PETALING JAYA: Kamal Azizi Zabri’s (pic) winner in Kuala Lumpur’s 2-1 triumph over Penang on Sunday lit up the City Stadium in Georgetown but it was his celebration that stole the show.
The rightback broke into the trending ‘’aura farming’’ dance, a cheeky tribute to his younger brother, Khaerul Azzam Zabri, who had urged him to mark any goal with the viral move.
The dance - made famous by an 11-year-old Indonesian boy in a viral video - involves slick, confident gestures mimicking someone rowing a boat while exuding charisma.
For Kamal, it was not just about going viral, it was about fulfilling a brotherly promise.
“My little brother always does it when he plays,” said Kamal with a grin.
“He told me, ‘If you score, please celebrate with that dance.’ So that goal was my gift to him.”
Earlier, playmaker Safawi Rasid had put the City Boys ahead with a dazzling solo effort in the 34th minute, only for Penang to respond almost instantly after the break through Argentinian centreback Stefano Brundo’s header.
But in the 76th minute, a poor clearance fell kindly to Kamal, who seized the moment with a crisp strike that proved decisive.
Kamal, who turns 32 in two days, said he had improved under coach Risto Vidakovic.
“In the four matches with coach Risto, I can feel my form improving thanks to his guidance,” he said.
“I try to repay his trust in me by staying ready for opportunities at all times in training and in matches. It’s about being positive, working hard, and doing extra sessions. Competition within the squad has also spurred him on, particularly after the arrival of seasoned fullback Azrif Nasrulhaq.
“Azrif is such a good player, and having him around motivates me to improve myself even more. His signing gave me extra spirit and focus in training and matches. We push each other to give our best.”
With their next league fixture against Police at the Cheras Football Stadium tomorrow, Kamal knows there is little time to celebrate.
“Police are a strong, disciplined side. We have to be ready and study them carefully.
“Most importantly, we must keep ourselves in good condition for the upcoming game. Sunday’s win has given us more confidence and motivation.”
