Tampines teen trio lighting up League Cup

In the absence of seven key first-team players due to national team duty, Tampines head coach Akbar Nawas has used the Singapore League Cup to blood several of the Stags’ Prime League youngsters. TODAY’s Amanpreet Singh (amanpreet [at] mediacorp.com.sg) speaks to three promising young guns who will be called upon again in tonight’s semi-final against Albirex Niigata at Jurong East Stadium.

SAIFULLAH AKBAR, 17

Most people may find playing for their fathers rather weird but, for Saifullah Akbar, it is something he has to deal with every day.

Saifullah, son of Stags head coach Akbar Nawas, has played every single minute of Tampines’ League Cup campaign so far and scored in their 6-4 win against Hougang United. “The experience with the first team has been amazing,” the 17-year-old attacking midfielder told TODAY. “I am delighted to be given a chance in the League Cup where I can get more playing time. At this stage of my career, I can’t ask for more.”

On the pressure of playing for his dad, Saifullah added: “To be honest I don’t feel the pressure or dwell too much on what people say (about my father being my coach). Because at the end of the day, I am being picked on performances and coach — yes, that’s what I call him! — has stressed that to me as well.”

This is not the first time father and son have worked together. A few years ago, Akbar also coached Saifullah at the National Football Academy (NFA).

“I was coaching Saifullah in the NFA a few years ago so I know how to deal with it,” said Akbar with a laugh.

“During training I put on the coach hat, but after training I put on the father hat, and it works well for us.”

ARIYAN MALIK, 19

Before the start of the season, Ariyan Malik was left devastated when he narrowly failed the mandatory 2.4km fitness test. However, constant encouragement from coach Akbar and Prime League coach Herman Zailani helped him overcome the hurdle.

“It was heartbreaking to have failed my 2.4km run by just a few seconds but my coaches did not allow my negativity to consume me,” said the 19-year-old left-sided winger. “I pushed myself in training, it was tough but it paid off and I made the squad.”

His coaches’ faith has paid off. Ariyan flourished in the League Cup this season, notching a goal and an assist in Tampines’ 3-0 win against Warriors. And the young winger credits his performances to experienced team-mates Jordan Webb and Billy Mehmet.

“Jordan and Billy always tell me to just to play my own game and not be scared,” he said. “They encourage me a lot and promise to have my back all the time.

“It means a lot to get this opportunity and I will remain humble and just keep working hard.”

GAUTAM SELVAMANY, 20

Back in 2014, he was left fearing the worst for his fledgling career after breaking his leg while playing for Singapore Polytechnic. His horrific injury saw him out of action for close to seven months.

He missed the entire 2015 Prime League season and was left without a club.

But looking at Gautam Selvamany’s displays in the League cup this season, it was as if he has never been away. The midfielder may not have scored or assisted in his two appearances so far, but he has impressed with his confidence and dazzling skills on the ball.

“During rehabilitation I was worried about my career,” said the 20-year-old. “But not once did I think of giving up and I simply started from scratch once I joined Tampines this year.

“Coach Akbar and coach Herman have always encouraged me to be myself on the pitch and play with freedom, which has helped me a lot. The opportunity to play at the senior level is one that I am really relishing.”