Safuwan Baharudin

[raw10]

Still on the fence with him.  He does at times look too slow to play as full back, some passes in our defensive zones have nearly sold the team mate short.

 

I thought he was a CB/DM ?

 

His best asset is his versatility.

Precisely. I think we should sign him on for just the next season. If anything, he can add depth to the squad

[Dylan]

Still on the fence with him. He does at times look too slow to play as full back, some passes in our defensive zones have nearly sold the team mate short.

I thought he was a CB/DM ?

His best asset is his versatility.

Precisely. I think we should sign him on for just the next season. If anything, he can add depth to the squad

On twitter some singaporean journos said his best abilities is his reading of a game and his heading. I thibk that was on show last night. I dont think he lost one ariel duel and he seemed to be at right place at the right time alot.

Probably sold 5k shirts in singapore last night after the goal ahah

[Heart_fan]

http://www.straitstimes.com/news/sport/football/story/football-epl-champions-manchester-city-congratulate-safuwan-baharudin-1st-

 

http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Club-news/2015/February/Safuwan-Baharudin

 

CFG obviously realise the commercial benefit of having him here, shown with this story on Manchester City's site and the subsequent pick up by the Singaporean media of the achievement / recognition.

 

One hing though, I never knew we had a player called Iain Moody.... Poor form by Manchester City on that one

[HEARTinator]

http://www.straitstimes.com/news/sport/football/story/football-epl-champions-manchester-city-congratulate-safuwan-baharudin-1st-

 

http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Club-news/2015/February/Safuwan-Baharudin

 

CFG obviously realise the commercial benefit of having him here, shown with this story on Manchester City's site and the subsequent pick up by the Singaporean media of the achievement / recognition.

 

One hing though, I never knew we had a player called Iain Moody.... Poor form by Manchester City on that one

 

CFG couldn't have scripted this any better. The lad has fitted in well and he scores a goal last night and the SIngapore media is over it like a rash.

[carlings]

I like this guy. Seems genuinely happy to be here and appears to be working his arse off to cement a place in the team. His versatility is a massive benefit for the team and nothing boosts the confidence more than a goal. Would be happy to see him sign on another couple years. Can't underestimate the the publicity abroad as well, CFG would be frothing.

[Defibrillator]

I like this guy. Seems genuinely happy to be here and appears to be working his arse off to cement a place in the team. His versatility is a massive benefit for the team and nothing boosts the confidence more than a goal. Would be happy to see him sign on another couple years. Can't underestimate the the publicity abroad as well, CFG would be frothing.

I'm still reserving judgement. I agree his versatility is good but as a full back we haven't seen his potential going forward with creativity and crossing, and as a CB I'm worried he's too light and small (but agree his heading is pretty good). I'd prefer specialists in each position.

The other thing is the club culture. It's ok to bust a gut to get into the team, but it's another to cement a spot and then fall into the trap of mediocrity because there is a reluctance to change the team. We've seen this many times at this club with poor performances not being punished and accountability required. JVS and JA have both been guilty of this. As a result we've been lumped with mediocre players on 2 year contracts.

I'll watch Baharudin for the rest of the season with interest and see how he goes. Hopefully he maintains his form and hunger and is a real find.

[SF33]

I'd sign up Safuwan.

Clearly a good player and versatile too, which is useful.

Not sure about Jaliens though, happy I to admit I was wrong about him but the guy isn't getting any younger.

 

Yep, sign Safuwan up. If we do, he could legitimately be here for 5+ years.

 

Based on what we've seen, I'm a 'yes' to give Jaliens another year. Problem being, if he continues to play well, other teams might offer him more security. Wouldn't say that's a certainty though, regardless of how well he plays, due to his age.

[jw1739]

 

I like this guy. Seems genuinely happy to be here and appears to be working his arse off to cement a place in the team. His versatility is a massive benefit for the team and nothing boosts the confidence more than a goal. Would be happy to see him sign on another couple years. Can't underestimate the the publicity abroad as well, CFG would be frothing.

I'm still reserving judgement. I agree his versatility is good but as a full back we haven't seen his potential going forward with creativity and crossing, and as a CB I'm worried he's too light and small (but agree his heading is pretty good). I'd prefer specialists in each position.

The other thing is the club culture. It's ok to bust a gut to get into the team, but it's another to cement a spot and then fall into the trap of mediocrity because there is a reluctance to change the team. We've seen this many times at this club with poor performances not being punished and accountability required. JVS and JA have both been guilty of this. As a result we've been lumped with mediocre players on 2 year contracts.

I'll watch Baharudin for the rest of the season with interest and see how he goes. Hopefully he maintains his form and hunger and is a real find.

IMO we need a couple of players in the squad who are more versatile than "...specialists in each position." I'd have said that Safuwan has already demonstrated that. I am also impressed with Jaliens; what he perhaps lacks in speed he makes up for in the way he reads the game.

 

They're both visa players, and we have Koren for another year. But if we release Germano, Wielaert and Duff - and IMO we'd be foolish not to - we would still have room for two good visa players even if we signed both Saffy and Jaliens.

 

I agree with you on the mediocrity issue of course. But I see that as primarily something to be addressed via a kick up the backside to the coaching staff, rather than blame the players.

[hakz7]

I'd sign up Safuwan.

Clearly a good player and versatile too, which is useful.

Not sure about Jaliens though, happy I to admit I was wrong about him but the guy isn't getting any younger.

Yep, sign Safuwan up. If we do, he could legitimately be here for 5+ years.

Based on what we've seen, I'm a 'yes' to give Jaliens another year. Problem being, if he continues to play well, other teams might offer him more security. Wouldn't say that's a certainty though, regardless of how well he plays, due to his age.Big no to Jaliens. 36 and taking up a VISA spot. No thanks.

[SF33]

 

 

I'd sign up Safuwan.

Clearly a good player and versatile too, which is useful.

Not sure about Jaliens though, happy I to admit I was wrong about him but the guy isn't getting any younger.

Yep, sign Safuwan up. If we do, he could legitimately be here for 5+ years.

Based on what we've seen, I'm a 'yes' to give Jaliens another year. Problem being, if he continues to play well, other teams might offer him more security. Wouldn't say that's a certainty though, regardless of how well he plays, due to his age. Big no to Jaliens. 36 and taking up a VISA spot. No thanks.

 

 

If it's only for one year, what is the difference whether he's 36 or 26? If he maintains this standard for the rest of this season, I'd be more than happy to make him and offer for 2015/16. As far as I'm concerned, age becomes more of a factor when you start talking about a longer-term contract and for that reason, I'd be very hesitant to sign him for 2+ years.

[Harrison]

The kid is a good player. He only made a couple of mistakes (normal considering this is his first start at home and he was playing in a new position) and managed to score one and come close to scoring a second.

 

His goal surprised me because I'm used to seeing the likes of Williams and Ramsay hitting volleys into row z or out for throw-ins. He was very solid in defence and is clearly a natural footballer. 

 

I'd be happy if we picked him up on a two-year deal. At 23, I imagine he would not want to squander this kind of opportunity by being too complacent or lazy. 

[Kiro Kompiro]

Has to be said we have signed plenty worse.

[gnoteel]

The kid is a good player. He only made a couple of mistakes (normal considering this is his first start at home and he was playing in a new position) and managed to score one and come close to scoring a second.

 

His goal surprised me because I'm used to seeing the likes of Williams and Ramsay hitting volleys into row z or out for throw-ins. He was very solid in defence and is clearly a natural footballer. 

 

I'd be happy if we picked him up on a two-year deal. At 23, I imagine he would not want to squander this kind of opportunity by being too complacent or lazy. 

Definitely will not be an issue - he has been a humble and honest player since the youth teams. Believe he will only get better by playing in a more competitive league. He is also shouldering the responsibility of being the ambassador of Singapore football, something which will definitely strike as additional motivation.

 

Versatility is definitely his strength - he started out as a striker in his career, was moved to midfield then CB due to his quality.

[Heart_fan]

I'd be happy to see him stay based on performances so far, but we willing wait and see how he goes in the remaining matches I guess.

 

Given he will be taking up a visa spot, it will all depend what CFG have planned for us too.

 

Koren is so far the only contracted visa player for next season, with Wielart, Germano and Duff all very likely to go, It leaves 4 remaining visa spots for us to fill, so if Safuwan is signed, we will still have 3 visa spots left either for CFG group players or other required signings. Added to that, there will be significant cap space with those players gone.

[haz]

Young, wanted a move to the Hal, small salary, versatile. Sign him up for another year

[SF33]

Young, wanted a move to the Hal, small salary, versatile. Sign him up for another year

 

Just thinking that if he continues his current form, we could get ourselves an absolute bargain if we lock him in for 2-3. If we see more of the same from him this year and next, he'll be very much a known commodity and we'll have to pay to keep him for 2016/17 onwards.

[mus-28]

Give him Germano's spot as our versatile Visa player.

Would rather pass on Jaliens and chase Franjic as our long term RB in the off season. Final Visa spots on proper, pacy tricky wingers.

[marn11]

Give him Germano's spot as our versatile Visa player.

Would rather pass on Jaliens and chase Franjic as our long term RB in the off season. Final Visa spots on proper, pacy tricky wingers.

And a striker. Cheers.

[n i k o]

The kid is a good player. He only made a couple of mistakes (normal considering this is his first start at home and he was playing in a new position) and managed to score one and come close to scoring a second.

 

His goal surprised me because I'm used to seeing the likes of Williams and Ramsay hitting volleys into row z or out for throw-ins. He was very solid in defence and is clearly a natural footballer. 

 

I'd be happy if we picked him up on a two-year deal. At 23, I imagine he would not want to squander this kind of opportunity by being too complacent or lazy.

Definitely will not be an issue - he has been a humble and honest player since the youth teams. Believe he will only get better by playing in a more competitive league. He is also shouldering the responsibility of being the ambassador of Singapore football, something which will definitely strike as additional motivation.

 

Versatility is definitely his strength - he started out as a striker in his career, was moved to midfield then CB due to his quality.

So like Hoffman he started out as a striker, moved to midfield and ended up as defenders. And they're both huge stars and ambassadors of football for their respective countries. The similarities are astounding.

[moops]

who do we Singapore, Safuwan!

[Jun]

I've noticed in a few posts this minor error so I just wanted to mention it for those unaware, Safuwan's full name follows the Malay naming convention, Safuwan being his personal name, and Baharudin being his patronymic name, it's literally his father's name.

edit:
Also why his shirt name is Safuwan

Edited March 3, 2015 by Jun

[strider]

Yeah I cringed watching the replay, every time they said Baharudin. It's Safuwan ffs.

 

On another note, surely we can give him a chant! Ooh Aah Safuwan?

[silva10]

I believe the Adelaide showed that he is a defender and not a midfielder. Very comfortable on the ball and I loved how he guided his headers into space or to our players.

 

I would have no hesitation in playing him alongside Chapman, and maybe that will be the combination next season.

 

Will most probably start ahead of Clisby this weekend and I am sure will be signed on a permanent basis at the end of the season.

[Melburnian]

He's a rock star in Singapore.

Should be cashing in now promoting this kid in their communities in Melbourne.

Bring them to games. It's a huge opportunity.

[dconder13]

Is he the first player since Terra to jump the fence during celebration? Love the passion he is showing

[sheepdog]

Theres a singaporean community in melbourne? They all look the same to me.

I will show myself out.

Edited March 4, 2015 by sheepdog

[strider]

Theres a singaporean community in melbourne? They all look the same to me.

I will show myself out.

 

[Thrillhouse]

Is he the first player since Terra to jump the fence during celebration? Love the passion he is showing

paddy g, aziz

[hilmi_official]

hi guys, im new here. Become a supporter of Melbourne City because of Safuwan.   

 

here's an article about him on how Safuwan Baharudin grown through the years.

 

Footballer Safuwan Baharudin made headlines last week when he became the first Singaporean to score a goal in the A-League, the top flight in Australian soccer.

The defender bulged the net to equalise for Melbourne City in his team's 3-1 win over Adelaide United. Plaudits flowed after that, including the Man of the Match award, congratulations from Melbourne's parent club Manchester City as well as selection in the A-League's Team of the Week.

 

Here is a look at Safuwan's rise from childhood to stardom Down Under.

Early promise

12-year-old Safuwan Baharudin. -- ST FILE

 

Safuwan's talent was clear when he was just a boy. Formerly from Woodlands Primary School, his skill as a striker ensured that he was selected to be part of the pioneer intake at the Singapore Sports School, which opened in 2004. He later skippered the Sports School team.

 

Safuwan Baharudin, (middle), age 13, from Singapore Sports School. -- PHOTO: SINGAPORE SPORTS SCHOOL

 

Apart from football, he also excelled as a pitcher in baseball and softball.

 

Moving back to move forward

Drafted into the National Football Academy, Safuwan was eventually promoted to the Young Lions team in 2009, which is essentially the national development squad competing in the S-League. He was just 18 years old.

As he started to sprout into a gangly teenager, Safuwan's height (1.81m) became an asset in defence, where coaches believe that his aerial ability is better suited.

 

Safuwan Baharudin won the Yeo's People Choice Award at the S-League Awards Night held at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel on Nov 29, 2011. -- PHOTO: TNP FILE

 

But he never lost his scoring touch, finding the net nine times in 58 S-League appearances over three seasons.

 

SEA Games: Fazli Ayob (left) and Hariss Harun (No. 17) celebrating Singapore's first goal, scored by Safuwan Baharudin (right), during the football match on Dec 5, 2009.-- PHOTO: ST FILE

 

At the 2009 SEA Games in Vientiane, Laos, Safuwan scored twice as he helped Singapore to a bronze medal.

 

National call-up

Safuwan's rise continued in January 2010 when former national coach Raddy Avramovic handed him his first Singapore cap in a King's Cup game against hosts Thailand. Although the Lions lost 1-0, the Serb kept faith in the then 19-year-old.

 

-- PHOTO: ST FILE

 

Later that year, the youngster was given a starting place against hosts Vietnam at the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup. However, he slipped and gave away the only goal of the match as the Lions were eliminated in the group stage.

 

Success

 

Shahdan Sulaiman (left) and Safuwan Baharudin (right) kissing the Suzuki Cup after Singapore won Thailand in the final match of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2012 at Supachalasai Stadium in Bangkok on Dec 22, 2012. -- PHOTO: ST FILE

 

Two years after his heartbreak in Hanoi, Safuwan bounced back in style, establishing himself as a first-team regular in Singapore's victorious Suzuki Cup campaign. In the first leg of the final against Thailand, he played the full match at the Jalan Besar Stadium despite suffering a fever. The Lions eventually won 3-2 on aggregate.

 

LionsXII defender Safuwan Baharudin sending a stylish lob into the far corner of Perak goalkeeper Farizal Marlias’ goal for the late winner to revive the LionsXII's Malaysia Cup campaign at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Aug 31, 2013. -- PHOTO: TNP FILE

 

In 2013, the centre-back reinforced his reputation as one of Singapore's best footballers when he emerged as one of the pillars of the LionsXII's Malaysian Super League title run, scoring five goals in 26 games, including the crucial equaliser in the 2-2 draw against star-studded Johor Darul Takzim.

Off the pitch, Safuwan also had a memorable 2013 as he married air stewardess Alia Qistina.

 

LionsXII and national team star Safuwan Baharudin (left) takes a selfie with his wife, air stewardess Alia Qistina, at their wedding ceremony on April 13, 2014. -- PHOTO: SAFUWAN BAHARUDIN

 

And last year, he became the first sportsman to be named The Straits Times Athlete of the Year since the award's inauguration in 2008.

 

Singapore national footballer Safuwan Baharudin became the first male athlete to win the Straits Times Athlete of the Year award on Feb 28, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: LIM SIN THAI

 

Melbourne calling

In January, Australian A-League club Melbourne City gave Safuwan a 10-day trial during the side's training camp in Dubai.

 

Safuwan Baharudin at a recent 10-day trial with Melbourne City. -- PHOTO: FAS

 

The 23-year-old impressed and signed a three-month loan deal. He made his debut, playing in defensive midfield, in the Melbourne derby against Victory on Feb 7, which City lost 3-0.

 

Safuwan Baharudin (white jersey) made an assured, 60-minute debut as an A-League player in Melbourne City’s 3-0 defeat by city rivals Melbourne Victory on Feb 7, 2015. -- PHOTO: MELBOURNE CITY FC

 

But on Feb 27, Safuwan played a blinder as he helped City beat Adelaide United 3-1. Deployed at right-back, he arrived at the far post to ram home a corner to equalise, sparking a comeback win.

 

Safuwan Baharudin (left) is the toast of the Melbourne City fans after he scored against Adelaide United at Melbourne City’s AAMI Park home ground on Feb 27, 2015. -- PHOTO: MELBOURNE CITY FC

 

For his heroics, the Singaporean was named Man of the Match and Manchester City congratulated him on social media. On a lighter note, he is now featured on popular video game FIFA15 as a Melbourne player.

 

-  LINK

 

Safuwan was also selected in the A-League Round 19 team of the week by goal.com Australia.

The only player from Melbourne City to be selected!

 

 

LINK

Edited March 6, 2015 by hilmi_official

[strider]

Welcome hilmi. 

 

Seems like he genuinely is the pride of Singapore. I don't know much about Singaporean football but is he, in your opinion, the best export thus far?

[Melburnian]

Nice article hilme. Welcome.

He is very famous in Singapore and to the Singaporian people around the world.

What an opportunity to capitalise on this and expose the lad in the media and throughout the Singapore community here in Melbourne and the rest of Australia.

Put him on Fox Sports, allow them and the Herald Sun to do a story on him. Put him on SEN radio station. Hold a meet and greet for his fans here in Australia.

We truly don't understand how popular this kid is.

We could if done right, really grow our fan base here.

[HEARTinator]

What I like about this guy is that he's got poise and confidence on the ball. Doesn't appear to be hurried into making rash decisions. Watching a replay of our last game he made very few mistakes. Won most contests and laid the ball off well. Continue in this fashion and I'm sure he'll have a good future in the A-league. Hopefully with us.

[recyclosaurusrex]

I was initially concerned he wouldn't settle very well in the A-League but I'm very happy to be proven wrong. I think the kid is a great signing and hopefully he can keep pulling off performances like the Adelaide game. 

[Shahanga]

The interesting thing about this guy is how he polarises people, me I seriously rate him, but others keep listing faults I haven't noticed. Proves football is a game of opinions.

[moops]

The interesting thing about this guy is how he polarises people, me I seriously rate him, but others keep listing faults I haven't noticed. Proves football is a game of opinions.

who is listing faults, what faults in particular? He seems top for HAL, now his nerves are gone. It would be brilliant to have him for a couple of years to go to greener pastures, not just for Safuwan ,but as a club it would mean a lot, same as the Frenchy.

[Tony999]

Have we given this dude a contract already or what?

[moops]

Not full time, as far as I know he is on loan.

[gnoteel]

And to put things into context, he actually took a paycut to make this loan move come through. Definitely shows his hunger and desire.

[NewConvert]

The interesting thing about this guy is how he polarises people, me I seriously rate him, but others keep listing faults I haven't noticed. Proves football is a game of opinions.

 

I haven't seen any fault listing on this forum but I do know someone who was unimpressed by his signing and keeps on harping on any imagined mistake. I have been having a good laugh since the Adelaide game.

[Shahanga]

The interesting thing about this guy is how he polarises people, me I seriously rate him, but others keep listing faults I haven't noticed. Proves football is a game of opinions.

I haven't seen any fault listing on this forum but I do know someone who was unimpressed by his signing and keeps on harping on any imagined mistake. I have been having a good laugh since the Adelaide game. There's been a few posts in different threads. Didn't bother to check if it was different people or not. Someone said he was slow.

I didn't notice that, all I saw was 3 games, 2 man of the match performances (or near enough).