As far as birthdays go, Shah Shahiran may never get a more memorable one than last week, when Singapore hosted Myanmar in an international friendly on Nov 14.
The central midfielder, who turned 25 that day, was handed the captain's armband in a surprise move by coach Tsutomu Ogura.
Leading the Lions out at the National Stadium, he worked tirelessly in the comeback 3-2 win.
The birthday to remember has also deepened his determination to step up as a leader.
Speaking to The Straits Times at Parkroyal on Beach Road ahead of the Lions' Nov 18 friendly against Chinese Taipei at the National Stadium, Shah said Ogura pulled him aside a few hours before the Myanmar match and told him that he will be the captain instead of regular skipper Hariss Harun, 33.
The BG Tampines Rovers player said he was happy and nervous at the same time, adding: "You always dream of becoming a national player but to be honest, I had never dreamt of being a captain.
"But it was a real honour and a special moment for my family and me. I knew they were going to be in the stands and it ended up being a huge night for me. It was a perfect birthday present."
Denne historien er fra November 18, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 18, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
PROMENADE OF POSSIBILITIES
For a window into the soul of a city, take a stroll along the waterfront.
Digibank GXS is well on its feet. What's next?
Its group CEO expects bank to turn a profit and start looking for more capital in 2027
Parenting without screens: My struggles, triumphs, and eventual acceptance
It's hard to follow to the letter the guidelines on screen times for children. But they do set a good direction for parents.
Slot Contrite After Everton Row; To Face FA Charge
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been charged with being abusive to match officials during his team's stormy Merseyside derby at rivals Everton on Feb 12.
Thompson 'sticks to process' to grab one-shot Genesis lead
Davis Thompson is not a well-known name in golf, but he is the one that the big stars have to chase at the Genesis Invitational this weekend.
Japan Looks To Amend Election Law For Social Media Age
This comes after fringe parties used rogue tactics to wreak havoc on polls in 2024
Nationwide phishing test to be part of Exercise SG Ready for first time
It aims to help firms assess their cyber resilience in the face of such attacks
Maresca Wants Chelsea 'To Do Better' After 'Worst' Display
LONDON - Enzo Maresca admitted Chelsea's dismal 3-0 defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion on Feb 14 was the \"worst performance\" of his reign, as Kaoru Mitoma produced a contender for the English Premier League goal of the season.
Calm Liverpool still hold the aces despite recent blips
When all seemed serene, Liverpool suddenly hit the bumps in the road. Making 10 changes at Plymouth led to an embarrassing FA Cup loss to the team rock-bottom of the Championship.
Valentino, gym and sharp objects: What's in store for Year of the Snake
Horoscopes can amuse, assure and inform. But maybe it's best not to take them literally.
