Ex-Stars To Play 'Real Football'

Many former foreign and local internationals like Bennett will be at inaugural Soccer7s

- Samuel Tan

The month of July is turning out to be a football fiesta for fans in Singapore with the future, present and past generations on display.

First they will be treated to the cream of the Republic's upcoming talent as the Under-16 boys and girls' teams do battle in the Lion City Cup from July 8-13 at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

After that, the stars from Arsenal, Newcastle United and AC Milan will fly in for the Singapore Festival of Football from July 23 to 27 at the National Stadium.

At almost the same time, numerous retired local and international stars will be among those showcasing their skills at the inaugural Soccer7s Series from July 25 to 27 at Jalan Besar.

While fans are spoilt for choice, former Singapore international Daniel Bennett is plugging for the Soccer7s, where he will be among the participants, even though the tournament will be fighting with the star-studded Festival of Football for eyeballs.

"Singapore hasn't had anything like this for so many years. We just hope that the fans come down and watch some real football," the 47-year-old Bennett, who hung up his boots in 2023, said during the draw for the tournament at voco Orchard hotel on July 8.