KUALA LUMPUR: This Saturday, Faisal Halim will make football history, while Safuwan Baharudin returns to the Sultan of Selangor's Cup for the second time.
Five months after surviving a brutal acid attack, Faisal, known affectionately as Mickey, is set to make a triumphant return to the pitch. His comeback will be celebrated in front of a packed crowd at the iconic Merdeka Stadium.
At 26, Faisal is contesting the cup for the first time. As the tournament makes its return after a five-year hiatus, Faisal is eager to be part of the event.
"I've always been aware of the cup and its significance. Playing at the historic Merdeka Stadium is a dream come true.
"It's an opportunity to make up for the time I've missed and to show what I can do. I'm looking forward to the excitement from my teammates, club management, and fans. Every match is crucial for Selangor, even outside the M-League," he said.
In contrast, Selangor captain Safuwan Baharudin is no stranger to the Sultan of Selangor's Cup. The Singapore international will be in a unique position, playing against his own country's team while leading the Red Giants.
"Many have asked who I will represent, and of course, it's Selangor. Few have the chance to represent both Selangor and Singapore in this way.
"This is a significant moment for me, especially since I've been with Selangor for five years but missed out on the Sultan of Selangor's Cup due to its cancellation," said Safuwan.
At 32, Safuwan, who made his debut in 2011 and was part of the Singapore team that won 1-0, views the cup as a major event, often referred to as the Malaysian El Clasico.
Safuwan also noted that Singapore won't be sending their top players, as the Lion City Sailors are focusing on the ASEAN Club Championship set to run from Aug 21, 2024, to May 21, 2025.
"They will still have a strong lineup. This match is a great opportunity for both teams to prepare for future challenges," said Safuwan.
The defender fondly remembers his past experiences in the Sultan of Selangor's Cup, particularly at Shah Alam Stadium, one of the tournament's traditional venues.
With Selangor's new home, Kompleks Sukan Shah Alam (KSSA), set to open by 2026, the venue for future tournaments may change.
Both Safuwan and Faisal are hopeful they will be part of Selangor when the new stadium opens.
"I've seen the plans for the new stadium, and it looks impressive. It's not just about football, it represents the growth of Selangor's sports scene. Although we'll miss Shah Alam, the new venue will offer better facilities and a larger capacity, which is exciting for fans," said Safuwan.
Faisal emphasised the positive impact of advanced facilities on player morale and performance.
"I'm thrilled about the new stadium. It will boost the fans' spirit and, in turn, our morale. A better facility will help us focus more on football and improve our game," said Faisal.