Irfan Fandi gets first Lions call-up

SINGAPORE - For decades, his father was the bane of Malaysian opposition. Next week, Irfan Fandi may well take over that mantle after the teenager earned his first call-up into the Singapore national football team.

The 19-year-old defender, who is the son of legendary Lions striker Fandi Ahmad, was included in V Sundramoorthy's 25-strong squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Malaysia (Oct 7) and Hong Kong (Oct 11).

Irfan has not featured in the S.League for his club Home United since his enlistment for National Service in March, but proved himself during Singapore Under-21's 0-1 defeat by Bahrain on Sept 4.

"Irfan was the best centreback for Singapore U-21 against Bahrain Under-21 so, based on his performance, it is only natural to give him a chance," said national coach Sundram. "At 19, he is physically strong, has speed and is good in the air.

"He will learn a lot from understudying veterans like Baihakki (Khaizan), Mustafic (Fahrudin) and Daniel (Bennett). He is one for the future, and this experience will help him become a better player for next year's SEA Games (in Kuala  Lumpur)."

Irfan, who was part of last year's SEA Games squad, said he is "very excited" to have earned his first senior call-up.

"I had played for the various age-group national youth teams over the past few years and it is always with pride and passion whenever I wear the national jersey," said the eldest of Fandi's five children.

"Having progressed through the youth development system, I am thankful to my coaches – both past and present – for their guidance and advice. I will continue to work hard and will strive to do my best if I’m selected for the upcoming matches.

"I hope fans will turn up in red and cheer us on at the National Stadium next Friday."

Sundram has also handed a first call-up for Geylang International midfielder Shawal Anuar. The Lions coach added: "I have repeatedly said that the door to the national team is always open as long as you play well for your club; Shawal has been doing well in the S.League, so this call-up is a reward for his good performances.”

Shawal, 25, wants to use these two games as opportunities to prove himself.

"I will continue to work hard to show coach what I can do, and what I can bring to the team," he said. "I can’t wait to train, and hopefully play, with players like Shahril Ishak and Khairul Amri.”

The squad will begin centralised training on Sunday (Oct 2) ahead of next Friday’s Causeway Challenge against Malaysia, before departing for Hong Kong on Oct 8. Tickets for the Causeway Challenge are available from www.sportshubtix.com.

SINGAPORE NATIONAL TEAM
Goalkeepers: Hassan Sunny, Izwan Mahbud, Syazwan Buhari; Defenders: Daniel Bennett, Baihakki Khaizan, Irfan Fandi, Juma'at Jantan, Madhu Mohana, Afiq Yunos, Faritz Hameed, Hafiz Abu Sujad, Shakir Hamzah, Mustafic Fahrudin; Midfielders: M Anumanthan, Hariss Harun, Shahril Ishak, Faris Ramli, Izzidin Shafiq, Safuwan Baharudin, Shawal Anuar, Yasir Hanapi, Gabriel Quak; Forwards: Sahil Suhaimi, Iqbal Hamid Hussain, Khairul Amri.