On certain days, three bright-eyed boys watch from the sidelines, eager to learn from the big men.

The trio may one day make it.

They have natural athleticism in their blood, adrenaline in their veins, and nothing but football in their heads.

They are Fandi's sons - Irfan, 11, Ikhsan, nine, and Ilhan, six.

They hope that one day, they could follow the footsteps of their dad.

It was Hari Raya Haji, and the family was in a joyous mood when The New Paper visited them at their home in the residential district of Lebak Bulus Indah.

Fandi, 46, was beaming like a proud father when he said: 'All my kids are like me. All are very athletic.'

No one is wondering why.

Already, the signs are looking good. They train at least thrice a week, either with their school Sekolah Tiara Bangsa, Arsenal's football school in Indonesia, or with dad.

They compete in leagues and tournaments, often pitting their wits and power against bigger European boys from other international schools.

Eldest son Irfan is a feisty striker who once scored seven goals in a competitive game with his peers.

He impressed scouts during recent football camps and stints at AC Milan and Valencia.

Said Fandi: 'He's an aggressive player.

'His team just won the Jakarta International Youth Tournament and he was selected for the All-Stars team.

'Irfan can also play as a goalkeeper.

'At this age, you've got to let them play in any position they want.'

Ikhsan possesses as much potential, if not more.

Just nine, he has a record of scoring 13 goals in one game.

Fandi described him as a 'more complete player' and a 'natural'.

Like Irfan, he also impressed coaches in Europe earlier this year.

He recently scored eight goals in seven matches in an Under-10 tournament in Milan, finishing as the competition's second-top scorer.

It's never too young to learn, and already, Fandi is talking about Irfan needing to pack more aggression into his game.

He said of the young striker: 'He's very shy and quiet, but stylish. He plays like a handsome boy.

'His character is very different from his elder brother. He has good technique and finishing.

'I remember there was a cup final which he played in, when he kept shooting from the half-way line.

'I told him to go past one player first before shooting.

'Straight away, he did that and scored from 30 metres.'

Fandi reckons both Irfan and Ikhsan have a headstart compared to him.

Prospects

His Groningen career during the mid-80s was wrought with difficulties, mostly stemming from culture shock.

He said: 'Now they know what playing in Europe is all about.

'If not, they will get a shock if they go suddenly.'

But the Fandi prospects do not end here, as mum Wendy Jacobs was quick to point out.

'You've got to watch out for Ilhan,' said the 34-year-old former model, looking stunning as ever.

Indeed, Ilhan is the only kindergarten boy to play for his school's Under-9 team.

But the striker is already too good for his peers, resulting in envious parents complaining that a six-year-old boy should not be allowed to play in the Under-9 team.

Once, Ilhan scored so many goals that he lost count, and had to ask the spectators exactly how many.

Fandi said, while mimicking a body feint: 'You ask him to do a Ronaldinho, and he will do it for you.

'Only thing is, I don't know why he is so small.

'He often gets whacked by the bigger boys on the field.

'Sometimes, he cries but he picks himself up and carries on playing.'

Does Fandi hope that they become professional footballers one day?

The sparkle in his eyes says it all.

He said: 'They have to dream for themselves.

'They have the talent. Whether or not they turn professional in future, whether they will have the desire and stamina to pursue their dreams, it's all up to them.

'I for sure would love to see them play professional football one day.'

This story was first published in The New Paper on Dec 26, 2008.