Singapore’s men’s national football team were greeted by close to 200 fans who gave them a rockstar reception as they touched down at Changi Airport on Wednesday (Nov 19), a day after their triumphant 2-1 win over Hong Kong sealed qualification for the AFC Asian Cup on merit for the first time in the Republic’s history.
Addressing the media during a doorstop, FAS president Forrest Li congratulated the team for their achievements, adding that they would receive around S$2 million for their toils.
“If you are a good footballer, you make contributions to the country and you bring pride and joy back to Singaporeans, then you deserve it, and you should be rewarded,” said Li.
Captain Hariss Harun was the first player to greet the adoring fans, obliging to photos and signatures with the crowd repaying the favour with a “Happy Birthday” song for the 35-year-old.
“It’s about time we gave back something. Everyone stepped up to do their part, and it was a wonderful story to get us to the Asian Cup,” Hariss said of their monumental feat that will see Singapore return to the continental showpiece after a 41-year absence.
Interim head coach Gavin Lee gave little away to reporters regarding a possible permanent appointment, but backed the boys to go far as long as everyone was “pulling towards the same direction”.
“We have to make certain sacrifices. We needed to behave in a certain way,” Lee added, heaping praise especially on the more experienced, “wiser” players like Hariss, Safuwan and Izwan.
The Lions will play their final qualifying group match on March 31, hosting Bangladesh at the National Stadium. They will then turn their attention to the ASEAN Championship, which has been shifted from its traditional year-end window to a new July 24–Aug 26 slot.
