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Soccer friday: Singapore star Safuwan targets Europe move after Malaysia chapter
It hasnât taken Safuwan Baharudin long to settle into life at his new Malaysia Super League (MSL) team, PDRM FA
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t hasn't taken Safuwan Baharudin long to settle into life at his new Malaysia Super League (MSL) team, PDRM FA. The Singapore international is living within walking distance of the imposing KLCC towers in the heart of the capital and has already given a taste of his goal-scoring form.
Safuwan has found the back of the net three times in pre-season, including a bullet-like header to help PDRM FA earn a 1-1 draw against TPL side Osotspa Samut Prakan on the recent tour of Thailand.
And then on Wednesday, the 24-year-old scored twice ' a long-range shot and a penalty ' but couldn't help his side falling to a 6-3 friendly defeat to Air Asia FC at Bangi.
PDRM, the MSL's police side, pulled off a major coup by signing one of Southeast Asia's best players ahead of glamour sides like 2015 AFC Cup champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) reigning Malaysia Cup winners, Selangor.
'It's not easy coming from LionsXII to PDRM but I think this is all good for me,' Safuwan told ESPN FC.
'Some people are asking why did I choose PDRM ahead of the big clubs in Malaysia, but I suppose it's to take things slower after the disbandment of LionsXII. I needed something to fall back on.'
After a sixth place finish in 2015, the team fondly known as 'The Cops' could make a big statement this season. In addition to Safuwan, they've recruited Brazilian playmaker Andrezinho, former Malaysia fullback K. Reuben from ATM FA and Mali international centre-back Souleymane Konate.
While another Malian, the prolific striker Dramane Traore ' last season's top scorer ' has left the club for Kelantan, PDRM were able to hold onto star import, Ali Ashfaq. The Maldives forward is already forming a strong combination with Safuwan, providing the free-kick from which the Singaporean scored in Thailand.
Safuwan, who is being employed as a box-to-box midfielder but can play anywhere in the back four and even as a makeshift striker, brings a growing attacking reputation with him. In 2015, he scored two goals in six games for Melbourne City in the A-League, five in 19 for LionsXII and found the net three times at international level.
'I want to set a goal for myself [at PDRM] to at least come back to Singapore with silverware,' he said. 'Hopefully we start bright in the league so that teams can look at PDRM a different way. Not only as a police side, but a team that can be established in next few years.'
After his eye-catching loan spell in Australia last season, Safuwan admits that he has developed a taste for overseas adventure. He's set the target of playing for a couple more years in AFC competitions before trying his hand in Europe.
'I plan to roam around Asia for the next one to two years but I still want to get the chance to play in Europe and see where you really stand,' he said.
'For me, Melbourne has been the best time of my life. In the short period of three to four months, it showed me that with good coaches and good facilities, you can adapt from where you came, even from Singapore. You can pursue your dreams.'
Safuwan admits that the breakup of LionsXII took him by surprise and meant a period of uncertainty for him and his former teammates. Last November, the Singapore side were abruptly ejected from all Malaysian competitions after four seasons, despite winning the 2013 MSL and 2015 FA Cup. Most of his former teammates have returned to the S.League.
The struggling competition, which has benefited from the arrival of former Liverpool and Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant at Tampines Rovers, begins on Feb. 13, the same night PDRM start their 2016 MSL campaign at home to Sarawak.
'I wasn't ready to go back to the S.League because I think I can still fulfill my dreams out of Singapore,' he said. 'So I've been settling well at PDRM. The team, the players, the coaches are good with me. I think PDRM is the best team for me for this year.'
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Jason Dasey is senior editor of ESPN FC, Indonesia's most popular English language soccer website with a new SE Asia edition and a daily Indonesian language TV show on NET. Twitter: @JasonDasey
