Singapore's mercurial playmaker shares footballing hopes of a nation on Rated RR Podcast ahead of 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup
Image via AFF Suzuki Cup
25 November 2021, Singapore - Singapore forward Faris Ramli, 2019 Singapore Premier League Player of the Year, believes that the Singapore national football team is on track in their preparations ahead of the AFF Suzuki Cup, in spite of recent criticism on the men's football team after their recent 7-1 slump at the hands of Morocco A in the team's overseas training camp.
"We went out there with specific objectives against the bigger teams for this training camp, and we have many positives to takeaway, " said the Lion City Sailors frontman.
Speaking as a guest on the Rated RR Podcast hosted by Singapore football pundits Zia-ul Raushan and Rhysh Roshan Rai, Faris discussed preparations ahead of the much anticipated AFF Suzuki Cup, which will kick off on 5 December for the Singapore Lions at the National Stadium.
It would be the first time an international football match featuring Singapore's national team is held at the Singapore Sports Hub since 15 October 2019, when Ikhsan Fandi scored in a 1-3 defeat to Uzbekistan in a World Cup Qualifier.
Image via Football Association of Singapore
Missing Captain Hariss
When asked of the importance of team captain Hariss Harun to Singapore's football hopes at the upcoming ASEAN football tournament, Faris admitted that Hariss' qualities have been missed on the pitch, but gave an honest assessment that Singapore cannot be relying on just one or two players to do the job in that role.
"He (Hariss) is the backbone of the Singapore team. He is back and getting fit for the tournament, and he is training as per normal. I can see he is really trying to push himself," shared Faris.
"We've definitely missed him, he can really bring something for the team, but not having him gave some other players an opportunity."
"And I can really see that they were stepping up. Anything can happen in the tournament, and we can't expect to only have one player or two players in that position," added Faris.
Singapore's Young Talents
On the younger players in the squad, many of whom are receiving their first call-ups, Faris believes they have the talent to go far, but desire and hunger to represent the national team could still be missing at times.
"I can see so much potential in the younger ones right now. It's just that we need to have the experienced players guide them along," said the 30 year-old.
Image via Football Association of Singapore
"The younger ones have the potential to be right up there, but you need to have heart and desire to represent your country as well, which isn't always there yet."
"We need to have the desire whenever we put on the jersey with the national flag. If they have that desire in them, I feel they can do so much more for the country."