PETALING JAYA: Selangor midfielder Syahir Bashah’s rise this season has not been loud or flashy.
Instead, the 24-year-old has quietly emerged as the bedrock in the midfield for the Red Giants.
From captaining Selangor II in the A1 Semi-Pro League to becoming a mainstay in the Red Giants’ engine room, the Ipoh lad has come a long way.
And Syahir is glad that he has turned what started as temporary assignment to gain minutes, as something more worthwhile.
“Being satisfied is a big statement, but I’m happy and I’m not being complacent with where I’m right now,” said Syahir.
“In the A1 team I gave my all, the same goes for the first team. I’ve learned a lot from this transition, it has helped me to be more mature, and I will continue to work hard for myself and the team.”
Syahir’s breakthrough came in September when Christophe Gamel took over as the interim coach and roped him into the first team.
Syahir seized the opportunity, starting nine league matches and four FA Cup ties in the domestic stages.
Alongside Nooa Laine and Jordanian playmaker Noor Al-Rawabdeh, Syahir formed a superb midfield trident that brought balance and bite to Selangor’s play.
While Laine and Al-Rawabdeh surged forward with attacking intent, Syahir provided the steel and structure behind them.
Now under new coach Kim Pan-gon, Syahir’s importance has only grown. He has featured in three Malaysia Cup matches and two Super League fixtures, remaining integral to Selangor’s resurgence.
The same would be expected out of him when they take on Negri Sembilan in the Malaysia Cup quarter-final second leg at the Petaling Jaya Stadium tomorrow.
“I try to understand the style of play the coached ask for and adapt quickly,” said Syahir, who made his professional debut with Perak in 2020 at just 19.
“I want to keep giving my best for the team, coach, family and myself until the end of the season,” he said.
