PETALING JAYA: No one can question Zhafri Yahya’s loyalty to Kuala Lumpur.
The 29-year-old will be entering his ninth season with the City Boys and remains a key man for them together with captain Paulo Josue, who is in his eighth season with the Klang Valley club.
Zhafri is one of the midfielders who has shone over the years as he is capable of playing as a winger, attacking midfielder and even as a deep-lying playmaker.
Not only is he composed with the ball, but he is known for his top-quality movements and has come up with beautiful goals over the years.
In the ongoing pre-season, he has not looked back as he has scored three goals in three matches for Kuala Lumpur.
With such form, many Kuala Lumpur fans are hopeful that Zhafri will continue coming up with electrifying performances for the club in the upcoming season.
He is also well-loved as he stuck by the club despite their financial problems last season and he even rejected offers from top clubs, with some saying that Terengganu were keen to rope him in for the new season.
“Kuala Lumpur is home to me. The first time I signed for them, I signed a three year deal and then after that, it was two years, and then another two years and now another two. It’s nine now. To be honest, it doesn’t feel that long,” said the player, who was born in Klang.
“I have been with the club during their ups and downs. I went through lots of coaches and even management changes but I am still the same Zhafri. I do not see myself as a senior or junior.
“I actually enter every season like I am a new player. That’s my motto to be an even better player.
“As for the pre-season games, it’s good to get the wins, as we have won our last three including the recent Federal Territories Minister Cup, where we beat Negri Sembilan 2-1.
“Pre-season is always identifying weaknesses and improving them. Plus we have some new signings now, so chemistry is still being worked day in, day out.
“But I can see that we are getting better game by game. That is what we want to achieve before the season starts.”
