The first sale of Grilled Birds' planned clearout went through tonight, with their Hong Kong skipper Ha Qicai finalizing a deal with Polish V.244 club OKS Stomil Olsztyn 1975, for the originally-agreed S$1.5 million. Ha had helped the club to a Division Three title - to match the one he won in Hong Kong with his first side, Newcomer FC - and two Sapphire Challenger Cups.

"Those five years went by in a flash." the 33 year-old said, slightly misty-eyed. "I will treasure the experience - and maybe, come back one day!"

Farmer Bunnies would transfer newly-graduated Rancher Rabbits goalkeeper Eric Hamada to German VII.796 aspirants Hamburg 24 AC in the meantime, with the youngster also having an offer from Italian Division Five leaders Pinot in the pocket. Hamada would accept Hamburg's S$10000 deal eventually, as Honduras boss Baltasar Garzón promised substantial minutes with the impending departure of young Irish custodian James ó Gríofa.

This was a dream development for Eric, who recounted how he had come close to giving up on his footballing ambitions, after being turned down by KickzFC's youth outfit as a sixteen year-old. Long sessions with the Wings' coaches would nuture him into a quite passable goalie, though, and that combined with his natural size and calmness on the ball, had two foreign clubs interested.

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