Rashid, Abderahim Retire
Two former youth internationals would hang up their boots today, with Grilled Birds'
Rashid bin Ahmad and Farmer Bunnies'
Abderahim Bentellis both also immediately inducted into their respective clubs' Hall of Fame, with Bentellis as the Buns' inaugural member.
Rashid, just turned 44 years old, had spent nearly twenty years with the Birds, though he had not appeared in an official match since his replacement of
Yuta Nakakita in a third round Singapore Cup match last season. Though an excellent defensive specialist, his most incredible feat must be not ever having been booked even once, in his 131 total appearances for the club.
With just one start after having turned 35, Rashid's departure can hardly be said to be disruptive to the first team, though trainees may be disappointed to see him around less. "It's no secret that Rashid has been helping out with the reserves and at the academy a lot, in his spare time." assistant coach Abdul bin Jantan said. "I don't know if it'll lead to anything permanent, though."
While Rashid's retirement had been a long time in coming, the same couldn't be said for Farmer Bunnies' Algerian striker
Abderahim Bentellis. Bentellis made it clear that he thought he still had something to contribute, but the broken ankle he suffered against Normal Team in October has put paid to those plans. His doctors' first, second and third opinions were identical: he could walk fine, but any sudden movement at all could ruin his ankle for good.
It was a somber realization for Bentellis, who was very forthcoming in admitting that football was all he knew. "I'm frankly at a loss now." he said. "I'm honoured that the club have seen fit to raise me to the Hall, but I'd appreciate it even more if they came up with a job."