Moving ‘Wan’ step closer

NTU’s Ikhwan Risydah is gunning for a spot in the local AUG football team

By Ignatius Koh

NTU footballer Ikhwan Risydah (centre) has scored once in four friendly matches since AUG training started in late February. PHOTO: KENJI KWOK

He is a part-time model, certified personal trainer, and a former reality TV contestant. But when the biennial ASEAN University Games (AUG) kicks off in July, Ikhwan Risydah hopes to add being a national football player to his resume.

“I’ve always wanted to represent Singapore in anything when I was younger,” said the third-year Sports Science and Management student.

“It’s an opportunity to fulfil my childhood dream.”

The multi-sport competition will feature student athletes from universities in the Southeast Asian nations, with Singapore’s men’s football team comprising players from the local universities.

This is Ikhwan’s second chance to represent the nation — the 24-year- old was invited to join the national silat team after winning the annual National Pencak Silat Championship when he was 16, but decided not to join the team to focus on his O Levels.

Ikhwan, who has since stopped practising the martial art, said: “Now, the AUG is probably the next big chance for me to represent Singapore as I didn’t get to play for football clubs, which would have opened doors to the national team.”

Despite his modelling career and fitness credentials, Ikhwan has made it clear that football comes first for him.

“I just do freelance modelling; it’s not a big thing. I don’t get offers all the time,” he said with a laugh.

Ikhwan, who made it to the final squad of Mediacorp football reality television series First XI in 2013, added: “I’m just concentrating on getting a spot in the team now. ”

The versatile player is comfortable playing as a left full-back or winger, but did not make the previous AUG team in 2014.

He had been cut from the preliminary squad early on, having failed to make the coach’s picks.

But Ikhwan is determined to break into the team this year.

He has scored once in four friendly matches while having to vie for game time with more than 20 other hopefuls since training started in late February.

“I think the coach is looking for players who are hard-working on the field – that’s what I observed during training and matches,” Ikhwan said.

“Good attitude and a little flair from the players are also needed.”

In addition to AUG training and his part-time work commitments, Ikhwan also has to stay on top of his school work.

The squad practises on Wednes- days and Saturdays, but he only attends training on Wednesdays to devote time to his studies.

“I can’t attend training on Saturdays because of my school commitments so I will make sure that I turn up to train on Wednesdays, even if I have a test the next day,” said Ikhwan.

Aside from AUG trainings, Ikhwan heads to the gym almost every day for two hours to improve his fitness.

Being motivated is not an issue for Ikhwan, who started playing football in Primary 1.

The self-confessed sports buff enjoys challenging himself by improving his craft.

“Football gives me a platform to push myself to do better in terms of my technique and reading of the game,” he said.

With the AUG held in Singapore this year, Ikhwan is relishing the chance to perform in front of his family and friends.

“It’s different from playing in front of the general public. When you play live in front of your friends and family, it feels good as they are not watching from behind a television screen,” said Ikhwan.

Having home advantage and local support would boost the team’s confidence as well, he added.

The football team went out at the preliminary stage in 2014, falling 5-0 to rivals Malaysia in their final group stage match. Ikhwan is ready to help the team advance further if he is selected.

“We have to play hard on the pitch because the hungrier team will win,” he said.

“This way, we can have a longer experience and a chance to win for Singapore.

“We’re not just there to make up the numbers.”

With the squad still a long way from being finalised, Ikhwan has his goal in sight and is determined to buckle down and snag a spot.

“I’m not having an easy time fighting through the squad as the players are strong.

“But if I get selected, I will share the joy with my friends who have been supporting my journey.”