KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor fans thought national winger Faisal Halim should be made the new captain of the Red Giants following Brendan Gan's move to Kuala Lumpur.
But Selangor coach Nidzam Jamil appointed Singaporean Safuwan Baharuddin instead.
"If we were in a kampung setting, Safuwan would naturally emerge as the youth leader. Imagine there is a family issue, and Safuwan would be the go-to person to resolve it.
"His leadership qualities are evident, making it easy for everyone to agree on him as captain.
"I don't disregard Faisal's significance, he's a key player. However, Safuwan embodies the essence of leadership.
"He consistently gives his all, punctuality is second nature to him, and he sets a standard not only for the younger players but also for me," said Nidzam.
Safuwan, who is in his fifth year with Selangor, said he benefited from playing under the leadership of two exceptional Australian players, Taylor Regan and Brendan.