*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 15 August 2014 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 15 August 2014
Norhafiz Zamani bin Misbah (born 15 July 1981) is a Malaysian professional football coach and former player who played as a centre-back. He is a former member of the Malaysia national team.[2][3] With a calm character and good at controlling the situation in the penalty box, have led him to be compared to compatriot Soh Chin Ann.[4][5]
Club career
Negeri Sembilan
He made his first appearance in professional football with Negeri Sembilan in 2001.[6]
Pahang
He moved to Pahang with a high-profile transfer after spending many years with Negeri Sembilan. Pahang was delighted with his signing and said 'Zamani is Malaysia's best defender this time'. He made superb performances with his new club. He played in the ASEAN Club Championship with other clubs in Southeast Asia, such as Tampines Rovers.[7]
KL Plus FC
He wants to move to another club after underperformance with Pahang. He said that he wants to move because Pahang have more difficulties after his former teammate, Indra Putra Mahayuddin moved to Selangor. He later transfer to KL PLUS FC.[8]
On 1 December 2014, Norhafiz signed to Kelantan for 2015 season after spent 4 seasons playing for Negeri Sembilan. Norhafiz made his Kelantan debut on 1 March 2015 as a substitute in the 69th for Badhri Radzi in a league match lost to Kedah. He made a strong defence partnership with Jonathan McKain. Norhafiz also operated as a defensive midfielder during his time at Kelantan.[10] He made 18 league appearances during his debut season with Kelantan. On 27 December 2016, although the team was having financial problems, he has confirmed to remain with Kelantan for the third season despite offers from other clubs.[11]
Penang
In 2018, he signed a one-year contract to play for Penang.[12]
He was one of the players who won a silver medal at the 2001 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.[14]
In 2002, Norhafiz was called up for an international friendly match against Brazil.[15][16][17] He also was part of the squad in the 2004 AFF Championship which finished at third place.
He then became the part of the national football team preparing for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. He was then chosen into the squad of Malaysia 2007 Asian Cup. He only made his first appearance in the Asian Cup in the first group match against China where Malaysia had heavy defeated 1–5.[18] After this run of bad luck, he became one of three senior players to play at the 2007 Merdeka Tournament. With a combination of senior and U-23 players, Malaysia defeated Myanmar 3–1 in the final to win the trophy.
At the 2008 Merdeka Tournament, Norhafiz helped Malaysia reach the final but his missed shot during the penalty shoot-out against Vietnam lost Malaysia the match.
Norhafiz also appeared for the Malaysia League XI. He was selected by coach as a defender in the Malaysia squad in a preseason friendly against Manchester United. At the inauguralPremier League Asia Trophy that involved two more English clubs Birmingham City and Newcastle United.[20] After losing to Chelsea in the opening game, Malaysia competed for the 3rd place against Birmingham City. After the game which Malaysia lost, then manager of Birmingham City, Steve Bruce) was asked to single out a Malaysian player which had impressed him, his answer was Norhafiz Zamani Misbah.[21] He featured and captained the Malaysia XI in the 2 matches friendly against Manchester United in July 2009. Furthermore, on 21 July 2011, Norhafiz captained the Malaysia League XI in a match against Chelsea, which ended in a 0–1 loss for the Malaysia League XI.
Managerial career
On 1 February 2021, Norhafiz was hired to become assistant coach for Mokhtar Dahari Academy to aid producing quality young players from the grassroots development program.[22]
