Walk On, Warwick Knights

Local and foreign tourists bustling through Haji Lane on Sunday afternoon were struck by the sight of a group of strapping young men sauntering down the street. Clad in either black or bright red jerseys, and led by a confident chap in bright yellow, the Warwick Knights signings were paraded for all to see.

Warwick Knights in high spirits ahead of the 2019 season.

This season, the Warwick Knights will compete at the top level of amateur football in Singapore for the first time, having won promotion as runners-up behind Singapore Khalsa Association.

Despite having released a number of their playing and backroom staff from last season, the Knights have retained the services of key players. Among them, "confident chap" goalkeeper Asyraf Asyraf (pictured above in yellow), S.League stalwart Anaz Hadee (above, centre in red), and former international Hafiz Osman.

We asked Hafiz why he chose to join the NFL side last season. "I was happy to join them; I missed football," he admitted. "I wanted to help take Warwick Knights to the first division, and now that we're here, to show that we're here to stay (at the top level). This was a challenge I could not resist."

Hafiz Osman's experience will continue to give the team a boost.

Hafiz' Next Chapter
Best known as a centre-back, Hafiz has notched a handful of goals over the years, including a consolation for Warriors FC against Japanese giants Kashima Antlers in the 2009 AFC Champions League.

But Hafiz is keen to add another chapter to his story. "I am working on my coaching certs," he told the Podcast. With his years of professional experience, Hafiz confided he hopes to "be a role model to younger players, to inspire and guide them," adding that "I can help to prepare them for what is coming, both on and off the pitch."

Hafiz' time with the Knights has re-opened his eyes to the obstacles at amateur level.

"We try to train twice a week, if we can get the venue. However, it's rare for us to be able to book full-sized pitches, so we often have to train on 7-a-side pitches," noted Hafiz.

He remained hopeful, however, that with more support and a higher profile for the National Football League, Singapore's football scene could become more vibrant.

"There are young players with talent in Singapore, unlike what most people think," he emphasized, "but sometimes it's hard for them to get match time. I want to make sure they have a team to fit in, a place to develop."

"We can produce more talent," Hafiz asserted.

Pre-season Preparation
After the formalities at Haji Lane had concluded, Warwick Knights demolished Admiralty FC 5-1 in a friendly match at One Tampines Hub on Sunday evening.

They travel to Malacca this weekend for a triangular with newly-promoted Malacca Division Two side Jebat FC and G-TEN FC Shah Alam of Selangor ahead of the National Football League season.

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Yeo Kheng Hui
Writer
The SG Football Podcast