Safawi Rasid Ready to Fill Arif Aiman's Void

Rejuvenated Malaysian forward Safawi Rasid has declared himself fully primed to step into the spotlight and lead Harimau Malaya’s attack in the absence of key Johor Darul Ta'zim stars—including winger Arif Aiman Hanapi—for their upcoming Tier 1 International Friendlies against China and Yemen.

The attacking talisman is riding a massive wave of confidence after scoring the crucial spot-kick that sent Kuching City FC to their first-ever Piala FA final over the weekend. Refusing to rest on his laurels, Safawi credited his teammates at the Sarawak-based club for helping him relocate his deadly goalscoring touch, insisting he is ready to replicate that elite form on the international stage.

"First of all, I want to give full credit to my teammates in Kuching. I want to carry my club form straight into the national team setup," Safawi told the media ahead of the team's departure. "We have quality players in this squad, and everyone is locked in and ready for these next two matches in China."

With JDT players omitted from the national camp to focus on AFC club ranking points, all eyes are on Safawi to embrace the primary attacking burden. Addressing potential comparisons to reigning sensation Arif Aiman, the former National MVP remained completely unfazed by the pressure.

"JDT is a team we definitely need in the national team because they contribute so much. But right now, this is a massive opportunity for the players called up to step up and show their quality," Safawi stated firmly. "Arif Aiman has his own unique strengths, just as every player brings their own quality. With Arif absent, I am ready to operate anywhere across the attacking line—whether on the right wing, left wing, or in the No. 10 role. Positioning is no issue for me."

Safawi’s return to peak form comes after a challenging career stretch that included loan stints in Portugal with Portimonense and Thailand with Ratchaburi, before regaining his edge at Terengganu and now Kuching City. He revealed that resetting his mindset was crucial to silencing outside critics.

"As a footballer, form fluctuates—today you might not score, tomorrow you hit the net," he explained. "I simply reset, stayed focused, and kept pushing. Playing in a competitive local league alongside teams like JDT, Selangor, Kuching City, and KL City provides the ideal environment for any player looking to rebuild their game."

Looking ahead to Saturday's blockbuster clash against China at the Zhaoqing New District Sports Center Stadium, Safawi acknowledged that the hosts will present a daunting physical challenge with their tall, direct style of play. However, he remains confident that Harimau Malaya can outwit their opponents through tactical intelligence.

"China is a very physical team that relies heavily on aerial balls and physical duels," Safawi noted. "We have to execute the head coach's tactical plan meticulously. Even though some of us are smaller in physical stature, we just have to play smart to outmaneuver them."

Reflecting on his Kuching City achievements, Safawi admitted that reaching another major domestic final has reignited his hunger for silverware ahead of their January 2027 showpiece against JDT at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.

"It has been a long time since I played in a cup final, so Sunday night was an unbelievable moment. Even though the final is in January, the excitement is already building," Safawi concluded.

Credit Photo : FAM