After helping Malaysia end a 24-year gold medal drought at the Asian Games, the five-man sepak takraw squad of Farhan Adam, Zulkifli Abdul Razak, Syahir Rosdi, Azlan Alias, and Norhafizi Abdul Razak will return to their respective clubs for the latest season of the Sepak Takraw League, which will commence on October 5.



With only a week to go to the new season, here's a quick rundown to get yourself familiar with the five stars and their teams.

Farhan Adam




Position: Feeder
Team: Selangor Pistons
The 29-year-old is back at his parent club after joining the Black Panthers on loan for last season's inaugural STL Champions Cup campaign. He played an instrumental role as the Penang side win the regional tournament, beating the Perak Bisons 2-0. His outstanding performances also saw him being named the STL Champions Cup Best Feeder.

Zulkifli Abdul Razak




Position: Tekong
Team: Terengganu Turtles
Playing a key role in Malaysia's comeback win against Indonesia at the 2018 Asian Games has surely helped 'Sobey' forget about his disappointing 2017 season. Last year, the 25-year-old tekong star and the Turtles finished fifth in the 2017 STL Premier season and failed to qualify for the Champions Cup. He received a chance to compete at the latter tournament by joining the Kuala Lumpur Thunder on loan, but the team suffered a group-stage exit.

Syahir Rosdi




Position: Tekong
Team: Penang Black Panthers
Arguably the current face of the Sepak Takraw League, Syahir is a two-time MVP and Best Tekong as he helped the Panthers win the top division in 2016 before sweeping up all major trophies on offer last season — STL Charity Cup, STL Premier and STL Champions Cup.

Azlan Alias




Position: Striker
Team: Penang Black Panthers
Following an impressive spell with the Kuala Lumpur City Flyers, Azlan linked up with the Black Panthers in 2016 and had an instant impact as he helped them win the league title. Due to his high-flying performances, he was in the running for the 2016 MVP award and named in the 2016 STL Second Team alongside Penang team-mates Syahir and Zaim Razali. In 2017, he maintained his consistency to lead the Black Panthers to success.

Norhafizi Abdul Razak




Position: Striker
Team: Kuala Lumpur Thunder
After moving from the Johor Tigris in 2017, the accomplished left-footed killer helped the Thunder finish second in the STL Premier and qualify for the Champions Cup. His consistent displays edged him ahead of other strikers for a spot in the eventual Asian Games gold-medal winning squad.