SINGAPORE, 23 AUGUST 2018: He has played in the Sultan of Selangor’s (SOS) Cup as part of both the Singapore Selection and Singapore Veterans’ teams, but Fandi Ahmad still looks forward to the annual friendly clash every time it comes around.

 

The 56-year-old was part of the Selection squad that took part in the very first edition of the SOS Cup in 2001, before becoming part of the Veterans’ teams that were involved in the later editions.

 

Currently the Head Coach of the National Team, Fandi will be part of a 21-man Veterans’ side heading to Shah Alam Stadium to play in the 2018 edition on Saturday, 25 August.

 

Having turned out for Singapore during their period of involvement in the Malaysian league and Malaysia Cup, the SOS Cup brings back the memories for Fandi.

 

“It’s a nostalgic moment for us because it rekindles the history from when we were playing in Malaysia,” he told the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) website.

 

“There’s always been a rivalry between us and Selangor… The atmosphere, it is fantastic. When you arrive, you can see a full house every time and we are bringing many fans, so it’s important for us to show off our skills!”

 

Other names in the Veterans team include the likes of Rezal Hassan, Shahri Rahim and Nazri Nasir, who were all in that 2001 Selection team, along with familiar names such as Aide Iskandar, Zulkarnaen Zainal, Malek Awab, Rafi Ali and Steven Tan.

 

Fandi promised that while the bodies may not be as willing as in the past, the band of former Lions will give their all.

 

“We have to work harder to be fit, but we will give our best and entertain,” he said. “Hopefully we can do something this year!”

 

The Veterans last beat their Selangor counterparts in 2013, with last year’s match at the National Stadium in Singapore ending with a draw.

 

Former Singapore internationals Samad Allapitchay, Ho Kwang Hock and Roy Krishnan are part of the backroom staff for the Veterans, while Malaysian legends Dato Soh Chin Aun, Dollah Salleh and Zainal Abidin Hassan will take to the pitch for the hosts.

 

The Veterans will play at 8pm, after the Singapore-Selangor Schools Challenge Cup at 5.30pm, before the main event – Selangor Selection versus Singapore Selection – kicks off at 9pm.