Tampines Rovers
striker Qiu Li has been added to Radojko Avramovic’s Singapore
squad currently preparing for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers in
June after receiving his citizenship papers earlier today. He is
Singapore football’s first player inducted under the Foreign Sports
Talent (FST) scheme since midfielder Fahrudin Mustafic more than
two years ago.
Qiu, 26, was earmarked under the FST scheme back in 2005 when he
first came to Singapore with now defunct S.League club Sinchi. He
joined the Young Lions in 2006 where he had a hugely prolific year
where he amassed 23 goals in all competitions as the team finished
a credible third in the league and reached the semi-finals of the
Malaysia FA Cup.
Last year, he made the move to Home United helping the Protectors
to a runners-up finish before making the switch to the east to don
Tampines colours this season. After 12 games in the league, he is
currently their top scorer with eight goals.
Said Qiu, “I’m very happy that I can now represent Singapore in
international competitions. I’ve been here for more than three
years and this is where I call home. The World Cup Qualifiers are
very important to us and if I get the chance, I will do my best to
bring glory to the country.”
National Coach Avramovic commented, “We first noticed Qiu Li when
he was with Sinchi and subsequently we brought him to the Young
Lions where he combined very well with Khairul Amri. He is a team
player, very good at holding the ball and is capable of scoring
goals. Now that he is eligible for the National Team, he will have
the chance to play just like all the other players. It is up to him
now to take this chance.”
Qiu’s inclusion brings the number of players in the squad to 25 and
he will have his first opportunity for his first cap on 28 May when
the Lions take on Bahrain in an international friendly at the
National Stadium.
Upcoming International
Schedule:
International
Friendly
Singapore vs Bahrain
Wednesday 28 May 2008
1930hrs
National Stadium, Singapore
2010 FIFA World
Cup South Africa (Asian Qualification) Round 3, Group
4
Singapore vs Uzbekistan
Monday 2 June 2008
1930hrs
National Stadium, Singapore
Uzbekistan vs Singapore
Saturday 7 June 2008
1900hrs (local time) (2200hrs Singapore time)
MHSK Stadium, Tashkent
Singapore vs Saudi Arabia
Saturday 14 June 2008
1930hrs
National Stadium, Singapore
Lebanon vs Singapore
Sunday 22 June 2008
1800hrs (local time) (0000hrs* Singapore time)
Sports City Stadium, Beirut
Ticketing details for the above matches will be announced
shortly.
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