| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC forward Adi Said has expressed his excitement at joining Malaysian Premier League side UiTM for the upcoming 2019 season.
DPMM FC confirmed on their website that the 28-year-old will be embarking on a new chapter in his career and has signed for the Selangor-based outfit.
“I feel nervous yet excited because this is my first time playing for a top tier team outside Brunei,” Adi said in an interview with the Bulletin.
The forward enjoyed his best season last term after managing a season-high 11 goals and 11 assists, as DPMM FC finished third in the league.
Adi was a constant thorn for many Singapore Premier League (SPL) sides last season, and he showed his qualities in a friendly match, prompting interest from the Lion Troops.
“I was in UiTM where we played a friendly. I scored a hat-trick in the match. Their coach was surprised and out of nowhere, he wanted me to join the team,” said the former Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) top scorer.
“I actually feel sad leaving my club and my teammates. But have their support for me to move on, so I did,” Adi continued.
The pacey front man initially went to UiTM for a trial, meeting his new teammates in the first week of December.
The Brunei international paid a heartfelt tribute to his former teammates and wished them well for the future.
“Thank you to my brothers for the support and your prayers! I will never forget you guys!” said Adi, who reportedly becomes the first foreign import from Brunei Darussalam to join a Malaysian club.
“I will always remember all the good and bad times we’ve shared together. I pray the best for you guys in the future.
“Keep up the good work and make Brunei proud! I love you guys and I’m going to miss you!”
Adi also reached out to the DPMM FC faithful, assuring them that he will do his best to represent Brunei with distinction at his new club.
“Thank you for your support and prayers! I’m sorry I won’t be able to play for DPMM FC next year, but Insya Allah I will make you proud by playing in another country through my performances,” he said.
In his final season with DPMM FC, Adi played a starring role in the Brunei-based outfit’s incredible run to the Singapore Cup final – the first time the club has achieved the feat.
He began his formative years at Majra in 2007 before moving to DPMM FC in 2012, having rose to prominence on the international stage after winning a maiden Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) title with the Brunei Darussalam under-21 team.
The Brunei international became a fan favourite during the under-21 competition, notably scoring a wonder goal during the Wasps’ 2-0 win over mighty Indonesia in the final.
Undoubtedly last season’s most influential local player, Adi flourished under the guidance of former coach Rene Weber and went on to become the first player in SPL history to reach double digits in goals and assists.
Adi leaves the ‘Gegar-Gegar’ men having amassed 28 goals in 107 appearances over seven seasons. His honours with DPMM include winning the SPL title in 2015, as well as the Singapore League Cup in 2012 and 2014. He also won the Brunei League Cup with Majra in 2011.
The 28-year-old will be looking to show his quality at UiTM, who currently play in Malaysia’s second-tier where they finished ninth last season.