For this month's episode of 'The Face of Selangor Football', the SFC media unit had the opportunity to interview one of SFC's long-serving staff members.

Most 'Red Yellow' supporters must be wondering who the SFC graphic designer is behind the designs of jerseys, official attire, posters, and marketing materials on SFC's official social media pages. Every design inspired by the person named 'Amal' is the result of his hard work, which is now a major part of SFC.

Follow this episode of 'The Face of Selangor Football' which shares Amal's daily tasks as a graphic designer with the Red Giants.

"My name is Amal Arif Hatta and I was born on 16 June 1995. I am also from Semenyih, Selangor. I am the third of four siblings. In addition, I am a graduate of finance and banking from Politeknik Ungku Omar, Ipoh."

He developed an interest in graphic design since secondary school, actively creating T-shirt and lanyard designs in the dormitory. Due to his deep interest, he joined a graphic design club in higher education and pursued a career in this field after graduation.

Amal has been a huge football fan since he was 5 years old, playing football with his friends every evening. "I started to love Selangor football when my father took me and my siblings to the Shah Alam Stadium complex and bought us Selangor football jerseys. I also often followed matches on television and radio before I had the chance to watch a live match at Shah Alam Stadium in 2012." This experience gave Amal spirit and a unique experience with the vibrant atmosphere of cheering supporters.

Furthermore, he became interested in football because of several famous footballers who were Amal's favourites, including former French player, Zinedine Zidane, as well as former Selangor FC players like S. Kunanlan, Jamsari Sabian, and also the Indonesian import player, Elie Aiboy.

"Before I personally experienced watching live football matches, my friends always shared their experiences of going to the stadium. My first experience stepping into a stadium was by chance when my family and I were given free tickets to a live football match in Paroi, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. Because of this experience, I started to get involved in going to the stadium."

"My fondest memory as a Selangor FC (SFC) fan is when I managed to get a job here as a graphic designer. My dream since graduating was to work with Selangor. Alhamdulillah, I finally received an official offer from SFC in 2019."

Before joining SFC, Amal already had three years of experience as a graphic designer. At first, it was quite difficult to adjust as this was his first experience with SFC, but he always strived to give his best. A month after joining SFC, he was given the opportunity to design the jersey for the 2020 season, which was his first major assignment at that time.

The first jersey I designed for SFC was the dark red Selangor 'Home' 2020 jersey. To me, it was very special because it was the first time we released a jersey in a different colour other than red and yellow. For the Selangor third kit 2020, we decided to bring a story or an issue that should be highlighted in society. For example, the glow-in-the-dark jersey which carried the message 'kick out racism' to combat racial issues in football. Since then, every jersey we design has a background story and its own issue.

The creation of the Selangor 'Away' 2021 jersey was one of Amal's most interesting graphic designs, featuring geographical map elements and Selangor motifs on the back of the shirt. The idea came from discussions with colleagues and was eventually realised at SFC. Although the jersey was blue, it was still well-received by many, especially SFC supporters.

"Throughout this process, I got ideas from various parties including the SFC CEO, Dr. Johan Kamal Hamidon, my unit head, Ridwuan Mahamud, Melvin, and colleagues in discussion sessions with players about their stories. I admit that modern times are easier and more advanced than before because there are many social media platforms, communication facilities, and more strategic office locations to work more comfortably."

According to Amal, the jersey production process takes a very long time, almost a year. "The process starts by finding a story for the following year, although it's difficult to predict what will happen, my colleagues will sit down to discuss and meet with Dr. Johan to determine the story to be conveyed and the desired design with Joma."

Amal's job as a graphic designer starts mid-season to produce more than 100 graphic designs. From that number, designs will be modified and combined before being shortlisted to only 3 designs. Next, the designs will be submitted to Joma to produce examples or samples. If the samples are not suitable, the modification process will be carried out until the desired result is achieved. "Throughout this jersey production process, we prioritise the opinions of players and supporters and then undergo a sponsor approval process which will take quite some time."

Amal had the opportunity to visit the Joma factory in China to see for himself the fabric production process and the colours that would be used. The fabric is meticulously tested to ensure its colours do not fade or tear. If there are changes, Amal will make the changes immediately and send the design to Joma for immediate modification. Once the jersey is ready, a campaign launch will be held to tell the story behind the jersey.

Before a jersey campaign is launched, other colleagues will go to the national library to find necessary information or meet with senior or 'legend' players to get information from their stories. For example, the Selangor 'Away' 2022 jersey design, which tells the story of Brendan Gan, a cancer fighter. The purpose is to raise awareness about cancer among Malaysians.

Besides jerseys, Amal also creates graphics for marketing merchandise such as watches and shoes, which require discussion with sponsors. Ideas will be gathered from Dr. Johan, all SFC parties, sponsors, and colleagues to ensure that sponsors, supporters, and players like them.

"For six years as a graphic designer at SFC, I am very happy to see many SFC supporters, no matter where I go, wearing my work. I feel very touched and appreciated when my parents also start wearing the jerseys I designed."

His hope for the next generation is to always focus, work hard, and never give up on pursuing dreams, as well as to listen to parental advice to keep trying all available opportunities. Amal himself was rejected on his first application but succeeded on the second. For those interested in an industrial attachment in graphic design, you can send your application and resume to the email provided at media@selangorfc.com.

"Working as a graphic designer at SFC is not just about designing merchandise and jersey graphics, but also responsible for determining social media content, which has become a large part of the team and supporters. I admit that working here can be difficult for me at times, but every difficulty surely has a solution and success awaiting. We not only want to satisfy the supporters but also the players. For everyone's information, the 2025/26 jersey production process has been completed and is in the process of delivery. The jersey manufacturing process has also changed according to league changes. I am currently preparing jerseys for the AFC Champions League Two (ACL) tournament and will continue with the 2026/27 jersey designs. The jersey is an important element in modern football, especially the Selangor logo on the chest."

In closing, Amal would like to express his gratitude to his parents who have always provided support from then until now. He also thanks his wife, Nur Amanina Ruslan, for her encouragement and efforts in being the best mother to their children. Not forgetting his colleagues in the office, management, media friends, players, and supporters who never stop supporting. All positive and negative comments on social media are also very motivating. Amal urges all fans to continue supporting Selangor and Selangor products, and to keep supporting Selangor.

Merah Kuning Lambang Kebanggaan!

Amal Arif Hatta
Head of Graphic Designer