Winger Nazrul Ahmad Nazari was in the thick of the action, forcing goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud into making a number of fine saves.
Veteran fullback Juma’at Jantan showed he still has what it takes, galloping down the flank, making lung-bursting sprints on the overlap each time his side are in possession of the ball.
And Irfan Fandi, in his first training session with the Lions, showed a coolness in front of goal beyond his 18 years, drilling several fine finishes into the corner of the goal.
Yesterday at the Geylang Field, each member of the national training squad was out to impress Singapore coach Bernd Stange, and convince him that they deserve to be a part of the squad that will take on Afghanistan in the final Group E Asian Cup second-round qualifier in Teheran at the end of the month.
The workout was the first one under the national team “training day” initiative, which sees every Monday being set aside for time to work with their coaches.
Previously, the Lions would get together only ahead of matches or major competitions.
Stange called up 25 players from various Great Eastern-Yeo’s S.League clubs for yesterday’s session.
screengrabs, Irfan Fandi, The New Paper, The Straits Times, Berita Harian
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Overseas-based players like Hassan Sunny (Army United, Thailand), Hariss Harun (Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia), Safuwan Baharudin (PDRM, Malaysia) and Baihakki Khaizan and Shahril Ishak (Johor Darul Ta’zim II) were absent, but will report for centralised training once the final squad are announced.
Stange, who first mooted the training idea for the national team in mid-2014, told The New Paper: “This is extremely important. With the support of clubs and club chairmen, I am happy to have these sessions in very professional facilities.
“It will not be every week because (S.League clubs) Tampines and Balestier have AFC Cup commitments (in midweek).
“But it will help us, because I am able to create competition for our players.”
If called up to the squad, Home United striker Irfan – the eldest son of local football legend Fandi Ahmad – could make his international debut against Afghanistan or in a friendly against Myanmar the week before.
The teenager, who stands at 1.88m, told TNP: “Training with the senior national team is something new for me, and the intensity is very high.
“But I’m still young. I’m taking it as a learning experience and I know if I work hard, I can get used to it.
“Coach is looking for players who are ready to fight to earn a place in the squad.
“If I do get one, I’ll be very happy.”
One player who was delighted to be back in the fold is Home defender Juma’at, who last played for Singapore in a 3-1 defeat by Oman in Muscat in March 2014.
It was the only time he has been called up by Stange, who has been national coach since May 2013.
Juma’at, who celebrated his 32nd birthday last week, said: “It feels good to be back and see all the familiar faces.
“To be honest, I was shocked when coach Bernd came to Bishan Stadium and told me about (the call-up).
“He said that he was impressed that even at my age, I am able to make overlapping runs throughout the game.
“Hopefully, if I make the squad, I can still contribute to the team if I am called upon in games.”
This article was first published on March 1, 2016.
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