UNITY KEY TO BEATING HK

Class of 1994 back Lions to seal historic Asian Cup spot with win in Hong Kong

- David Lee Senior Sports Correspondent

Singapore legend Fandi Ahmad signing for the camera during the launch of the 1994 Legacy Collection cards, created for that year's Lions, at the Cards Collectibles Asia event at 'Scape on Nov 16.

The banter flowed freely as old friends from Singapore's 1994 double-winning team gathered, with Fandi Ahmad accused of being a “card cheat”, a bald Abbas Saad teased about his choice of barber and shaving cream, and gold-haired Lee Man Hon suspected of moonlighting with a lion dance troupe.

The trio, along with Malek Awab, David Lee, Rafi Ali, Steven Tan and Rudy Khairon, were guests at the launch of the 1994 Legacy Collection cards at the Cards Collectibles Asia (CCA) event at *Scape on Nov 16.

Featuring moments from that memorable season, the cards were created to commemorate the Lions' M-League and Malaysia Cup-winning exploits.

Behind the stories and laughter at their meet-and-greet with about 50 fans, the former players' tight-knit bond was evident as they remain firm friends 31 years on.

They hope the current Lions will show similar unity and passion as they face a crucial Asian Cup qualifier in Hong Kong on Nov 18, when the winners will secure historic qualification to the continental showpiece.

Abbas, 57, said: “If you want to win big tournaments and big matches, you have to be united. We love one another and we are like a family.”

Malek, 64, added: “I hope the passion and the love of the game will drive the players.”

Fandi, the talismanic former national skipper whose sons Ikhsan and Ilhan are in the current squad, is encouraged by recent performances.