KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Lumpur City FC midfielder Zhafri Yahya has made it clear that he will not follow in the footsteps of his former compatriots who left the club due to its financial instability.
The 30-year-old midfielder joined the City Boys in 2015 after departing from Selangor FC, and he holds the distinction of being the longest-serving player at the club, having made a total of 245 appearances under 11 different head coaches.
Zhafri said that his loyalty lies eternally with KL City FC, emphasising that it is never appropriate for a senior player like himself to desert a club that has been a cornerstone of support in his development as a footballer.
“KL City FC is forever close to my heart – this is the club that gave me life, and I have never had the intention of leaving the club when they are in a tough situation.
“I have no comments on those who left. For me, I look at this club as family, and I will forever stick by my family when they are going through problems.
“I followed my heart, and I will always be loyal to Kuala Lumpur City by contributing my 100% to our quest to make KL City the best football club in Malaysia,” said Zhafri when he was met at the Teh Hijau Kuala Lumpur programme at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium yesterday.
Scoop previously reported concerns regarding KL City FC’s financial stability, leaving players with unpaid dues.
The club has also been instructed by the Malaysian Football League to make the first salary payment amounting to 50% by March 15 and a full settlement on or before March 29.
Failure to make the payment according to the stipulated timelines will result in the club receiving a transfer ban with a fine or facing revocation of their national license by the first-instance body.
In light of this, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the patron of KL City FC, has stepped in together with the chief executive Stanley Bernard and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh to ensure the club’s smooth operation for the coming Malaysia Super League season.
Meanwhile, Zhafri also expressed his gratitude to Fahmi for his support and his commitment to ensuring that the club returns to its old form.
“I’m very thankful to the minister for his commitment to ensuring that the club runs well.
“He, together with others, is working really hard to ensure that the club is stable for the years to come,” Zhafri added.
Despite their financial issues, KL City FC maintained their mid-table grip in the Super League last season as they finished seventh with 38 points.
In 2021, the club, under the guidance of Bojan Hodak, made waves by lifting the Malaysia Cup, outperforming their limited budget to defeat powerhouses Johor Darul Ta’zim in the final.
The Croatian’s cup-winning team featured experienced players such as Safee Sali, Shukor Adan, and Indra Putra Mahayuddin. – March 17, 2024