Safee Sali is excited that Malaysia’s diving queen, Datuk Pandelela Rinong Pamg, is following in his footsteps by launching her maiden non-fungible token (NFT) project – ‘P.Zero1’ – tomorrow.
Safee, among the first Malaysian athletes to launch an NFT collection in June, hopes more athletes venture into the business.
“Be warned, Malaysia’s NFT market is not mature yet. But while it is still new to many people, it is huge overseas,” said the former national football striker.
“I am happy to be a pioneer of NFT among athletes as I see the potential.
“It is a good business venture in the long-term. We have to be patient, said Safee who donned the national colours between 2006 and 2017.
An NFT is a digital asset tracked on a blockchain to prove authenticity and links ownership to unique physical or digital items such as works of art, real estate, music, or videos.
Safee and Pandelela share the same artist – Nicholas Chuan – a top graphic designer who previously worked with UEFA, Red Bull Racing, Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
Safee’s limited edition digital collectables are entitled Sepuluh, after his No. 10 jersey, and depict him helping Malaysia win the 2010 AFF Cup. He was also the tournament’s top scorer.
A portion of the proceeds would go to the Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia.
Safee, 38, said creating NFTs is among his business plans as he reaches the end of his career.
He recently signed a contract extension with Kuala Lumpur City FC as player-coach, a year after winning the Malaysia Cup.
“I have a plan, but I will only reveal it at the end of the season,” said Safee, who said venturing into NFT allowed him to engage with his fans.
“Kuala Lumpur (football) can create more history this year as we are in the final of the Asean Zone of the Asian Football Confederation Cup.
“We play an Indonesian team (PSM Makassar) in the final (tomorrow, 9pm at the KLFA Stadium).
“It would be good to bring another trophy back to my home club.
“I feel I can still contribute to the team. Let me announce my plans at the end of the season.”
Pandelela was coy about her collection, saying she would reveal all at tomorrow’s launch.
“I had invested in some cryptocurrencies. NFT is something new. I am following the trend. I am finally free to launch mine,” she said.
Like Safee, Pandelela’s NFT is with Prime Sports NFT, a sports NFT division under Prime Sports International.
