SINGAPORE INVITATION XI 3 SEA INVITATION XI 3.
CROWD: 12,000
The New Paper, Mar 2, 1998
By S Gulam
Fandi Ahmad, David Lee and Malek Awab bidding farewell.COMMENT
THE best of Singapore, the cream of South-east Asia, two of the region's fastest-rising coaches, three of Singapore's favourite footballing sons bidding goodbye.
A perfect match. But where were you fans?
The National Stadium can hold 60,000 fans. The Football Association of Singapore expected at least 30,000 for the testimonial match.
At half-time, it looked as if there were about 15,000 to 20,000 fans. But when the counting was over the official figure read: 12,000.
The three beneficiaries were not too disappointed with the turnout. Great said Fandi Ahmad. Excellent said Malek Awab and David Lee.
But terrible, I say.
Why?
It was an occasion to honour three of our best. Three who had given us moments of joy as well as sorrow, glory as well as misery, goals as well as saves over two decades.
If anything, the fans should have come for at least one man -- Fandi.
He's special. He will always remain special. Not just for his football. But as a role model for all sportsmen.
Yes, Fandi has become a millionaire. So have Malek and David. And some would argue that they should be thankful to football and the fans rather than vice-versa.
But should we begrudge their millions? Should we ignore the many moments we had shared with from Kallang to Kuching?
It was the first time FAS organised a testimonial for its former players. It has often been accused of forgetting its national footballers once they hung up their boots.
MEANING
So much so, that some had even found a new meaning for FAS -- Forget After Service.
In organising last night's match, the FAS was eager to put this to rest and show that it had a heart, after all.
It even switched the game from Saturday to Sunday to accommodate fans' wishes to watch the English Premiership match between Chelsea and Manchester United.
Would more fans have turned up if the trio had promised to donate all the money to charity instead of just part of it? I don't think so.
The ticket charges were reasonable: $10 for grandstand, $6 for gallery and $2 for schoolchildren.
Yet only 12,000 turned up. Does this mean only 12,000 want to remember Fandi, Malek and David?
What a shame!
Copyright © 1998 Singapore Press Holdings. All Rights Reserved.
