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‘Triple R’ ready to take his chance
Sazali Abdul Aziz
info@sleague.com
All but one of SAFFC’s ten new signings fielded questions by the press during last Thursday’s press conference at Jalan Besar Stadium.
Backup goalkeeper Hyrulnizam Juma’at was asked how he felt about the “dream move” to the champions, the four foreign signings spoke of their hopes for the new season, while Singapore internationals Indra Sahdan and Noh Rahman responded to questions about their ability to perform at the highest level.
But one player’s voice was not heard. In fact, there was not even enough space for him to sit behind the table where coach Richard Bok and most of the signings sat at. So Rhysh Roshan Rai – ‘Triple R’, as Bok jokingly calls him – pulled a chair at the end of the table, and sat quietly beside Hyrulnizam.
That apprehension though disappeared when sleague.com spoke to him after the conference ended.
The well-spoken 24-year-old, who joined the Warriors from bottom club Balestier Khalsa, said he initially had some doubts about the move, but felt the opportunity was too good to turn down.
“As with any move, I think there is always a bit of doubt,” said Roshan.
“I made a decision, I’m prepared to go through with it, and I think I can prove myself.
“I had been looking for a move, to play football at a higher level, and SAFFC came in for me, so I decided to make the switch.”
Those initial misgivings were stemmed from seeing the likes of Syed Karim and Guntur Djafril – who signed for SAFFC from ‘smaller’ S.League clubs Gombak United and Geylang United – have their development stunted by a lack of playing time. The two were released recently.
Roshan though believes being around better quality players can only help him improve.
“I do feel I need to improve in a lot of areas, especially my strength and my aerial game,” he noted.
“Obviously the new signings bring a lot of experience to the team. I’m hoping I can pick up a few pointers from (former Sweden international Niklas) Sandberg, as well as the National Team players like Wilko (fellow midfielder John Wilkinson) and the other seasoned pros in the team.
If Roshan was more concerned at what he would become, his new coach Bok is already delighted at having captured the elegant midfielder from the Tigers, and the latter revealed he had been watching Roshan for some time before the opportunity to sign him came.
“For me, if possible, I try to watch almost every game. I keep an eye out for the young players who I might want to sign. So I knew about Roshan for a while already,” explained Bok.
Bok also said that Roshan was central to his plans for a shift in SAFFC’s playing style in the next few years – looking at a team like “Kashima Antlers and working towards how they play.”
“He is a thinking player, he can hold the ball and play it, and that is the style of football I am planning for the team to play in the next few years,” said Bok.
“He has been doing well, working hard and he is ready to fight for his place and challenge himself. I like that positive thinking in a young man.”
Roshan cannot wait to don the blue of SAFFC, especially in the AFC Champions’ League (ACL), but knows that the chance will not come easy.
“I’m really excited. But I always remember, it’s all thanks to the guys here before me,” he said.
“All I can do is come in and work hard, show I can contribute, and maybe in the next few years, the new guys will thank me for helping them get an opportunity to play in the ACL.”
Despite the competition for places in midfield, Bok is confident his new recruit will get ample playing time.
“Roshan can play a couple of positions - I know he is a natural central midfielder, but he can play on the left as well,” said Bok.
“He will definitely get a chance to play next season. I need all the players I can for the four competitions we are taking part in.” |
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