PETALING JAYA: Hakeme Yazid Said has well and truly announced his arrival in the Super League, emerging as one of the most exciting young talents to watch in the top flight.
The 22-year-old winger has enjoyed a blistering start to the season with Brunei by scoring four goals in just six league appearances.
Gem from Brunei: Hakeme Yazid Said kicks the ball during their game against Police. — DPMM FC
Hakeme was at his devastating best on Saturday when he delivered a match-winning performance by netting two in Brunei’s 3-1 victory over Police at the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan, a result that also marked their fourth consecutive league win.
Hakeme hails from a prominent footballing family in Brunei, most notably his elder brother Shah Razen Said, the league’s top scorer in the 2006–2007 season after netting 21 goals for Brunei.
Razen is also Brunei’s joint all-time leading goalscorer alongside Azwan Ali Rahman, with nine goals.
“I owe a debt of gratitude to my brother. As his younger sibling, I can’t thank him enough for the constant guidance and mentorship he has provided me,” said Hakeme.
Other members of the family who have represented the team include Adi Said, Amalul Ariffin Shah Said and Ahmed Hafiz Said.
Despite his fine form, Hakeme remained grounded.
“There is no secret formula. It’s simply a matter of putting my head down and focus on sharpening my performance,” said Hakeme, who has earned 23 international caps for Brunei and made his professional debut at the age of 16 in 2019.
“I’m delighted with where I am, but I refuse to be complacent.
“I’m still hungry because I know there is a massive ceiling for improvement in my game.”
On Saturday, he opened the scoring in the 45th minute after latching onto a headed pass from Australian striker Jordan Murray before firing a right-footed strike from outside the box that took a wicked bounce past Police goalkeeper Nur Hakim Hamidun.
Hakeme completed his brace in the 86th minute with a poacher’s finish, calmly converting a low cutback from Ghanaian midfielder Prosper Boakye.
Murray was also outstanding, scoring a stunning 69th-minute volley – set up by wingback Tommy Mawat Bada – that drew comparisons to Thierry Henry’s iconic goal against Manchester United in 2000.
Thanks to pass from wingback Tommy Mawat Bada, he flicked the ball up with his right foot, swiveled it in one motion for a superb volley past Hakim.
Police pulled one back a minute earlier through Fakhrul Azim Zulphatah, whose powerful long-range effort beat Brunei goalkeeper Haimie Nyaring.
Hakeme is eager to maximise his learning experience alongside seasoned players such as Murray, captain Azwan, Indonesian striker Ramadhan Sananta and others.
“Sharing the pitch with such experienced players has been invaluable. It has fast-tracked my maturity and helped me read the game at a much higher level,” said Hakeme.
“The road ahead is long. To reach the level I want to be at, I have to push my limits, both mentally and physically.”
Brunei currently sit seventh in the league with 17 points from 13 matches and will look to extend their winning run when they host Selangor at the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium on Jan 10.
