KUALA LUMPUR – Rising Terengganu FC (TFC) defender Muhammad Azam Azmi Murad did not expect his name to be shortlisted for the “Best Young Player” title at the National Football Awards 2022.
Azam, 21, is up against two other better-known players in the national football arena, namely Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) winger Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi, 20, and Selangor FC midfielder Muhammad Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi, who is also aged 21.
He said the nomination was a recognition for defenders as they often get less attention when it comes to competing openly with strikers and midfielders.
“After what I have shown throughout this season with TFC, I feel very satisfied because I am getting a place in the starting eleven and I did not expect to be nominated for an ABK22 award.
“Thanks to the coach (Nafuzi Zain) and the TFC team for always believing in me, the 2022 season is one of the sweetest moments of my career. Competing with Arif Aiman and Muhammad Mukhairi (for the award) is a tall order as they are both great players,” he was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the Malaysian Football League today.
Last season, the award in this category went to Arif Aiman, and the young JDT star will most certainly want to defend the title this season.
ABK22 will take place virtually this Thursday, December 15, at 9pm where a total of 16 categories are contested.
The awards up for grabs are Best Goalkeeper, Best Defender, Best Midfielder, Best Striker, Best Coach, Best Young Player, Best Import Player, and Most Valuable Player.
The others are Super League Top Scorer, Super League Local Top Scorer, Premier League Top Scorer, Premier League Top Local Scorer, Fair Play Award, Fan XI, Malaysia League 2022 Best Goal, and Team of the Year. – Bernama, December 12, 2022
