Class of 1977 still on song

Receiving a pass with a defender breathing down his neck, V. Khanisen controlled the football with an assured first touch, spun deftly and left his marker in his wake.

Except this was not a highlight from Singapore's victorious 1977 Malaysia Cup campaign, which the midfielder played in.

The action took place yesterday at the Padang, at a charity match which also served as the launch for team-mate Quah Kim Song's book.

The game may have been played at a slower pace but, like Khanisen's pirouette, the skills of the Class of 77 were still intact as Singapore's football heroes from yesteryear served up a retro spectacle.

They beat a sponsors selection side 2-0, with goals from striker Leong Kok Fann and Soh Chin Aun, the former Malaysia defender who starred in the same era.

In their heyday, 55,000-strong crowds at the National Stadium were a regular sight as the players thrilled with their signature skills. And that is the key difference between the Lions then and now.

Asked about the shortage of flair players today, Quah, 62, famed for his speed and diving headers, said: "Every time we stepped on the pitch, we tried to entertain the fans. We aimed to play well, and do something extra that was (better than) normal. I don't really see all that these days.

"Of course, you have to entertain and win. If you lose, then no one will come and watch.

"But it takes a lot of hard work and passion."

Khanisen, a Singapore Airlines pilot who played despite landing in the morning from Germany, said getting the basics right was key for him.

The 58-year-old said: "Back then, football was all about skills. We were helped by Uncle Choo (ex-Singapore coach Seng Quee) who drilled the basics into us.

"Once you get that right, your touch never leaves you."

The state of S-League football also drew some harsh words from the golden oldies who slammed the competition's proposed ruling to limit the number of players aged above 30 at each club, but which has since been scrapped.

Said former Lions captain Samad Allapitchay, 64: "It's absolutely rubbish. Look at Cristiano Ronaldo, he turns 30 next month but he is at his peak. Many players enjoy fantastic years in their early 30s.

"Even though the ruling has been dropped, some players are left with no clubs now. You must think before you do something like that. "It's their bread and butter."

Added Khanisen: "I thought the S-League was a bit too quick to make that decision. As long as players are fit enough, they should be able to play.

"They could have been a bit more consultative."

The ex-nationals, however, were sympathetic to the national team's disastrous outing at the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup in November, when the Lions' title defence ended in the group stage on home soil.

Said Samad: "Give them more time. I've seen them train, they are working hard and I think they have the potential to do well."

Khanisen agreed. He said: "Yes, they did poorly at the AFF Cup. But let's give local football some time. It takes years to develop the game."

President Tony Tan Keng Yam and his wife were the guests of honour at yesterday's charity match.

A total of $100,000 was raised, all of which was donated to the Children's Cancer Foundation.

siangyee@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on Jan 25, 2015.
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