The Professionals: Eking out a career in sports

Football: Hariss Harun on being a disciple of discipline

What does it mean to be a professional athlete in Singapore? The Straits Times takes a hard look at the lives of some of the country's sportsmen and women who earn a living doing what they love in this weekly series. | 'Boring' Lions and JDT captain hungry for more success, hopes to inspire young ones

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Follow national footballer Hariss Harun to find out what it takes to play for Malaysia Super League champions Johor Darul Takzim as he gives us an insight into the life of a professional footballer.
Hariss Harun has built a reputation as a solid, unflashy footballer who is willing to make sacrifices to progress.
Hariss Harun has built a reputation as a solid, unflashy footballer who is willing to make sacrifices to progress. PHOTO: JOHOR SOUTHERN TIGERS /FACEBOOK, ST FILE
HARISS HARUN, Singapore skipper, on living a simple life as a professional. PHOTO: JOHOR SOUTHERN TIGERS /FACEBOOK, ST FILE
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A few years ago, Hariss Harun is convinced to join a post-match drinks session at a club. He's reluctant but he attends out of courtesy and curiosity. But all he does that evening is sip from a glass of cola quietly and complain that it's a waste of time.

A former teammate tells this story and later, Hariss, a teetotaller being a Muslim, confirms it.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 14, 2019, with the headline Football: Hariss Harun on being a disciple of discipline . Subscribe