PETALING JAYA: In Malaysian football, few jerseys carry more weight than Selangor’s number 10.

Worn by legends, most notably the late, great Datuk Mokhtar Dahari, it is more than just a number. It’s a legacy.

And now, that legacy rests on the shoulders of 23-year-old midfielder Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi (pic), who hails from Sungai Lembing, Pahang.

“Wearing the number 10 jersey is indeed heavy, especially for a club like Selangor,” admitted Mukhairi.

“Many legends have worn it, especially the late great Mokhtar Dahari. The responsibility of that jersey is huge. But I’m not seeing it as a burden - I can carry it. I will continue doing my best for this team.”

As the new Malaysian Super League season approaches, many eyes will be on Selangor.

The Red Giants face the biggest possible test - a Charity Shield clash with perennial powerhouse Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) on Aug 8, which also acts as a league fixture.

Selangor’s pre-season preparations have been steady, structured, and purposeful, according to Mukhairi, though some fans have been worried about the team’s mixed form.

“We’ve had a lot of game time, and I would say pre-season has been good. Pre-season is one way to ascertain our weaknesses. From there, we work on it and make sure the season goes well,” he said.

He credits not just the training intensity, but also the chemistry developing within the squad.

“Even the new foreign players that have joined us are working well. The harmony is there and everyone is communicating. We still have a few days left to train, and we’ll use that time to build a strong team.”

With multiple Super League titles and a deep, star-studded squad, JDT will once again enter the Charity Shield as heavy favourites but

Mukhairi refuses to be fazed.

“Yes, JDT are the favourites, but I hope my teammates and I can give them a tough fight.”

Mukhairi is not naive about the scale of the task ahead, but he is not intimidated either.

“We have to take on whatever situation comes our way. We’ll do our best before that tie.”