The Republic have yet to have their nomination for the SEA Games, which will be held in Myanmar from Dec 11-22, rubber-stamped by the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC), and a win against Indonesia’s under-23 side is set to boost their chances of getting the green light.
But for Hariss, 23, the outcome of tonight’s friendly could have far-reaching ramifications.
“People are saying that tonight’s result against the Indonesians will determine if we get the approval from the Singapore National Olympic Council to go to the SEA Games. Win (and) we (are likely to) go; lose we may not go,” he said.
“But, for me and the rest of the team, we want to take part in the SEA Games. It’s important that Singapore football is represented in the biennial series. Not going to the SEA Games would be a step backward for the
development of football in Singapore.”
The SEA Games men’s football competition is an under-23 event, and should they get the nod from the SNOC, this year’s edition will be the last for Hariss, as he will be over the age limit for the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore.
The midfielder, the youngest player to make his senior national debut at only 16 years and 217 days when he played against North Korea in 2007, collected bronze medals at the 2007 and 2009 SEA Games in Korat, Thailand and Vientiane, Laos respectively, before a disappointing group stage exit two years ago in Indonesia.
With the likes of goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, defender Safuwan Baharudin and Hariss — all members of the newly-minted 2013 Malaysian Super League champions LionsXII — the current national under-23 side coached by V Sundramoorthy are regarded as having a good chance of finally landing that elusive first-ever SEA Games football gold medal for Singapore.
“This is going to be my final SEA Games as I will be overage when Singapore hosts the series in 2015, and I told myself it would be nice if I can lead Singapore to the final in Myanmar,” said Hariss after the team’s training session at the Singapore Sports School last night. “I have been to three SEA Games and the best I’ve achieved is only a bronze.”
Tonight’s clash with Indonesia, beaten finalists two years ago after losing to Malaysia on home soil at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, will give Sundram and his players a valuable gauge on where they stand in the region, with about five months to the SEA Games.
“Win or lose against the Indonesians tonight, is a different matter. What is most important is to get the team to perform at the level we are capable of. And, believe me, we are ready for them,” said Sundram.
“We know how good the Indonesians are when we played them in Indonesia last month (1-1 draw). And when you play a good team, you tend to raise your game too.
www.todayonline.com
