Replies to Media ● Feb 18, 2016
FAS’ Reply To Media Query Regarding New Young Lions Player
“Since before pre-season started, our technical department has been trying to find a quality goalkeeper, midfielder and a striker to help guide the Garena Young Lions, who is the youngest local side in S.League history. While we are pleased to secure Khairul Amri and Firdaus Kasman, we were still on the lookout for a goalkeeper and another striker to help lead the team on and off-the-field.”
“We have full confidence in our existing young goalkeepers, but as their only previous competitive experience was in the Prime League and the COE Leagues, it would be more ideal for their development to learn from, and to compete, with someone more experienced for a starting spot. While our attacking players and midfielders are guided by Khairul Amri and Firdaus Kasman, we do not have the same luxury for the goalkeeping position, which is a position where mistakes are more glaring than other positions. Therefore, we are bringing in former FC Tours goalkeeper Benjamin Bertrand, who is 24 this year and has played for the senior team in the French Ligue 2, to offer experience and stability in defence. He can also help guide our young goalkeepers during training.”
“One of the main objectives of this team is to prepare our young players for the 2017 SEA Games. Therefore, we will also continue to look at ways to give our goalkeepers playing opportunities, including international friendly matches, which we will announce in due course.”
– Richard Tardy
Head Coach, National Youth Teams
Football Association of Singapore
