PETALING JAYA: "This victory is for Mickey (Faisal Halim) and his family."
This was said by Selangor coach Nidzam Jamil after their hard-fought 1-0 win over Kedah at the MBPJ Stadium yesterday.
As Selangor star Faisal lay in a hospital bed following a horrific acid attack on him on May 5 by two unknown assailants, Nidzam said the team have bonded strongly in these difficult times.
"In times like these, everyone rallies behind the team, especially the players who are deeply affected. We've become a close-knit family, supporting each other," said Nidzam.
The 40-year-old coach lauded the remarkable efforts of his young players, particularly Aliff Haiqal Lokman Hakim Lau, whose 85th-minute strike secured the solitary and decisive goal against Kedah.
"I'll always stand by players like Mukhairi Ajmal (Mahadi). As long as they continue to train diligently and stay focused, the progress they make is what matters most to me," said Nidzam.
He singled out promising talent such as Mukhairi, Aliff, Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar, and Sharul Nazeem Zulpakar, praising their versatility and dedication, even in challenging roles.
Kedah coach Nafuzi Zain congratulated Nidzam for the Selangor win, but said: "Personally, I believe a draw would have been a fair outcome tonight, but luck favoured Selangor with that last-minute goal. Despite the result, I'm proud of my players' efforts."