Fingers crossed: Negri Sembilan are hoping to sign striker Luqman Hakim Shamsuddin (left) for next season. — FAM
PETALING JAYA: Negri Sembilan are making huge plans for a much better assault in the upcoming Super League season.
After finishing a lowly 12th out of 13 teams in the top division, the Deer are set to make big changes in their playing and coaching departments.
It is learnt that the club have recruited former Felda United and Selangor coach Nidzam Jamil to coach the team, and there could be new players coming in.
The pick of the bunch is former Malaysian Under-23 striker Luqman Hakim Shamsuddin, who has played for several overseas clubs like KV Kortrijk (Belgium), Nardvik (Iceland) and YSCC Yokohama (Japan), before returning to Malaysia this year.
Then there is national centreback Ahmad Khuzaimi Piee, who has left Selangor and is strongly rumoured to join Negri again for a second stint.
The 31-year-old last played for Negri in 2022.
Negri are also close to signing Kuala Lumpur goalkeeper Azri Ghani, Terengganu winger Hakimi Abdullah and Perak defender Ariff Ar-Rasyid.
Club chief executive officer (CEO) Faliq Firdaus wants a better showing from Negri.
“Last season was full of lessons. The most disappointing thing is letting down the people who believed in us – the fans, the leaders, the sponsors, those who invested everything to see us succeed,” said Faliq.
“They say it’s just a sport. It’s not. For some, it’s their only bread and butter.
‘‘For others, it’s their only escape from life’s problems.”
As for foreigners, the club are looking to rope in more Japanese players, after the impressive showing of playmaker Takumi Sasaki last season.
So far, Sasaki has been confirmed as the only foreign player retained by the club.
Faliq would be flying to Japan soon to speak to several clubs and hunt for loan signings.
“So far, we have confirmed trips to clubs like Jubilo Iwata (J-League Two), Thespa Gunma and Gainare Tottori (J-League Three).
“We are looking to loan players from these clubs and have asked them to send a list of players that can be loaned.”
