THE twins became famous in Malaysian football, fighting side by side in their earlier days.
But come Saturday, there will be no love lost between Aidil Zafuan Radzak and Zaquan Adha Radzak in the Malaysia Cup final.
Both the brothers will be at the opposing end at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Aidil in defence for JDT (since 2013) and Zaquan in attack for Kedah in his first season.
Remarkably, for the first time, Aidil and Zaquan, aged 32, will face each other in a Malaysia Cup final after the vagaries of fortune put them on a collision course.
Never shall the twain meet in a Malaysia Cup final against each other?
That was certainly not on anyone’s mind when Zaquan and Aidil born in Seremban, played major roles in making Negri Sembilan a football powerhouse a decade earlier.
The Radzak twins inspired Negri to the Super League title in 2006, the Malaysia Cup crowns in 2009 and 2011, and FA Cup triumph in 2010.
Aidil, a few minutes older than Zaquan, is more successful than his brother, having won many honours with JDT since 2013, including the AFC Cup title in 2015, Super League titles in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and FA Cup crown in 2016 and Malaysia Cup title in 2017.
But on the personal side, Zaquan has the satisfaction of scoring more goals than Aidil this season. He got five for Kedah while Aidil has yet to score for JDT.
JDT and Kedah have met twice in the Super League this season, with the Southern Tigers being held to a 1-1 draw by the Red Eagles on March 29. But JDT won the second round 2-0 on May 26.
Zaquan is known for his super sub role for Kedah. And he had a big hand in Kedah qualifying for the Malaysia Cup final, scoring the stoppage time goal in the 3-3 draw against Pahang in the last four first leg in Alor Star.
Zaquan said:‘My brother and I will normally call our mother before each match for motivation and support.
‘But for this Malaysia Cup final, my mother will not know how to deal with the situation. But she will pray for both of us to play well and be successful.
‘Anyway, good luck to my brother, Aidil and JDT. Let's see who wins on Saturday.’
But it remains to be seen whether Zaquan will be unleashed by Kedah to take on the JDT defence, which includes his brother as he is usually deployed as a substitute.
But the 80,000 fans, expected at the National Stadium, should be ready for a Malaysia Cup with a twin effect.