PETALING JAYA: Veteran Singapore midfielder Zulfahmi Arifin (pic) has wasted little time making an impact on his return to Malaysian football, and is now intent on powering Immigration to a strong finish in their debut Super League campaign.
Back after an 11-year absence, the 34-year-old is in his second stint in Malaysia following his spell with Lions XII from 2013 to 2015.
Zulfahmi has quickly become a key figure in midfield for the Mighty Tigers, playing a pivotal role in their recent 5-0 rout of Police at the Selayang Stadium on Saturday.
While he did not get on the scoresheet, he was instrumental in reading the game, passing, and moving, and assisted Eduardo Sosa’s goal in the 37th minute.
The other goals were from Wilmar Jordan, who scored a hattrick in the sixth, 45th and 77th minutes, and one from Burundian winger Elvis Kamsoba in the 70th minute.
The result lifted Immigration to sixth place with 25 points from 21 matches, with Zulfahmi expected to remain central to their push to secure a top-six finish in the final three games.
He fondly recalled the electric atmosphere during his first stint.
“I still remember playing in the Malaysia Cup semi-final against Terengganu, the Charity Shield against Pahang and the FA Cup final against Kelantan. The stadiums were packed and the atmosphere was incredible. Even as the away team, I truly enjoyed it,” he said.
“I haven’t experienced that feeling again yet, but I hope to soon.”
He arrived during the January transfer window after an initial move fell through.
“Before the Indonesian Super League mid-season window opened, my agent told me about a potential move to the Malaysian league as a club were looking for a midfielder. I was open to the opportunity, but the club did not proceed.
“With a new coach joining my club (Persis Solo), changes were expected and all foreign players were replaced. A few days before the window closed, I was connected with coach Yusri Che Lah and the move took place.
“I was excited to play alongside players like Fadzrul Danel (Nizam), Nik Akif (Syahiran), (Abdul) Halim Saari and also Eduardo Sosa. They are quality players who have added depth to the team.”
Zulfahmi has since made seven appearances, operating mainly as a defensive midfielder where his composure and set-piece delivery have added steel and structure to Immigration’s play.
On his future, Zulfahmi remains open.
“If there is rezeki (blessings) to continue in the Malaysia Super League, I would love to. But for now, my priority is to finish the season strongly with Immigration and then assess the best plan after that.”
