The Rebel Returns
Grilled welcomed back one of their most prolific alumni today, as 36 year-old Che "Guevara" Harun bin Sabtu was signed back from Tampines Phoenix F.C. for S$154000. That sum, however, is but a drop in the ocean compared to what Che Harun has fetched in the past, as he has made moves between German club sides priced at S$12 million and S$9 million, comprising the bulk of a career total now rated at over S$32.4 million.
His time in Germany came after developmental seasons in Italy and Serbia, and while he was not particularly heralded as a youth, his clear passion for the game, together with bouts of tactical obstinacy, soon earned him a reputation - and the obvious nickname. He would come back to Singapore on a S$5 million transfer at twenty-six, settling with cup semifinalists St. Xavier's FC for seven seasons, in the process garnering two Golden Boots in Division Three.
Che Harun then began his Tampines Phoenix F.C. career with a bang, bagging a hat-trick on his debut against White Elephants in the Cup, but never quite threatened the heights he had attained at his peak. However, there was still no lack of sides wanting the 183-goal forward, with Georgian Division Four side SKYLINE_1 coming very close to attracting him away for one last fling.
bluestar7 (Iranian Division Six), Massamá City F.C. (Portuguese Division Six) and Oper (Italian Division Eight) were also mentioned as possible destinations, but Che Harun candidly revealed that he was always looking to stay in Singapore if possible, for family reasons.
"Che brings a full career's worth of experience back to the club, and is an inspiration to trainees at the academy." new head coach
Djan Bacelar praised, as he announced his first signing. "He can expect to play a few games on his season contract, but we are really looking at adding him to the permanent coaching staff afterwards."
Bacelar added that Che Harun would exchange his No. 20 from his time with the Phoenixes, to Grilled's storied Number Nine. "There was no more fitting jersey."
