Muhammad Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili nominated for Best Young Player award at the 2024-2025 Malaysian Football Awards - pic MFL
PETALING JAYA: Terengganu defender Mohd Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili is embracing the challenge of going up against two in-form forwards in his bid for the Best Young Player title at the 2024-2025 Malaysian Football Awards.
Ubaidullah, 22, is one of three nominees for the coveted accolade, alongside Kuala Lumpur’s Haqimi Azim Rosli and Selangor’s Haykal Danish Haizon, both known for their attacking flair and goal-scoring prowess.
This is his second time making the final shortlist, but it feels even more meaningful as it comes in his first full season with Terengganu’s senior squad. The hardworking youngster was promoted after a strong campaign with Terengganu II, where he helped the side clinch the MFL Cup in 2023.
One of Ubaidullah’s standout moments this season came in November, when he netted the winning goal against Penang, a timely strike that ended Terengganu’s six-match winless run in the Super League.
“Alhamdulillah, I’m grateful to still be among the top three nominees for the Best Young Player award.
“To me, last season was my best compared to this year, but I’ve continued to work hard to show my quality, and it’s also the prayers of my parents that have brought me this far.
“I see the other two nominees, Haqimi and Haykal, as strong contenders for the trophy.
“Both of them are forwards, so naturally they stand out more in terms of performance and overall quality. But no matter what, I believe in destiny,” said Ubaidullah.
Ubaidullah will not be the only representative from his team at the 2024-2025 Malaysian Football Awards. His teammate Safawi Rasid has also earned a nomination, this time in the Best Midfielder category. Joining him on the shortlist are Arif Aiman Hanapi from Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and Stuart Wilkin of Sabah.
The race for the Best Defender award features Dominic Tan of Sabah, JDT’s Feroz Baharuddin, and Harith Haiqal from Selangor.
In the Best Goalkeeper category, JDT’s Syihan Hazmi will go up against Haziq Nadzli of Perak and Kalamullah Al-Hafiz of Selangor.
Sabah’s Darren Lok, who has played a key role in the team’s campaign this season, will be in the running for the Best Forward title alongside Kuala Lumpur City’s influential captain Paulo Josue and JDT’s Romel Morales.
The Best Import category will see two players from JDT, Bergson Da Silva and Juan Muniz, competing with Selangor winger Alvin Fortes, who has impressed with his pace and creativity.
The contest for Best Coach is also shaping up to be an exciting one. JDT’s Hector Bidoglio, who guided the club to their 11th consecutive Super League crown, and Kinoshi Katsuhito of Selangor, who helped end the club’s decade-long trophy drought with the Challenge Cup victory, will be challenged by Aidil Sharin Sahak for his outstanding work with Kuching City.
