Say cheese!: Selangor players celebrating with Faisal Halim’s jersey after beating Kedah in the Super League match at the Petaling Jaya Stadium. — GLENN GUAN/The Star
PETALING JAYA: All for one and one for all.
Selangor players have come together following the horrific acid attack on their good buddy Faisal Halim and that oneness in the team saw them pulling off a meaningful 1-0 win against Kedah in the Super League at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Saturday.
And coach Nidzam Jamil was proud that his team stood as one.
“The incident has made us aware that we need each other. Even if it had happened to anyone, it would have brought the team together because we need to support and protect one another,” said Nidzam.
“As one big team, we are always behind Faisal and we also know that he is behind us.”
Nidzam said the 26-year-old winger had watched the match from his hospital bed and even jokingly said that he would have loved to play the game against Kedah.
“But his teammates said they would do the job for him,” said a beaming Nidzam.
“Despite the off-field issues, they worked hard for each other. Every single player, whether first eleven or substitute, they did their part for the club.
“The coaching, management and technical sides are also behind everyone. The painful incident had left an impact but as time went on, we stood together. We are like one big family supporting each other during this tough time.
For instance, the club had hired bodyguards for their players during the match.
“The incident is in every player’s minds but at the end of the day, they want to play football and enjoy the beautiful game.”
Substitute midfielder Aliff Haiqal Lau was the hero for Selangor when he scored the winning goal in the 85th minute.
Nidzam said it was a tale of two different halves for his side as they were cautious in the first but upped the tempo in the second.
“I’m glad for the boys. We can see a difference in both halves, but the reaction in the second half was better.
“We brought in Nonet (Aliff) as he has always showed the right attitude and he did the job well.”
Nidzam also praised new Jordanian signing Reziq Bani Hani, who proved to be the livewire when he was brought in at the 75th minute to galvanise their attack.
“Reziq is only 22. He is the next big player for Jordan. I like the tempo he brought in. I’m happy with what he had contributed against Kedah.”
Selangor will next take on Negri Sembilan at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi on May 26.
