Penang’s Al-Hafiz won’t give up in quest to impress Cheng Hoe

Al-Hafiz Harun celebrates his goal against Selangor in the Super League. - PHOTO by PENANG FC

PETALING JAYA: If there is one player who has lit up Penang’s attacking play, it has to be their winger Al-Hafiz Harun.

The 26-year-old has impressed in the first five games of the Super League season with his dribbling, close control and ability to come up with chances for his strikers.

He has scored a goal and made two assists for the Panthers, who are currently fourth in the standings with eight points.

Al-Hafiz had hoped that his prominent role in the Super League would land him a place in the national team but Harimau Malaya coach Tan Cheng Hoe has decided to stick with his trusted comrades from the previous World Cup 2022-Asia Cup 2024 qualifiers for the current training camp.

Instead of being downbeat, Al-Hafiz says he will keep knocking on the national team’s door in the future.

“I have done well in the first five matches and if I continue doing this regularly, Insya-Allah (God willing), I will get a call-up in the future, ” said the soft-spoken player.

“I will work harder to get the attention of coach Cheng Hoe. Through hard work, I can prove that I merit a spot. When the league resumes on April 2, I will surely give my all.”

Al-Hafiz can be considered a late bloomer in the professional game as he only made his debut in 2018 for Penang when current assistant coach Manzoor Azwira spotted his talent during the King’s Gold Cup.

He didn’t take time to get himself noticed as he impressed in last year’s Premier League where Penang were the champions.

Al-Hafiz, together with other attackers Casagrande, Sheriddin Boboev and Endrick Santos, can steer the team forward in the Super League.

“Combination wise, it’s good, and even with the new players, it’s getting better. I am also warming up to life under coach Thomas Trucha, as he believes that I have what it takes to be a first-team regular, ” said Al-Hafiz.

“We are working on our weaknesses to match the top teams in the league. I want to help this team remain a top-four side.”