KUALA LUMPUR – Selangor FC’s Faisal Halim has shown impressive agility in light training sessions, despite being sidelined for over two months following his horrific acid attack in May.
Speaking to Scoop, head coach Nidzam Jamil shared that the Penang-born player has made significant strides in passing, ball movement, and sprints.
Nidzam revealed that Red Giant fans would soon see their stalwart player back in action, donning the iconic red and yellow jersey.
Recent reports cited Faisal’s father, Abdul Halim Saad, who said the winger is 95% ready for an on-pitch return after successfully completing several physiotherapy sessions.
“Faisal is stubborn, but in a good way. He has been attending his light training programmes, and we can see a lot of improvement in his body movements, especially in how he passes and receives the ball.
“He has polished his touches and can move around with the ball during his sprints like he did before the horrific incident. His fitness level has been great, and I’m amazed at how he’s managed to fight for his recovery in such a short period,” Nidzam said.
“I salute his hunger, hard work, determination, and eagerness to return to the top level.
“Whenever my coaching team and I conduct a training session, he’s always there and has never missed a session. This is indeed great news not only for us but also for the fans, as we will be able to see our star player in action very soon.
“However, our coaching team has yet to start any intensive training with him, such as pressuring him with our defenders like we usually do in our competitive training sessions.
“We are handling Faisal’s situation step-by-step, and we never know – he may join us for competitive training in the weeks or months to come,” the coach added.
On May 5, the 26-year-old winger was attacked by an unknown assailant – a case still under investigation by Bukit Aman – while with his family at a Petaling Jaya shopping centre.
Faisal suffered fourth-degree burns on several parts of his body, requiring intensive care.
After multiple surgeries and a skin transplant using skin imported from Belgium at a hospital in Shah Alam, Faisal was stabilised and subsequently discharged.
He is currently in the early stages of recovery and undergoing sports rehabilitation.
Faisal joined the Red Giants from Terengganu FC last year and scored 12 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions last season.
Selangor currently ranks second in the Super League table, with nine points from five games. – July 22, 2024