PETALING JAYA: National football team winger Safawi Rasid wants to leave a lasting legacy in the game for his newborn son.
Although the last two years have been tough for the 26-year-old due to a lack of playing time with Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and also an unsatisfactory short loan stint with Thai club Ratchaburi, he remains spirited to do something special in 2024.
The birth of son Saif Sulaiman on Sept 30 has brought lots of joy to the Safawi household and it’s also an inspiration for him to rejuvenate his footballing career.
“He is a baby now but when he grows up, I want him to know his father as a football player. I want to see him on the stands watching me play, that is the legacy I want to create,” said Safawi.
“I want him to see what I can do on the field, not just for the country but also for the club. When he turns one and can walk, he will know that his father is a good footballer.
“I believe 2024 will be good. I believe I will have more opportunities to play,’’ hinting that he will be moving on from JDT to Terengganu on loan for the 2024-2025 Super League season.
Despite an insipid 2023 season, the player fondly known as ‘’Pawi’’ among fans and teammates, is still trusted by coach Kim Pan-gon for the Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar, starting from Jan 12-Feb 10.
Although there were question marks over his selection, Safawi remains an important part of Harimau Malaya thanks to his superb left foot when it comes to shooting and set-pieces, and his pace that can unsettle defenders.
‘’I was surprised to be called up because I’ve not played much this year but I guess the coach still sees something in me. Despite not getting much playing time, I know I’ve worked hard during training sessions, both for JDT and the national team.
‘’Not starting games is a big disappointment for any player. But I never give up as I keep training hard every day. I just stay focused and bide my time.’
‘’In the national team, there are players who did not see much action with their respective clubs, so to catch the coach’s attention, we must do extra training.
‘‘I’m a believer in extra training because I don’t want to lose my attacking instinct when called upon during games.’’
With such a mindset, Safawi could be the silent trump card for Malaysia at the Asian Cup. campaign.
Competing with classy wingers like Arif Aiman Hanapi and Faisal Halim for a starting spot will be tough but expect Safawi to come out with guns blazing if he is selected to start.
In Doha, world No.130 Malaysia will kick off their Group E campaign against No. 87 Jordan at the Al Janoub Stadium on Jan 15 and then Bahrain (86) at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Jan 20) before wrapping up against South Korea (23) at the Al Janoub Stadium (Jan 25).
