Latest News Update About Yog Medal Tally: It has been a turbulent year for the Singapore Under―15 football team but without looking back, they have set their eyes firmly on their goal ― a medal in the Youth Olympic Games (YOG). It would be a tribute to head coach David Sivalingam who passed away after suffering a heart attack last November.
It would also be a credit to former Lions Kadir Yahaya who stepped in to take on the coaching reins in February and stabilised the team for the Youth Olympic Games.
With a new―found never―say―die spirit, the Under―15s have posted a series of positive results which they hope to cap with YOG wins that would mark their remarkable turnaround.
In all, 18 boys have been selected to represent Singapore in the football event at the inaugural games.
"We are aiming for at least a semi―final spot," said Jonathan Tan who plays left wing in the team.
"We are looking for a medal, preferably gold," added midfielder Hanafi Akbar.
Their training sessions are anything but child's play. The boys take on the field almost everyday, competing with the older Under―18s most weekends and sometimes, head overseas to take on bigger opponents.
The decision to play against their older counterparts was to prepare them for physical encounters which they can to expect when they take on the likes of Zimbabwe and Montenegro during the tournament group stages.
The occasional bruises were well―healed with a triumph over English giants Tottenham Hotspur during a recent trip to London.
"We played against the likes of West Ham United, and Tottenham Hotspurs when we were in London. Those are really big clubs but we showed that we managed to keep up with them. We actually won (against) Spurs 3―1 and lost narrowly to West Ham 2―1," said Jonathan.
The boys were so good, midfielder Hanafi was singled out by Tottenham Academy Manager John McDermott for delivering a sublime equaliser for the young Singapore team.
Despite two victories and three losses, coach Kadir acknowledges that there is still room for improvements.
"We will need to work on our focus, especially late into the game. In the game with Essex County, we threw away our 2―1 lead, conceding two late goals as a result of poor concentration. This is something we have to rectify before YOG," said Kadir.
As for now, he is sticking to his earlier target " a semi―final spot.
"One win and a draw will be safe but it is better to be group champions so that we can avoid Bolivia," he explains.
He was expectedly less open about his potential star players when the tournament kicks off on August 12 at Jalan Besar Stadium.
"(Laughs). There are a couple of players but I wont say anything. You have to go down to watch them play," Kadir said.
The 'software' generation
Coaching the Under―15s isn't a novelty for Kadir. Back in 2005, he was in charge of the same age group which starred Hariss Harun.
Reflecting on his experience, he singled out one significant difference between his past and current players.
"In 2005, I was dealing with hardware players. Players like Hariss Harun were physically tough and strong. They can fight in any conditions. It wasn't a problem to them.
"Now, I'm dealing with the software generation. They are not as physically strong and there are too much distraction from football. Handheld games, PS 2, iPod, as compared to five years ago," he lamented.
He went on to also aptly describe his charges as the 'Google generation'.
"Intelligence―wise, they are very good. For instance, during our workshop on nutrition, they calculated very quickly about how much protein and carbohydrates they should take.
"During our Australia training trip, I casually asked them where they would like to visit during their rest days and they listed a number of attractions immediately. They got all their information from Google," Kadir replied with a wry smile.
What's next after YOG
Like any other coach, Kadir has already mapped out the future for his teen team.
"A lot of them have the potential to make it to the next level but they need guidance. For this batch, I'm looking at a number of players to be fast―tracked for the next two levels. I can see the potential in them," he said.
Another option that he might choose is to keep the whole batch intact and move them up the next level together.
There is little doubt that there's promising talent from the young men under his tutelage, who only lack one element, says Kadir.
"For these footballers, it's all about Vitamin D and discipline. If you have it, you can definitely make it."
Singapore Under―15 Team for 2010 Youth Olympic Games
Goalkeepers:
Fashah Iskandar, Hamzah Fazil
Defenders:
Syazwan Radhi, Jeffery Lightfoot (Captain), Illyas Lee, Dhukhilan Jeevamani, Irfan Asyraf, Firdaus Sham
Midfielders:
Amirul Iskandar, Ammirul Emmran, Brandon Koh, Hanafi Akbar, Sunny Ng, Jonathan Tan, Bryan Neubronner
Forwards:
Syazwan Zin, Muhaimin Suhaimi, Hazim Fazil
― CNA/fa
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