Growing up, Thitipat Ekarunpong heard tales of how footballer Sutee Suksomkit captured the hearts of fans while playing for Thailand and various clubs, including Singapore's Tampines Rovers.
Now, the striker, 19, has a chance to follow in the footsteps of the illustrious Thai forward after he and compatriot Thanet Suknate, 18, sealed loan deals with the Stags from Thai giants BG Pathum United on Jan 23 for the 2024 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season.
The move comes on the back of a three-year agreement that Tampines inked with the Thai League 1 side last September.
Thitipat, who hails from Nonthaburi, said through an interpreter: "I have heard about Sutee from people and read about him on the news. And because he played here, I know about Tampines Rovers.
"I want to become a first-XI player for the team and score goals regularly for Tampines.
"I will give my best for the club in training and when I play. Hopefully, in my time here, I will become a better player and help the club too."
This story is from the January 24, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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This story is from the January 24, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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