Abdul Hamid Reunited
The Grilled clubs welcomed several youngsters today, beginning with Grilled International's recruitment of wing revelation
Abdul Hamid bin Hj Naasiruddeen, for just under S$1.2 million. This brings him back to the same team as former Torre Calcio youth teammate
Vincent Nordin bin Hj Irwan, about a week before his eighteenth birthday.
"It will be a pleasure to train and play with Hamid once more." Vincent grinned.
As with Vincent, Abdul Hamid would be placed on the transfer list once off the Torre Calcio production line, and was picked up by Guinea III.3 outfit GUINEA CARDINALS for a nominal fee. After a losing effort in the Guinea Consolation Cup, he would play in nine friendlies with the reserves, the only victory of which would be a 3-0 against BHUTAN SAINTS F.C; this included a sending-off versus Qatari visitors Purple Island FC, if due to handball for preventing a likely goal.
Despite this unprepossessing record, Abdul Hamid retained his fair share of admirers, chief amongst them Italian VI.826 club Libera Freccia, whose young head coach Barnaba Sireus had been only too eager to take him to the Cerchio. Amsterdam-based Dutch sixth divisioners VV SIZO FC and ambitious German Division Seven side FC The Rising Star had been their main competitors, but a swift return to Brunei ticked all the boxes for the lad himself.
"My parents were never fully reassured about my safety overseas." Abdul Hamid explained. "This is a load off my chest."
Abdul Hamid was joined at the signing ceremony by 18 year-old Busy Bees goalkeeper
Yapto Suma, who may yet be leaving Burung if a suitable offer comes in. If not, Suma is pencilled in to take over from current third-choice custodian
Rosmin bin Hj Khamis in due time, with the 37 year-old supposedly on his final contract extension.
Over at The Cooking Pot, Grilled Birds inducted Chicken Wings defender
Zaini Zainuddin Junaidi a day after his graduation from the academy, with the 17 year-old happy to be called up as a utility player with the main squad. An unexpected hat-trick at Germany's blacksad young guns put him on the radar of a few scouts at least, and Wings chief scout Tham Beng Li was of the opinion that he had much room for improvement yet.
"I don't think he ever reached anywhere near his full potential in the academy." Tham remarked. "Not many get the chance to continue with the Birds, and he should appreciate what has been offered!"
