By Suresh Nair
INTERNATIONAL exposure is a key aspect of player development, says Singapore coach Richard Tardy, ahead of the inaugural Nations Cup 2016, to be hosted in Malacca, this June 3-5 weekend.
Playing against contemporaries from Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam will be the perfect barometer to judge the regional competitive levels of the ‘Cubs’ (nickname for Singapore junior squad).
Frenchman Tardy, who was appointed Head of Youth Development in July last year, said: “International exposure is a key aspect of player development. The Nations Cup is an important platform for the players to gain experience on the international stage and hone our preparations leading up to the SEA Games in 2017.
“We have assembled a squad of young and talented players – with an average age of 19.5 – who are looking forward to this opportunity to play against their counterparts from South-east Asia.”
PASSION
The 65-year-old former Morocco technical director is committed to creating an unparalleled environment for young players that will help instill a life-long passion and connection to the game.
In the longer-term, towards grassroots development, he believes in providing a truly unique experience and building an inspirational model that includes access to the finest coaches and role models, age-specific curriculum, programming, competition, opportunities and facilities, which are all critical parts of the system.
Since his arrival 10 months ago, Tardy has charted new territory for the younger generation, pitting them to play in the Prime League, which is the lower echelon of the professional S-League.
These Under 17 and Under 19 developmental squads, playing in the Prime League, will provide talented young players, with longer-term professional aspirations, a unique opportunity to pursue their dreams, while staying close to home and continuing their education.
The squad will be captained by Young Lions midfielder Ammirul Emmran, while 2010 Youth Olympic Games star Adam Swandi has also been called up.
NO FANDI SONS
The famous celebrity Fandi Ahmad brothers, Irfan and Ikhsan, will not don Singapore jerseys at the Nations Cup, in Malacca .
Sons of the legendary striker Fandi Ahmad, 18-year-old Irfan, and his younger brother, Ikhsan, a year younger, were earlier ear-marked to play. But their discharge of basic military training under compulsory National Service duties appears to be a big hindrance.
The Nations Cup tournament will take place on June 3 and 5 June 2016 at Malacca’s Hang Jebat Stadium. Singapore faces host Malaysia and Thailand locks horns with Vietnam in the opening matches. The winners will meet in the Cup final on June 5 2016.
Singapore Under-21 squad:
Goalkeepers: Ahmad Fadly (Tampines Rovers), Hairul Syirhan (Geylang International), Zharfan Rohaizad (Young Lions)
Defenders: Brandon Koh (Geylang International), Dhukilan (Geylang International), Faizal Roslan (Young Lions), Rusyaidi Salime (Young Lions), Amirul Adli (Young Lions), Shahrin Saberin (Home United), Taufiq Muqminin (Young Lions)
Midfielders: Ammirul Emmran (Young Lions), Joshua Pereira (Young Lions), Amir Zailani (Home United), Hafiz Sulaiman (Warriors FC), Hami Syahin (Young Lions), Muhaimin Suhaimi (Young Lions), Zulfadhmi Suzliman (Young Lions), Gareth Low (Young Lions), Muhelmy Suhaimi (Young Lions)
Strikers: Adam Swandi (Young Lions), Shafeeq Faruk (Young Lions), Amiruldin Asraf (Home United), Hazim Faiz (Young Lions)
