The Candyman

1. I knew I wanted to be a footballer when...

I was 10 when I started playing football, but I also tried other sports like basketball, volleyball and hockey. Eventually I found that I did best in football.

When I was 16, my gym teacher encouraged me to try basketball, but I wasn't good enough for the school team. He persuaded the football coach to give me a chance.

The football coach was reluctant to take me on because of my lack of discipline. But he gave me a chance and saw some potential.

2. A turning point in my life was...

In September 2009, my cousin - Anthony Bahadur - was then playing for Sengkang-Punggol (Hougang United's former name). He invited me to visit him here and helped pay for my airfare.

My cousin asked coach Aide Iskandar and I was able to train with them for three months.

I was given my first professional contract by Hougang United in 2010.

My first year was very tough - I was temperamental and hot-headed.

Coach Aide made me become more disciplined and taught me how to control my temper on the pitch.

3. My secret "vice" is...

I eat a lot of candy. I'm a candy lover. My favourite is Mentos. I can eat three sticks of Mentos in a day. I prefer the fruit-flavoured ones.

I also like Nerds and Gummi Bears.

When I'm not on the pitch, I'm hanging out with my friends, playing PlayStation 3 or watching movies. I have to play the PlayStation every day. I can't go a single day without my video games.

4. My celebrity crush is...

Hayden Panettiere. I think she acts well. I don't have an ideal woman. I like all women (laughs). She must be intelligent, fair-skinned, darkhaired, fit and quiet - and beautiful in all senses of the word.

My idea of food heaven and hell is...

My mother's cooking is my favourite. She does oxtail with rice and peas, which I like very much. I'm also fine with spicy food. My parents are from Jamaica and the cuisine there is hot. Over here, I like eating chicken cutlet. I won't eat tulang (mutton bone with marrow). I'd rather eat grass.

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