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The Lion s will play host to Myanmar and Chinese Taipei this week
After more than 5 months away since their last game at the National Stadium, the Lions will make their long awaited return to the home of Singapore football.
Having spent the last international windows with club friendlies, familiarisation stint and a training camp in Japan, Singapore will take on Myanmar (14 Nov) and Chinese Taipei (18 Nov) as Tsutomu Ogura’s side ramps up their preparations for the upcoming ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup.
The 26-man squad reported to the Kallang Football Hub today (11 Nov) for the first day of training, with all eyes on Kygoa Nakamura, who only just recently received his Singaporean citizenship.
Day One, One Day
Donning a new, eye-catching purple highlight on his hairdo, it was all smiles for the Japanese-born midfielder as he proceeded with his media duties for the day.
For Kyoga, his naturalisation journey has been a long time coming, having lived in the Lion city for the past 5 years – thereby fulfilling FIFA’s five-year residency rule. The main hurdle, however, was getting his PR before he could even have a shot at his dream of being granted citizenship.
A process, which has been understood to be expedited by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) alongside the relevant authorities.
Speaking to Grandstand, Kyoga recounted his excitement when he first got wind of the news from the authorities regarding his citizenship application.
“When I got the passport, I’m really happy and excited… I called my wife, daughter and they said congratulations. And at dinner time, my wife made me a special dinner – a hamburger steak..it was a big celebration!” he shared.
Hopefully this would not be the only thing he is feasting on this week as Singapore play for the first time since their 3-1 defeat to Thailand on 11 June during the World Cup Qualifiers. The Lions take on Myanmar (#168) and Chinese Taipei (#165) – both nations are lower ranked than #162 hosts.
Singapore Red
For the occasion, Kyoga had also deliberately dyed an uncanny red to his hair as he looked forward to earning his first cap for his new country.
“I want to show (Singapore) that I’m here. Everyone knows Kyoga Nakamura is here.”
The Tampines Rovers playmaker revealed that he had originally intended to change his dye to a more “Singaporean” colour, though it has turned out as a shade of purple instead. But with how things have turned out, he is confident that the colour will turn out right soon when he dons the home kit.
Looking colourful
Another player who has had better luck with his hair colour was Ryhan Stewart.
Things have been looking rosy for the 24-year old since he made his move to Albirex Niigata in September, with the White Swans collecting 12 out of a maximum of 15 points, as the Jurong East side made their march towards the top of the Singapore Premier League (SPL).
“It’s been a pleasant surprise how things have gone and how well things have gone so far. Everybody in Albirex welcomed me really well and all the teammates, coaches, staff too.”
Unlike Kyoga, Ryhan doesn’t have an origin story to his new blonde look as he just simply “needed a change”. But what doesn’t change for him is his extra desire to win.
“My goal is always every game I get into, I want to win.. And I think as a team, we all want to do that as well.. my personal goal is just to help the team win and do everything I can to help”.
New blood
With 15 caps to his name already, the right-back hopes more of his batchmates could soon follow suit.
Jordan Emaviwe, Abdul Rasaq Akeem and goal-keeper Rudy Khairullah are the players left in the current squad, who are waiting to earn their first cap. Meanwhile, there has been recalls for 7 players – Safuwan Baharudin, Irfan Najeeb, Joel Chew, Nazrul Nazari, Lionel Tan, Christopher van Huizen and Shawal Anuar.
All three Fandi brothers miss out this time as it is understood that overseas players who have not yet confirmed their release for the ASEAN ME Cup were not called up for this window.
Kickoff is at 8PM for both friendly games. Free broadcast will also be available on Mediacorp meWATCH.
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