging, Cklamovski is already focused on sharpening the team further. 'We played a very good opponent, with world-class players in their ranks,' he said. 'From a defensive standpoint, we were brave. We pressed, we took risks and we improved as the game went on. With the ball, there's still a lot to improve and we will bring that into the next match.' One of the biggest talking points was Cklamovski's starting 11, which featured seven local players - a bold and refreshing approach. Yet, for the coach, the talk of local, mixed heritage and naturalised players does not matter. 'Whether they play abroad or in the Super League, it doesn't matter. I choose the best squad available - players who are ready to give everything for the badge,' he stressed. 'This camp is unique because of the off-season timing and our phased approach. But the stadium was electric, and the players responded. That connection with the fans was special. 'I believe in the potential of Malaysian football. It's time to show the world what Malaysians can do.' Meanwhile, Cape Verde coach Pedro 'Bubista' Brito was gracious in praise for the home team. 'We're not surprised with Malaysia. Rankings mean little. This is football - anyone can beat anyone,' he said. 'We fielded 12 new players and are trying to find our rhythm and chemistry. This was a good test and Malaysia gave us a strong game. We wish them all the best in the future.'
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Arif keeps raising the bar for himself
KUALA LUMPUR: For many footballers, scoring in a Malaysia Cup final and being named Man of the Match would be the perfect way to cap a long season, but for Johor Darul Ta'zim's (JDT) Arif Aiman Hanapi, there is no time to rest on his laurels. On Saturday, the 23-year-old winger delivered once again for the Southern Tigers, helping them come from behind to beat Sri Pahang 2-1 and secure a historic triple quadruple at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. After his decisive role, Arif believes he still has much more to give. "This match was tough, Sri Pahang gave us a hard time. Even though we were one goal down, we stayed serious, we kept playing hard because we believed the goals would come. "It was not just me, we are one team, and we all worked hard to get that second goal because we wanted to win tonight," said the Kuantan-born player. Though Arif has won everything that is to be won in Malaysian football, he feels that he needs to keep improving. "Honestly, I do not feel satisfied with myself. As a footballer, my career is short. We do not know how long we will play, so at this age, I need to work hard. "I need to forget about my personal life and focus on my career, to build it, for however long I can. "I have to keep going, I have to keep becoming better. That is it. Sometimes people ask me the same question, and I will keep trying until I succeed. If I fail 10 times, I will try 10 times." Arif, who scored JDT's second goal in the final after Bergson da Silva had equalised from the penalty spot (54th minute), shared that he had kept his teammates motivated at half-time, even when they were trailing. "I told them during the break that we had chances to score. We needed to believe. "Tonight was tough for us. It has been a long season, full of ups and downs, but we gave our best in every match," he said. As Harimau Malaya prepare for their next competition in June, Arif hinted that there will be little rest. "I will prepare as best as I can for the next game in June (Malaysia vs Vietnam Asian Cup qualifier on June 10). Asked about his future with JDT, Arif said he remains committed to the club, but left the door open to whatever lies ahead. "I do not know what will happen, but whatever it is, I know JDT will keep growing because JDT is a big club. I will always be ready to help." Arif made history when he became the first player to be crowned Most Valuable Player (MVP) for four consecutive years at the recent National Football Awards. He scored 18 goals and made 15 assists this season in 41 games.
The Star
24-04-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Arif will continue to roar for JDT after topping award chart again
PETALING JAYA: Footballer Arif Aiman Hanapi is not done yet, not by a long shot. And he plans to stick with Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) to achieve more success. The JDT winger made history by clinching a record fourth consecutive Most Valuable Player (MVP) title at the Malaysian Football Awards night on Wednesday, further cementing his status as the face of Malaysian football. The 22-year-old also took home the best midfielder and best goal awards, adding to a growing list of accolades that now totals nine throughout his career. Yet despite all the silverware, Arif remains hungry to achieve more with JDT. Fans have long called for him to test his mettle abroad but Arif said he would remain grounded and loyal. 'My dream is to stay at JDT. The challenge here is already massive. I know how tough it is to keep a place in this team,' said Arif, who made his professional debut for JDT in 2020. 'People talk about going overseas, but I don't think many clubs are seriously looking at players from Malaysia yet. 'Until I reach the level I aim for, I'll continue to fight here.' His sights are set on the season's final prize, the Malaysia Cup, where JDT will take on Pahang in what promises to be a blockbuster clash at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow. 'It's been a long season, but the final is everything. I'm ready to give it my all,' said Arif. The young hotshot added the award would spur him on. 'Winning this award doesn't mean I'll stop working hard,' said Arif. 'In fact, they will only inspire me to push harder in the seasons to come.' Arif's dominance in Malaysian football is unmatched. Since 2021, he's won the MVP title every year, alongside previous nods as best striker and best young player – three times each. But for him, the 2024-2025 season has been his most meaningful yet. 'This was one of the toughest seasons for me. I started off struggling with form and injuries, but coach Hector Bidoglio stood by me. His belief in me, on and off the pitch, gave me the strength to find my rhythm,' Arif shared. 'I'm always pushing myself. I don't settle. Even now, I don't feel like I'm at the level I want to be. I'll keep working until I'm genuinely proud of myself.' His numbers back up the ambition – 13 goals and 14 assists in 31 domestic matches, and a further five goals and two assists in the AFC Champions League Elite. On the international stage, Arif has earned 32 caps and scored seven goals for Malaysia.
