As Safuwan Baharudin focuses on Bangladesh mission, uncertainty looms over his club future
As Safuwan Baharudin focuses on Bangladesh mission, uncertainty looms over his club future
SINGAPORE – At 33, Safuwan Baharudin remains one of the first names in the Lions' starting line-up. But while his importance to the national set-up is as strong as ever, uncertainty surrounds his club future.
Although he still has a year left on his contract with Malaysia Super League runners-up Selangor FC, the centre-back has been told he is no longer part of their plans for next season.
The ambiguity surrounding his career has taken a personal toll, said Safuwan, who racked up 71 appearances with the Red Giants across two stints and even donned the captain's armband.
'The sad truth is that coach (Katsuhito Kinoshi) does not want to include me in his plans so I've got to go,' said Safuwan. 'I'm disheartened, and not sure about what lies ahead for me. I've got nothing on the table now.
'It has been a tough few weeks for me. I deactivated my social media, I was quite disheartened.'
Safuwan Baharudin training with the Lions at the Armed Police Battalion Field in Dhaka on June 8. He is eager to help the Lions to a win over Bangladesh in the Asian Cup qualifier on June 10.
PHOTO: FAS
Safuwan, who was part of the Lions' 2012 Asean Championship-winning side, did not rule out a move back home to play in the Singapore Premier League, adding that while he has yet to receive any offers, he is certain that he can still contribute at the top level.
He is hoping to have a 'clearer picture' after the crucial Asian Cup third-round Group C qualifier against Bangladesh in Dhaka on June 10.
'I'm just trying to go to a place where I feel that I can end my last few playing years at the highest level that I can possibly be at. I feel that I'm still at my peak,' said Safuwan.
Lions coach Tsutomu Ogura praised Safuwan's contributions to the Lions, adding that the defender, who has 123 caps, has brought plenty of experience to the team.
The Japanese tactician said: 'He has the fighting spirit and also the ability to still perform at the highest level.'
For now, Safuwan will need to put aside his consternation over his club career as a crucial 90 minutes in Dhaka beckons.
World No. 161 Singapore kicked off their Asian Cup third-round qualifying campaign with a 0-0 home draw against Hong Kong on March 25, while Bangladesh's visit to India also ended goal-less. Only the group winners will advance to the tournament proper in 2027.
Singapore warmed up for the Bangladesh fixture with a 3-1 win over the Maldives in a friendly at the Bishan Stadium on June 5.
Safuwan, who played the whole game, conceded a late penalty after he was adjudged to have tripped substitute Hassan Nazeem in the box.
Maldives scored from the spot to deny the Lions a clean sheet.
While it was a victory, Ogura is hoping to see an improved performance. The Lions' defence was particularly vulnerable when the 164th-ranked Maldivians counter-attacked.
The Japanese said: 'We got three goals but in the second half, we could not control the game. It is important that we can control the game because Bangladesh can be a force going forward and we do not want to be on the end of their counter-attacks.'
While Bangladesh – at 185th – may be the lowest-ranked team in the group, they showed their mettle by holding the group's top-ranked team India (127th) in their opening match in Delhi.
The Bengal Tigers will welcome the Lions at a sold-out, 22,660-capacity National Stadium in Dhaka that is set to be filled with fervent home fans.
The hosts have recently been boosted significantly by the addition of Leicester City's former England Under-21 midfielder Hamza Choudhury, 27, who made his Bangladesh debut in the draw with India after switching allegiance last December.
Hamza Choudhury in action for Sheffield United, where he was on loan for the past season from Leicester, against Sunderland in the Championship Playoff final on May 24.
PHOTO: REUTERS
The match against Singapore could also see Canada-born player Shamit Shome, 27, making his Bangladesh debut alongside Choudhury in central midfield.
Shome, who made two senior appearances for Canada in international friendlies, has been plying his trade in Canada's top flight since 2021, after having played for Major League Soccer club Montreal Impact.
He received Fifa's approval to represent Bangladesh in May.
Bangladesh's squad also includes former Sampdoria Under-18 left-back Fahemedul Islam, who plays for Italian fourth-tier side Olbia. The 18-year-old made his international debut in a 2-0 win over Bhutan on June 4.
Bangladesh coach Javier Cabrera believes that they boast the best midfield in South Asia with Choudhury and Shome and expressed confidence in beating Singapore, while captain Jamal Bhuiyan noted of the need to nullify the Lions' strengths in ball possession, build-up play and set-pieces.
Cabrera added: 'Singapore are a strong side, especially in attack. They are tactically organised and very good in their offensive transitions. But we've prepared well. We believe we've given the team the right information and solutions. We respect Singapore, but we're confident we can get three points.'
Deepanraj Ganesan is a sports journalist at The Straits Times focusing on football, athletics and government sports announcements.
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