Defender Ashmawi Yakin’s most recent match for Selangor FC was a peculiar one. In the away Group B TM Malaysia Cup 2021 match against Terengganu FC on September 29, the defender finally recorded an individual first at the club.

In the Matchday 2 encounter that was played in Kuala Terengganu, Ashmawi was the first to pounce on a rebound that happened from a stinging 75th-minute Wan Zack Haikal effort, and the defender lashed a shot into the net to pull one back for the visitors.

However, there was no goal celebration for him as he had to sacrifice himself in the tussle for the rebound, and ended up injured and had to be taken off.

Fortunately, the 27-year-old defender is now fit again and ready to build on his heroic performance in the Terengganu clash, when the competition resumes at the end of this month.

"I can't say that I'm too happy with my first ever Selangor goal, after all, it was a defeat and things didn't quite go our way.

"But Alhamdulillah, I've continued normal training and am now working on returning to full fitness. The team is preparing well too and we're ready to give our best," said the center-back in an interview.

The Negeri Sembilan-born player too also senses confidence about the Red Giants' chances in the 100th year edition of the Malaysia Cup.

"We Selangor have a chance of becoming champions," he stated. "But what's important is for us to produce our best and work our hardest in each match, and to never be satisfied with a win.

"We need to stay focused on the job at hand."

Ashmawi's journey at the club has been remarkable. Having spent his first three seasons here as somewhat of a bit player, this season the underrated defender found himself earning 12 Malaysia Super League appearances and two Malaysia Cup outings.

"I'm glad that Selangor still has confidence in me to be a part of the team. It's not easy [to be with a team for four years].

"But what's important is for me to work hard and continue believing in myself."

When asked about the most challenging player he has played against at Selangor, Ashmawi mentioned a familiar name. 

"In my four years here, the toughest attacker that I've come up against as a defender is Syazwan Zainon, especially when he was with Kedah back in 2018.

"I still remember the match in Alor Setar, he was so, so tricky and was constantly coming up with new ways to get past our defense," recalled the Sekolah Sukan Bukit Jalil graduate.

Ashmawi would end up teammates with Syazwan in 2019 and 2020 when the winger joined Selangor in these two seasons. He is currently back with the Red Eagles.

Before ending the chat, we couldn't help but ask Ashmawi about the moniker his teammates would affectionately address him with; 'Haji'. The devout Muslim revealed that it’s maybe because he is one of them who has performed his Umrah (pilgrimage to Mecca) some years ago at a young age.

"Alhamdulillah, I was handed my turn to visit Mecca at a young age. I didn't think twice about going. It's better for us to do it when we are at the peak of our physical condition if we have the financial means."

"Furthermore, there's no guarantee that we will have another chance to go later in our lives, like how it's now harder to make the trip there due to the COVID-19 restrictions," reminded the soft-spoken player.

By Zulhilmi Zainal