No let-up: Police’s Fakhrul Azim (right) vying for the ball with Terengganu’s Akhyar Rashid during the Super League match. — KAMARUL ARIFFIN/TheStar
PETALING JAYA: After winning a bronze medal at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, Haqimi Azim Rosli made no secret of his desire for regular playing time in the Super League.
At Kuala Lumpur, the 22-year-old found minutes hard to come by, with established attackers such as Safawi Rasid and Victor Ruiz ahead of him in the pecking order.
The versatile forward, capable of operating as both a striker and a winger, eventually opted for a change three days ago, joining Terengganu on loan after signing with league leaders Johor Darul Ta’zim.
And Haqimi made an immediate impact in his first appearance for the Turtles against Police in the Super League on Saturday.
Introduced at half time for Myanmar international defender Kyaw Min Oo, he delivered the decisive moment late in the game.
Operating from the right flank, Haqimi sent in a superb cross in the 85th minute, which was calmly finished by fellow substitute Baqiuddin Shamsudin. The goal sealed a hard-fought 1-0 victory at the Selayang Stadium.
The win ended Terengganu’s two-match losing streak in the league, following defeats to Sabah (1-3) on Dec 23 and Penang (0-2) on Jan 3, both played at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak.
For Haqimi, registering an assist on his debut was a satisfying start, and he explained the thinking behind the goal.
“When I released the cross, my target was Baqi (Baqiuddin), who was making his run into the box. He finished it well, and we’re going back to Terengganu with three points,” said Haqimi, who made his professional debut for Kuala Lumpur at just 18 in 2022.
“This was my first match with the team, so I still need more training. I hope to be consistent and become a regular. I also hope my teammates will continue to support me.”
The young attacker is already eager to impress Terengganu’s supporters.
“Against Brunei on Jan 13, I want to give 100% and show the fans that I deserve to be a regular. Hopefully, the club can build momentum and keep winning,” he said.
Baqiuddin, 31, was quick to acknowledge Haqimi’s contribution.
“I want to thank Haqimi. It was his debut, and he already made a goal contribution,” said the soft-spoken forward.
“I hope to score more goals after this and continue improving my game, whether I start or come on as a substitute.”
Despite the defeat, Police goalkeeper Asri Muhammad delivered an outstanding performance, pulling off six fine saves.
However, he admitted disappointment at not being able to prevent the only goal, as Police suffered their eighth consecutive loss.
“It’s disappointing to lose, but we move on.”
Police are currently facing off-field issues, with reports of unpaid salaries stretching up to five months. Still, Asri, 27, remained professional and appreciative of the opportunity to play, revealing it was his first start in two years.
“I want to thank the management for giving me a chance to play after such a long time,” said Asri. “We’re not focusing on the off-field matters. As players, we have to keep playing until the end because this is our job.”
