Khairul, Isa join Singapore Lions Team set to be coached by Sundram will open their MSL campaign in January

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SINGAPORE - After months of uncertainty, the players selected for the Singapore Lions squad have been approached and a clear picture of the year ahead painted for their eyes.

The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) machinery kicked into gear last week, getting the 30 men who would make up the team to put pen to paper, and commit to Singapore's return into Malaysian football next year.

When the Malaysian Super League (MSL) season kicks off in January, the team will be the first Singapore side to play in domestic competitions across the Causeway since 1994.

Today understands that pre-season training for the Singapore Lions will kick off on Dec 5 with V Sundramoorthy the man likely to be the coach.

The Singapore Lions are set to open their historic season in front of their own fans at Jalan Besar Stadium.

National striker Khairul Amri is looking forward to the Malaysian adventure. He told Today: "I might have been the first player to commit when I signed the contract on Nov 5, and of course I'm looking forward to the new season.

"People have been talking about the Malaysia Cup days and how the crowd was just crazy. I'm waiting to see the Singapore crowd that turns up to cheer us when we play. I want to see if it would be like what they said it was in the old days."

Fleet-footed Amri is still convalescing after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He is expected to be able to kick a ball in December, and the 26-year-old is facing a race against time to be fit for the first fixture.

Today understands that forward Agu Casmir has agreed to join the team, along with Singapore internationals Izwan Mahbud, Safuwan Baharudin, Juma'at Jantan, Isa Halim and Shaiful Esah.

Others include national under-23 players Irwan Shah and Firdaus Kasman.

Woodlands Wellington defender Madhu Mohana, SAFFC goalkeeper Hyrulnizam Juma'at and Tanjong Pagar United midfielder Taufiq Rahmat have also joined the team.

Around 95 per cent of the players selected have signed their contracts already and details like date of fixtures are being finalised.

Isa is currently chasing S-League glory. His Home United side have just won their first trophy in six years when they beat Albirex Niigata to snag the RHB Singapore Cup on Saturday and the Protectors are still in the hunt for the league title.

But even he is keenly anticipating the rekindling of passion in the stands.

"The FAS has been very open with us, and all that initial confusion has been sorted out. I signed the contract (on Thursday), and I'm just very excited to see fans come out to watch us," he said.

Taufiq, 24, was just seven when Singapore won the Malaysia Cup in 1994, and his family, avid fans then, are eager for him to make his appearance in the competition.

He said: "I signed the contract last Thursday, and my dad, who was of course a supporter then, is very excited for me to play. My family is excited.

"But I'm just looking forward to the exposure, and the fans."