Asparagus Take Syamsul
Geylang second division club Asparagus contracted for reigning Farmer Bunnies Young Player of the Season Syamsul Bahri Hamiz Izzaq, paying the Buns S$320000 and change for the 17 year-old goalkeeper. A steady pair of gloves with a remarkable command of his area at youth level, Syamsul did not want for offers, which came from Somos nosotros (Argentina Division Six), blackout boyz (German Division Eight), Real Norf (German Division Six) and REAL UYUNI (Bolivian club in H.I. Division Six).
Syamsul was for his part not unhappy to stay on in Singapore. "They're actually closer to my home." he confessed. "Also, with their senior custodian Stephan Biedenweg having just left, I was advised that there would be opportunity to step right into action."
It won't be easy sailing, though, as he will have to compete with fellow youngster Syamsuzaman Rafiq Aqil, formerly of St. Xavier's FC and back here after a short stint in Austria. Perhaps more problematic is Asparagus' current dismal form, with them having lost all but one of their matches thus far in II.3, resulting in player-coach UR Rao - and by extension, the entire squad - coming under heavy fire from their supporter base.
Syamsul professed himself ready to take up the challenge. "They didn't try to sugarcoat it, they're not in the best of shape at the moment. But on the flip side, it means that I should get plenty of practice."
