New dad Hadin hopes for good luck charm to lift Penang

BHUBANESWAR: Winger Hadin Azman hopes his firstborn child early this month will be the good luck charm as he seeks to resurrect his career with Penang this season.

The former Kuala Lumpur player had a campaign to forget with the City Boys last year.

But he has left the capital city with some great memories to cherish. Most noteworthy was winning the Malaysia Cup in 2021 where Bojan Hodak’s outfit stunned overwhelming favourites Johor Darul Ta’zim 2-0 in the final.

Hadin now wants to bring that fighting spirit to Penang as the Panthers endured a rough season where they finished bottom in the Super League.

“I’m now a father and I hope that this will bring better luck to my career and also family,” he said.

“I want to help Penang bounce back strongly this year, and also try to get a call-up to the national team.

“I’m aiming for at least a top six finish in the league.”

Hadin, who scored only two goals last year, also hopes he can raise his strike rate with the islanders and thus win the hearts of their passionate supporters.

“I’ll need some time to adapt as I’ve not played in any match yet,” he said.

“I intend to score more goals than last season and with good support from the fans, I believe I can deliver.”