5 SPL players receive first call-ups to Singapore national football team

Five Singapore Premier League players have been called up to the Singapore national team for the first time. 

The five players are Tampines Rovers trio Amirul Haikal, Joel Chew and Irfan Najeeb, Balestier Khalsa’s Daniel Goh and Lion City Sailor’s Lionel Tan.

Head coach Takayuki Nigaya explained that the players were selected to provide them a platform to understand and adapt to international football.

“The players who I have named in this squad have played well so far domestically in the SPL for their clubs, but it is important for them to have a taste of international football and understand exactly what the level of intensity is required. The younger players also need this exposure, so they know what is required,” he said.

A total of 10 changes from the last squad were made by the Japanese tactician. Lions captain Hariss Harun is a notable absentee as he has been excused to sit for an examination. 

Geylang International midfielder Huzaifah Aziz, who last featured in a Singapore jersey in June 2019, has been given a recall.

Both Ikhsan and Ilhan Fandi continue to miss out as they recover from their knee injuries, while Safuwan Baharudin has not been given the medical clearance to play international football. 

The 22-man squad will take on Hong Kong and Macau in two international ‘A’ friendly matches on Mar 23 and 26 respectively. 

The team will depart for Hong Kong on Mar 20.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Hassan Sunny (Albirex Niigata), Syazwan Buhari (Tampines Rovers), Zaiful Nizam (Hougang United) 

Defenders: Amirul Adli (Geylang International), Amirul Haikal (Lion City Sailors), Anumanthan M (Lion City Sailors), Irfan Fandi (BG Pathum United), Irfan Najeeb (Tampines Rovers), Ryhan Stewart (Chaingmai FC), Lionel Tan (Lion City Sailors)

Midfielders: Joel Chew (Tampines Rovers), Hafiz Nor (Lion City Sailors), Hami Syahin (Lion City Sailors), Ho Wai Loon (Balestier Khalsa), Huzaifah Aziz (Geylang International), Glenn Kweh (Tampines Rovers), Joshua Pereira (Geylang International), Zulfahmi Arifin (Hougang United) 

Forwards: Daniel Goh (Balestier Khalsa), Sahil Suhaimi (Hougang United), Taufik Suparno (Tampines Rovers)