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Uphold the proud tradition, Baihakki tells Lions

The change from the squad that won the Suzuki Cup two years ago may be drastic, but defensive stalwart Baihakki Khaizan sees it as a blessing in disguise.

The change from the squad that won the Suzuki Cup two years ago may be drastic, but defensive stalwart Baihakki Khaizan sees it as a blessing in disguise.

Unlike 2012, the Lions can no longer call on striker Aleksandar Duric, midfield tough man Fahrudin Mustafic, defender Daniel Bennett, as well as China-born Shi Jiayi and Qiu Li, who were the five naturalised Singaporeans who played their part in Singapore’s triumph.

“We have to accept the transition. Players come and players go,” said Baihakki. “Whoever comes into the squad, especially the new ones, must be driven to do well. They know they must continue to uphold Singapore’s proud tradition in the AFF Championship, which we have won four times.”

For 31-year-old Baihakki, who owns three winners’ medals (2004, 2007 and 2012), fan support will be vital for Singapore to successfully defend their title. “I still remember the 2007 edition, where we played Vietnam in the semi-final at the old National Stadium. It was packed to capacity. The attendance was 55,000 that evening,” he recalled.

“I wish the same scenario can be replayed at the new National Stadium — it has been a long time since we saw that kind of crowd.”

TODAY understands that about 30,000 tickets have been sold for tomorrow’s opener against Thailand, with late sales expected to raise the attendance. This will be good news for Baihakki and his team-mates, especially against the Thais, who are seen as favourites to lift the title this time.

Baihakki wants his team-mates to be lion-hearted when they step out onto the National Stadium on Sunday. “Maybe, watching the video replays of Singapore’s skippers lifting the trophy in the past will remind us of the glory days of Singapore football in the championship and will spur us on,” he said. DAN GUEN CHIN

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