PETALING JAYA: Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar (pic) was the lowest ranked centreback in Selangor before the Super League season started.
The 20-year-old was only expected to be an understudy while players like Yazan Al-Arab, Richmond Ankrah, Ahmad Khuzaimi Piee, and Sharul Nazeem Zulphakar were expected to be rotated often in the first eleven.
It all changed when Harith was thrust into action in the absence of an injured Sharul in the last two games.
And the national Under-23 player did not disappoint as he impressed in both games for Selangor.
On Tuesday, Harith scored a goal in the 5-1 win against Terengganu in the league, and also impressed with his incisive passing and clever movements.
And he kept the likes of Adisak Kraisorn and Jordan Mintah quiet with his smart defending.
In the 4-0 win over Pahang in the FA Cup round of 16, the boy from Klang showed great composure and was able to nullify the threat of Kpah Sherman with his impressive man-marking and interceptions.
Harith wants to prove that he deserves a regular spot with the Red Giants coached by Tan Cheng Hoe.
“I’ve just started two games, but I hope my performances have shown to coach Tan that I have what it takes to play regularly for the club,” he said.
“I have to thank the seniors like Brendan Gan, Faisal Halim and Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi, who gave me lots of motivation.
“Now with some minutes in the bag, I hope to keep growing and be an asset to the club.
“There will be pressure but I must deal with it.
Harith’s form also augurs well for the Under-23 team as they prepare for the SEA Games in Cambodia next month as he is regular at the backline.
“Insyallah (God willing), I will do my best in the SEA Games. My aim is to go as far as possible.
‘‘Last year, we reached the semi-finals. We hope to do better than that in Cambodia.”
