For the youngsters to ponder upon...my story..
When I was in primary school..I was not selected as part of the school team. I couldn't kick properly and was not part of the popular boys in school. Though I could have gone to the Milo Soccer School at Farrer Park on Sundays, I was told by my parents to leave Sundays for religious class.
When I was in secondary school, there was a time when I was not allowed to play with the other boys cos I was not good enough. Nobody wanted me on their team. At that time, I was invited by a few friends to join a void deck soccer team called United Soccerites.
In a few years, I developed into a better player. I was in the first eleven of the United Soccerites void deck team. At the same time, my father brought me to Geylang International U-16 team. I met many good players there...the training was rigourous..I was part of the team..but I never was in the first eleven. In fact, I cant recall playing in a competitive match, only friendlies. Nevertheless, I accepted the fact that the other players were definitely better than me. The squad comprised of national youth players from Jin Tai and Boys Town. Due to playing with them, in Sec. 4, I was selected into the school team and was always in the first eleven.
I did well for my O levels. I gave the same determination for my studies as I had for my football. I went to Ngee Ann Polytechnic to pusue an engineering diploma. I was recruited for my department team. We had to buy our own jerseys. We won the championship 3 years in a row. But again, I was just a fringe player. In my final year, I was made the captain of the team. Though we did not win anything that year, I was proud to be captain. Again, I was not accepted into the Inter-Varsity team. Nevertheless, I never gave up. At that same period, I was training with the Milo U-18 team at Mountbatten. Most of the players were national youth players. Again, I was just part of the reserves. Yet, I never complained.
When I was serving my national service, I was recruited to play for my camp,Jalan Bahar Camp. We had the best players in the force at that time. Again,I was not in the first eleven, but I was recognised as part of the team. Here I learn that a team is not the eleven players, but all the players registered for the tournament. I did enjoy my time there..and enjoyed my football there...
After I ROD, I trained with Admiralty FC. It was a good team. Ex national and national youth squad players were there. Wak Ansari was the coach. I was hoping to be playing for them, but when it comes to football, family ties does not apply. I was greatly disappointed about this...but I never gave up.
I trained with them..knowing that I would never play for them...I trained just because I wanted to improve myself as a footballer. It was here that I gained football intelligence, learning about the tactical side of football. My skills improved, so as my understanding of the game. I never made it into Admiralty FC.
A few years later, I met an old acquaintance who was with United Soccerites. He said he had already registered the team as Mandai United Sports Club. He told me to be an official of the team.
Years passed and here I am being President of the club. Here,I can play whenever I want, in which ever position I choose and what ever jersey number I like. Yet, I do not do that...because i learn to accept that the team must come first. That's why the coach decides who plays.
The point I am trying to make is this...it takes years for me to finally be in the first eleven. It takes hard work and long training hours. If you want to be in the first eleven, then work hard and give your best during training. Always keep learning and finally you would be there.
Remember, the disciplined players will always improve, and the ill-disciplined ones will always self-destruct themselves. Such is the law of the universe. Be patient..Be humble and keep learning...Be part of the team...Keep your emotions in check...and one day you will reach your goal.
