Local footballers ready to fight for spots in Singapore Premier League
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Veteran midfielder Shahdan Sulaiman has signed a one-year contract with Geylang International.
ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
- Shahdan Sulaiman joined Geylang International after an 11th-hour frenzy, but faces uncertain playing time due to SPL's increased foreign player quota.
- Local players are ready to compete despite the rule change; some believe the increased competition will improve standards.
- Some players, like Daniel Goh, are concerned about premature retirements among locals due to limited opportunities and prioritising foreigners.
AI generated
SINGAPORE – It has been a frantic few weeks for Shahdan Sulaiman, as the veteran midfielder scrambled to find a new employer for the upcoming Singapore Premier League (SPL) season after his contract expired at Hougang United.
The 37-year-old penned a one-year deal with Geylang International on Aug 13, though he will not be guaranteed minutes as local players will have only four confirmed spots in the starting XI.
“The deadline was getting close, so it might have been my last chance to be able to play for this coming season,” said Shahdan.
“I would say that I have one or two more good seasons in me, but after what happened, I would... hopefully get some good performances and be rewarded by the end of the season.”
A rule change introduced by the Football Association of Singapore will allow clubs to field up to seven foreigners per match – one more than last season.
Local players are readying for the increased tussle for spots.
Shahdan said: “I have always been fighting for spots, no matter what the rules are, we have (had) a few different rules and changes over the past few seasons and it doesn’t change anything for me.
“At the end of the day, it’s what you put in training and what the coach feels is best for the team.
“As a player, it has always been merit based. If you want a spot, you fight for it, if you feel you are lacking, then you have to work harder than the rest to get that spot. That’s how you improve.”
BG Tampines Rovers captain Syazwan Buhari, who will have to contend for his custodian spot against new loanee Nalawich Inthacharoen from Thai club BG Pathum United, believes that the competition for places among the locals will “improve the standards of football in Singapore”.
“Definitely the competition is tougher in a way and, if there’s improvement, then the locals will definitely improve too,” said the 32-year-old.
When asked about his place in the team and whether he has a definite spot, the goalkeeper added: “I spoke to the team before the start of the season. Whoever is performing well in training, whatever is best for the team, then that should be the way forward.
“It can’t be because I’m the captain or I’m the most senior player… If a younger and better ’keeper comes in and can do better for the team, he should start and then I have to fight to make sure that I reach his level.”
Balestier Khalsa’s Daniel Goh says that some local players who cannot earn a starting place are considering leaving the sport.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
Balestier Khalsa forward Daniel Goh, 26, agreed that the league would be more competitive but noted that some players who were left without a club have chosen to quit football.
He said: “The clubs, they pay the foreigners quite well, so they won’t be putting them on the bench... the locals have to fight among themselves, but they will work harder.
“A lot of the locals still have so much potential, but then they retire because of this rule. I want to play well again this year but for the league, I just don’t want to see more of my seniors or colleagues retire from football at such a young age.”
Some players who were left without a club at the end of last season include Gabriel Quak, 34, while Shahrin Saberin, 30, Hazzuwan Halim, 31, and Ho Wai Loon, 32, are among those who have retired.
SPL coaches agreed that local players could get less playing time, but stressed there is no obligation for clubs to field them.
Geylang coach Noor Ali said: “You must strategise properly in terms of how you want them to go in your team. It’s going to be a bit harder for the local boys.
“The obligation to help and make Singapore football better in the region is very important. But we must look at how we need that instant or short success in the league first, because we need the league to be competitive.”
Tanjong Pagar coach Noh Alam Shah added: “Unfortunately for the local players, they will have limited time... When you want to represent the country, it has to be based on merit, not just because there’s nobody else to play.”
When asked how this would affect bringing in young blood for the national team, Syazwan said: “Right now, it doesn’t matter how old you are. If you’re good enough, you play and you manage to catch the attention of the national coach, then you should be called up.
“As much as you want younger players to come in and play in the SPL, if you look at the perspective of the coach, they want to win every game. That’s why they have SPL2 (new reserve league), so younger players can play there.”
