Nazri’s sons to be Singapore football’s twin towers of terror
All fathers want their sons to excel. Nazri Nasir, former captain of Singapore’s national football team, is no different.
The 42-year-old, now coach of the local National Football Academy (NFA) Under-15s, hopes to see his sons Adam and Amer Hakeem pull on the red-and-white of Singapore some day.
“It will be a dream come true,” said Nazri, who has amassed over 100 caps for Singapore. “Both playing as centre backs, Adam on the left and Amer on the right.”
The dream is not too far off. With 1.92m-tall Adam, 16, turning out for the NFA U-16s and Amer assuming vice-captaincy for his father’s side, it seems only a matter of time before they receive call-ups to the full senior squad.
And Nazri told Yahoo! Singapore on Thursday evening that he will do whatever it takes to support the cause, including sending them to play in Europe. But he has one condition – that they prioritise their academic pursuits as well.
“If there’s any chance they can get a scholarship to play and study in Europe, or even the States…,” he mused. “I’m waiting for that moment.”
Vow to win
Speaking before a U-15 training session at the Singapore Sports School, Amer, 14, made no secret of his desire to impress the mostly European opposition he will face at the 25th Lion City Cup, which kicks off tomorrow.
“I hope I can do well during the Cup,” said Amer, who stands at 1.8 metres. “And that the other teams recognize my performances.”
He admitted, however, to feeling “quite nervous” about the U-15s’ first match against the youth team of top Brazilian outfit SC Corinthians.
While Nazri agreed on the quality of their South American opposition, he was quick to express faith in his young charges.
“It won’t be easy. Corinthians have very skillful players. I expect a very, very tough game,” said the coach. “But it’s about going out there and showing that we can play good football too.”
“We won’t sit back and let Corinthians come at us. We will go forward and attack,” promised Nazri.
The U-15s are good for a run to the semi-finals, according to both father and younger son. Nazri also made it clear that their winless performance in 2012 would not be repeated.
“Last year was the team’s first time playing together in a tournament,” he asserted. “But now they’re well prepared. They know exactly what to expect.”
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The 25th Canon Lion City Cup takes place from 8 June to 16 June at Jalan Besar Stadium. Tickets are on sale now at all AXS machines island-wide, the Ticketbooth website, as well as at all Ticketbooth outlets. Tickets start from $7 for youths and senior citizens and $20 for Grandstand.
Also catch all the matches live on StarHub SuperSports Arena Ch 112/201 and on TV Anywhere.
