Just as America’s the dream for aspiring actors, England’s the place to go for football fans and players alike.
After all, it’s the venue where the biggest stars have plied their trade at. Save for a select few like Messi, Neuer and more, but let’s not talk about the teeny weeny little details, shall we?
However, no Singaporean footballer has ever played in an English league, save for England-born Daniel Bennett (who played for Wrexham in the English third and fourth tier in the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons respectively).
Kinda sad, huh? I’m sure many Singaporeans would have been happy if a fellow Countryman had stepped onto the pitch of Old Trafford.
But what do you know? A Singapore son might just be the first. Two, in fact.
And to top it all off, they are the sons of a Singapore footballing icon.
The Irfans
Meet Irfan Fandi, 20 and his 18-year-old brother Ikhsan, 18.
If you find their last name familiar, but can’t quite point a finger to it, let me help you out:
They are the sons of the Singaporean footballing icon, Fandi Ahmad.
Looking good there, champ!
Right, back to the topic at hand.
Despite keen interest from S-League and regional football clubs, Irfan and Ikhsan have decided to go for Europe next year, after completion of national service in February.
In fact, according to Straits Times, they could attend trials with Leeds United as early as March.
Lest you’re unaware, Leeds are currently sitting in 7th place in the Championship, the second tier of English football. They have been title-winners of the English top flight thrice (1969, 1974 and 1992).
Irfan, who has 11 caps and an international goal to his name, has told The Straits Times: “I feel confident about showing what I’m capable of as a defender, which I feel I have made a smooth conversion to from a forward.
“I didn’t feel and look out of place in the AFC Cup games and international matches I’ve played in this year, and it’s a form of recognition when a top Thai team like Bangkok Glass are interested to sign me.
“But my dream is to play in Europe, and while I think I can match the European players, I’m not going to sit back and I will be working hard to improve my strength before we go.”
One of the strictest work permit rules in Europe
There’s a reason why Singaporean footballers find it hard to break into the England market.
And it’s not because of ability.
According to former Fifa intermediary and ex-Singapore international R. Sasikumar, there are strict regulations in place.
“In the beginning, it will be almost impossible for our players like Irfan to sign for English clubs, and it is not because of the lack of ability.
“Players who want to play in England have to come from the top 50 national teams in the Fifa rankings, and even then they have to play a certain percentage of international games.
“And that’s just one of many criteria. Those who don’t satisfy these will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.”
Incidentally, Singapore’s world ranking is at 170 now.
But it’s not impossible
“If English clubs see value in a player, they can still place him in a feeder team in Belgium or Scandinavia and if he proves himself there, they have a better case to apply for a work permit in England,” Sasi explained.
Oman goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi was one such exemplar. He passed the trial at Bolton Wanderers, but had to play for Norway’s Lyn Oslo to attain a work permit before qualifying for the English Premier League.
So yeah, it is more than possible, though admittedly it does take up more time than ideally necessary.
Making it abroad
The boys’ father, who spent two full years with Eredivisie side FC Groningen, is well aware of the challenges, and is already exploring different options to help his sons succeed abroad.
“It will be tough because of the rulings, but we could still let the boys go for trials at Leeds.
“England has the strictest work permit rules, so if that doesn’t work out, we may explore possibilities in other European leagues, like those in Scandinavia, with help from our contacts.
“I have also gotten in touch with my former Groningen team-mate Ron Jans, who is the technical director there now, so Holland is also a possibility.
“Both Irfan and Ikhsan already have offers from clubs in the region but we want to be fair to these teams and let them know they are trying to make it in Europe and could leave for trials any time from March to May.
“So, one plan is to sign them with the Young Lions so it would be easier for them to try out in Europe.”
Well Fandi, I see you have everything mapped out. But then I would expect nothing less by a Singapore legend who was voted the most popular player and the most skilful player in his maiden season by FC Groningen fans.
So Irfan and Ikhsan, do us proud alright?
Go on and make it in Europe, and show the rest of the world what Singapore really is.
Fighting!
Since you’re here, why not watch a video about an NTU student who went all out to impress his crush, only to end up in…tragedy? Here, watch it and do remember to share it (and also subscribe to Goody Feed YouTube channel)!
This article was first published on goodyfeed.com
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Featured image: Straits Times
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