Tatsuma names Lions squad for September

22 locally-based players have been called up for training, which will start on 31 August

Shahdan Sulaiman and Shawal Anuar at a National Team training session, 23 March 2021

SINGAPORE, 27 AUGUST 2021 – The Singapore Men’s National Team will gather for a series of training sessions during the upcoming FIFA international window.

Coach Tatsuma Yoshida today named a squad of 22* players for the period from 31 August to 3 September, which comprises only local-based players from the Singapore Premier League (SPL). There are maiden call-ups for Lion City Sailors FC midfielder Song Uiyoung and Hougang United FC midfielder Afiq Noor. Geylang International FC forward Amy Recha has been rewarded for his fine league form this season, having last been called up in July 2016. There are also recalls for Young Lions defender Jacob Mahler and Tanjong Pagar United FC defender Faritz Hameed, who last featured for the Lions in November 2018 and June 2019 respectively.

Tatsuma said: “Song has indicated his desire to play for Singapore in the past and now that he has received his citizenship, this is an opportunity for him to show his ability. I have observed his displays since I became National Team Coach and I believe that his potential and ability means that he deserves his chance. I have expectations about him, just as I do with every player that is called up, in terms of being disciplined and hardworking. Additionally, Song’s toughness and fighting spirit will be a welcome addition in midfield and he has shown the qualities required to be a Lion.”

Tatsuma added: “Amy has shown fantastic and impressive performances in the SPL this season with Geylang International, for whom he is the top scorer and enjoying his best-ever goalscoring campaign. His form has been consistent and made him a natural choice for a call-up. Amy will be able to play a few different positions and is a very good option for us in attack.

“For Jacob, he has put in solid displays for the Young Lions on a consistent basis this season and has also shown good leadership qualities. Nur Adam is another young player who has showcased his ability through his tenacious performances for the Sailors and is a talent I want to take a closer look at.

“Faritz will boost our defensive capabilities at centre-back and with the experience that he has, his presence and leadership will be a welcome addition in the squad. Afiq has performed well for Hougang this season and he brings power and ball-winning ability to the midfield; this call-up is a good time to observe him further.”

While there will be no international fixtures to play during this window, Tatsuma is looking forward to having quality training sessions with the team.

“We will remind the players of our playing concepts and make the best of this window by training hard and competitively,” he said. “This will also be an opportunity for us, in a way, start afresh after our FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ qualifying campaign in June, as we prepare for future challenges. I want to see who has the hunger to play for the National Team and who is deserving of their place.”

*UPDATE: Zharfan Rohaizad was called up on 31 August 2021 to join the squad.

Singapore Men’s National Team Squad for September 2021

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE

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