Family Comes First as Khairul Fahmi Eyes Peninsula Club for New Chapter
PETALING JAYA: Veteran goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat is set to begin a new chapter in his football career, with a return to Peninsular Malaysia appearing increasingly likely as family considerations take precedence over all other factors.
The former national goalkeeper, affectionately known as Apek among Malaysian football fans, has confirmed that he is weighing several offers from clubs in the Malaysia League ahead of the 2026-2027 season.
However, unlike previous stages of his career where football ambitions took centre stage, the 37-year-old now says his priority is to be closer to his family after spending nearly five years away from them while representing Sabah FC.
According to Khairul Fahmi, the sacrifices made by his loved ones throughout his time in Sabah have convinced him that it is now his turn to make decisions that place family first.
“There are several offers on the table for next season, but I want to choose a club that allows me to be closer to my family.
“They have sacrificed a lot for me during my time in Sabah. Living apart for such a long period was not easy for them.
“Now I believe it is my responsibility to make sacrifices for them while continuing to play because I still believe I have a lot to offer,” he said.
The experienced goalkeeper explained that his family has been his biggest motivation throughout his professional career and continues to inspire him to keep playing at the highest level.
Despite approaching his 38th birthday next season, retirement is not something he is seriously considering at the moment.
Khairul Fahmi believes age should never be used as a benchmark to judge a goalkeeper’s ability, pointing to many international examples of players who continue to perform at elite levels well into their late thirties and even forties.
“For me, age is not a barrier.
“What matters most is fitness, discipline and the determination to compete.
“We see many goalkeepers around the world who are over 40 and still playing in top leagues, so I believe there is no reason why I cannot continue as long as I remain competitive,” he said.
He stressed that his decision to continue playing is driven by passion rather than personal records or fame.
Football, he said, remains an important part of his life and he still has the hunger to contribute both on and off the field.
During his time with Sabah FC, Khairul Fahmi became one of the team’s most experienced figures and played a crucial role in the club’s rise as one of the strongest contenders in Malaysian football.
His leadership qualities and wealth of experience earned him respect not only from teammates but also from supporters who admired his professionalism and consistency.
Since joining Sabah in 2022, he has made 65 appearances across all competitions and recorded 17 clean sheets, impressive numbers for a goalkeeper entering the later stages of his career.
Those statistics have reinforced the belief that experience remains a valuable asset in modern football, especially in a position that demands composure, leadership and tactical understanding.
As speculation continues over his next destination, football fans are eagerly waiting to see which club will secure the services of one of Malaysia’s most recognisable goalkeepers.
What is certain is that Khairul Fahmi’s next move will not simply be about football.
It will be about balancing ambition with family, rewarding the sacrifices made by those closest to him and proving that age is no obstacle to continuing a career built on passion, dedication and perseverance.
For Apek, the next chapter may begin with a new club, but the motivation remains the same — playing the game he loves while staying close to the people who matter most.
