Safuwan’s decision to play in Malaysia’s lower league raises eyebrows

SINGAPORE — Just two years ago, Safuwan Baharudin was plying his trade in Australia’s A.League, enjoying a successful three-month loan stint with Melbourne City, the sister club of English side Manchester City.

Two seasons later, the Lions utility man is still playing abroad, but finds himself in a far less glamorous environment — the second-tier Malaysian Premier League (MPL), to be exact.

The Singapore international announced on Monday (Jan 9) that he is staying on with PDRM FA, who were relegated from the Malaysia Super League (MSL) at the end of last season.

The versatile 25-year-old — who can play across defence, in midfield and upfront — is still contracted to the Football Association of Singapore after MSL club side LionsXII were dissolved in 2014. He joined PDRM, the Malaysian police team, on loan last year. 

“I remain with the police for the 2017 season!” said Safuwan, who could not be reached for comment, in an Instagram post on Monday.

His decision to play in the Malaysian lower league, however, has raised some eyebrows, especially after he revealed last month that he had “a few offers from different clubs” home and abroad.

“Playing there will probably set him back in terms of development,” Hougang United head coach Philippe Aw told TODAY. “It’d be good if he could come back to the S.League. But, if not, I think he should play in a higher-level league, (like) in Thailand.”

Former Singapore international John Wilkinson agrees. “The MSL gives players from Singapore something else because the clubs play in (front of) big, big crowds and in high-intensity games,” said the television pundit. “Unless they are getting paid ridiculous sums of money to play in the lower-tier MPL, it doesn’t make any sense. He’s not going to become a better player when he returns for national team duty.” 

However, veteran regional football commentator Dez Corkhill believes the responsibility of being a senior figure in a PDRM side that lost a few key players after relegation could benefit Safuwan.

“While a place in the MSL or the Thai Premier League (PLT) would have been preferable, I can see Safuwan improving at PDRM in what is a competitive league,” he told TODAY, citing MPL teams such as Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) II, Terengganu FA and Sabah FA from the 12-team league. “I can understand why, apart from money factors, he is tempted to stay in Malaysia.”

S.League fan Stanley Wong said that, with the S.League shrouded in uncertainty over funding and sustainability, it is also understandable why Safuwan is reluctant to return home. 

“If PDRM are prepared to meet his (financial) demands, then it’s his choice,” he told TODAY. 

The 1.83m-tall Safuwan, who has six goals in 66 caps for Singapore, started his career with the Young Lions in 2009 before establishing himself as the breakout star with the LionsXII from 2012 to 2015 and earning a three-month stint with Melbourne City. He impressed with his work rate and tenacity in the A.League, scoring twice in six appearances for City and quickly became a fan favourite.

Safuwan’s move comes a few days after fellow Singapore international Hafiz Abu Sujad accepted a contract offer from Thai second-tier side Big Bang Chula United. The other Singaporean plying his trade in Malaysia is national team vice-captain Hariss Harun, who plays for MSL champions Johor Darul Ta’zim.

Lions stalwarts Baihakki Khaizan and Shahril Ishak were released by second-tier Johor Darul Ta’zim II at the end of last season.

Wilkinson, who played in Thailand in 2011, admits the situation is cause for concern. “I think it would be better for Hafiz Sujad to stay with Tampines,” said the English-born midfielder. “No one can tell me the Thai second division is at a higher level (than the S.League) and he is going to learn anything that he will not learn in Singapore. Look at Shahril ... I can’t help feeling that the Malaysian second tier has taken the edge off him.”

But Corkhill presented a different view, observing that the S.League players are exposed to less pressured environments and those who go abroad “even in the second level” will be challenged. 

“Hafiz will have to cope with expectations as a foreigner who must deliver,” he said. “He has to learn a new language, live and get around in Bangkok, which is a big task for anybody. He also has to win over a sceptical audience who will question the value of a Singaporean import. Even if he fails, he will benefit from the experience.”