Gan Willing
Farmer Bunnies head coach
Vishnu Tallapaka got the reinforcement that he wanted just before the league kicked off, as he scored 31 year-old striker
Gan Ruogui from Romanian IV.56 side LC Rangers. The S$4.57 million deal came after a sustained bidding war against Gan's Grenada II.3 admirers Woody Whirlwinds, recent winners of their national Sapphire Challenger Cup. Four other clubs were also in the running, including Mooses of Tenkodogo (Burkina Faso Premier League), Loco Leg Lock (Norwegian Division Three), Keşlə Baki (Azerbaijani Division Two) and Nea Artaki FC (Greek Division Three).
The relatively high profile of the interested clubs spoke leagues about Gan's reputation, which had been bolstered by four hat-tricks in his two seasons at the Rangers. Before that, he had picked up a Golden Boot in the Spanish Division Five with Veiga de Forcas, this coming after short stays with current Serbian Super Liga side FK Torlak Kumodraž, and Germany's SV Frisia Loga. Before that, he had spent close to five developmental years in Italy with H.A.L participants Turrins FC, coming after his youth stint in Barcelona with P.B Sant Just.
For the native Madrileño, however, what he really wants is some silverware, as his career enters its prime. "I've never felt more dangerous than I am now." he declared at his signing ceremony, as he displayed his new Number Ten jersey. "Farmer Bunnies have an excellent defence, from what I have heard, so the rest is up to me."
While Gan's brashness has apparently rubbed some at the club the wrong way, Tallapaka could not quite fault his new star for it. "For a forward, especially one who will be asked to play alone, a certain amount of confidence is only to be expected. Gan has the ability to back up his words, and that is all I ask for."
Grilled International's pursuit of Hairi bin Kitang of Brunei III.3 favourites La grande bellezza did not come off as well, however, with the teenager opting for Argentine Division Three club Sueco IFK instead. "We made out best offer." International boss
Sazwan bin Hj Muhd Salleh said. "And it wasn't enough. We do hope that Hairi does well nonetheless."
It was also the official sponsor reveal day for the Grilled clubs, with them having teased plain jerseys for the cup openers. Grilled Birds showed off a new patron in RNA Random Numbers Accounting, with the Buns introducing Yeti Lets and Grilled International boasting Match Engines on their shirts.
"They gave a very competitive package." Birds assistant financial director Mason Choong made clear. "We do remain open for proposals as to secondary partnerships, by the way!"
