4 days ago
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.
