Our Juve Boy

This week, we sit down with Syafiq. A midfield dynamo, Syafiq is a player hard to be labelled because he plays with great tenacity and grace at the same time- akin to a Guttuso and Kaka, or perhaps a Sissoko and Diego, combined. He floats like a butterfly yet works like a bee, displaying such elegance with the ball under his feet to deliver the potent torque for the team. He will surely be a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses. Wait for it!


Name: Syafiq Ab Rahman
Age: 21
Height: 183
Weight: 75kg
Position: Midfield
Preferred foot: Right




Hi, Syafiq. What have you been up to lately?

Been working at a warehouse as a coolie in Upper Paya Lebar. It’s a back breaking job but need the cash to sustain my weekend fix of footie.



What did you eat just now?

Oh, I had black pepper chicken with rice at Simei’s Banquet with Syazana after a hard day at the warehouse. Haha



Nice. Man of the match for 2 consecutive games! What do you have to say about it?

I am flattered to say the least. But I thought they are other deserving winners as well. Notable performances like jufri’s countless goals, law’s famous penetrative play (football, guys) and many others deserve a shout out. Having said that,I personally believe that I have to start providing the forwards with better supply. So that, they have the opportunities to score and shine. I’m trying, guys!



How do you describe your style of play?

I aim to disrupt our opponents’ play. I enjoy putting my legs and body in to block their passes or shots. Nicking the ball off their feet is pretty satisfying too! Also, using my height advantage to get to the headers. I am more confident playing short passes to my team mates. That’s why I am thankful that this team has quality and can complement my style of play well.



Are you excited about the prospect of working with Mahdi?

Yeah of course! Played with him at Temasek Sec, and he owned every single one of us at the futsal courts. Heard he went on to represent MJC soccer, so I believe we could use another promising attacker. I did my bit as the Transfer Guru to bring him in, so I hope he will go on to be an integral part of the team.



How about the other midfielders? Which centre-mid are you most comfortable playing with?

Everyone has their different qualities. Ws and Mok are excellent distributors of the ball, which is my downfall. And Lq is a great hustler in the middle of the park, covers my missed tackles.



We all know that you are/were a Juventus fan. How do you feel about Juve’s downhill spiral?

It is tragic. And hello, what with the “are/were”?!? I am still a fan despite their sad season. Remember i stuck by them throughout their highly unjustified drop to Serie B. But I am hopeful. They will bounce back, but the old players have to make way for the younger ones for that to happen. Forza La Vecchia Signora! And YSOSRS!





-Xabi Ws