The New Paper, Mar 3, 1998
The Kallang heroes: (from left) Malek, Fandi and David on the final lap of honourThree of Singapore's best players this decade bade their final goodbye to the national team at a specially arranged testimonial last Sunday. Our writers, who were there, share their views...
JEFFREY LOW SAYS:
SO it's farewell, Kallang ... and now we await with uncertainty whether more of such gifts will fall from the sky.
Like others who went before them, Singapore's latest retired legends will be almost impossible to replace or replicate.
What's more, their entry into the annals was heralded in a never-before event -- the first-ever official testimonial game.
In football terms, it's a late, late show. And yes, it's better late than never.
But what about those who came before Fandi, David and Malek?
Do the young know about them? Do they know that some were even better footballers than last Sunday's retiring trio.
The only way to make amends for not holding testimonials since 1921, when the seeds of stardom were sown with the Malaya Cup (now Malaysia Cup), is to create a Hall of Fame. Over to you, FAS.
S GULAM SAYS:
AS David Lee made a save, as Fandi Ahmad scored, as Malek Awab ran and ran, I wondered: Could they make a comeback?
In David's case, the reflexes may be slower, but there is no one in Singapore to match him.
Though he called it a day two years ago, I still consider him the best in Singapore -- even today.
As for Fandi, he can walk back into the national team if he wants tomorrow. There WAS no one, there IS no one, and there WILL be no one -- like him.
And Malek? Few can match his commitment and work-rate. But, unfortunately, he's now 38 -- an age where most, if not all, footballers are considered grand old men.
So should the trio return to the international scene?
No. A big NO, in fact.
Because if they return, the FAS' commitment to development of new talent will have no meaning.
But as I made my way out of the National Stadium last Sunday, I mumbled to myself: "I'll remember Fandi, David and Malek for a long, long time."
But then will it soon be a case of goodbye footballers, hello coaches?
ERNEST LUIS SAYS:
FANDI Ahmad, Malek Awab and David Lee left an indelible impression on me last Sunday.
For Fandi, 35, likes the highs.
Like when he was on the Harley Davidson bike during the lap of honour and when he received his 1979 Schools Colours award.
Or when he said: "I felt the power, man, when the fans started coming in..."
That's how I'll remember him always -- Mr Young at Heart.
As for Malek, I'll never forget his constant smile and those famous "thumbs up" signs. Malek said his happiest moment was just to be able to play at the Stadium.
That's why I'll remember him as Mr Simple Guy.
David couldn't stop talking about how many memories it brought back for him. That's my Mr Sentimental.
Mr Young at Heart, Mr Simple Guy and Mr Sentimental. So ordinary, yet so extraordinary.
GERARD WONG SAYS:
SOMEHOW I wished I never went to Sunday's testimonial.
In 90 minutes, all my memories of Fandi, Malek and David -- gathered since I started watching the Malaysia Cup as a nine-year-old in 1980 -- were hit by reality.
Sure, I went wild when Fandi scored. But that soon soured when I saw him resting with the two huge ice packs on his right thigh.
Yes, I marvelled when David made those saves. But then I started wondering if he could have saved two of the three goals a few years back.
I screamed each time Malek broke down the left. But it became increasingly painful watching him struggle to keep up.
But the biggest slap came when my three childhood heroes walked up to receive their plaques. I looked around and came face to face with reality -- the current state of Singapore soccer.
And I wondered: "Will a nine-year-old boy at the National Stadium tonight have three similar heroes to cheer for in another testimonial some 20 years' time?"
I looked up again and saw our football officials smiling. And I found myself wishing I had stayed at home.
Copyright © 1998 Singapore Press Holdings. All Rights Reserved.
