Though smaller than their opponents, they were determined not to go down without a fight.
On Sunday, the PPIS boys, representing the Singapore Muslim Women's Association (an organisation that helps needy women and their children), took on Singapore's footballing greats, including Lim Tong Hai, Malek Awab and Yahya Madon.
The young footballers did themselves proud in a special match at the Berita Harian National Futsal Championships held over the weekend at the Home United Youth Football Academy.
Working as a unit, the boys, all under 14 years old, pressed their adversaries each time they got the ball and tugged, pulled, scratched and tackled as they tried to win it back.
LionsXII coach Fandi Ahmad, adored by so many of the boys on the pitch, found himself the main target as the youngsters tirelessly chased him whenever he had the ball.
The PPIS boys emerged victorious at the final whistle after 24 minutes, beating the former Lions 4-3.
Chief corporate officer of PPIS Mohamad Faiz said later that the match with the former national footballers was a meaningful experience for the boys.
This article was first published on June 2, 2015.
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