LIONS' STEPPING-UP PLAN

Coach Ogura's aim to groom new leaders sees Shah captaining side in Myanmar win

- Deepanraj Ganesan

As far as birthdays go, Shah Shahiran may never get a more memorable one than last week, when Singapore hosted Myanmar in an international friendly on Nov 14.

The central midfielder, who turned 25 that day, was handed the captain's armband in a surprise move by coach Tsutomu Ogura.

Leading the Lions out at the National Stadium, he worked tirelessly in the comeback 3-2 win.

The birthday to remember has also deepened his determination to step up as a leader.

Speaking to The Straits Times at Parkroyal on Beach Road ahead of the Lions' Nov 18 friendly against Chinese Taipei at the National Stadium, Shah said Ogura pulled him aside a few hours before the Myanmar match and told him that he will be the captain instead of regular skipper Hariss Harun, 33.

The BG Tampines Rovers player said he was happy and nervous at the same time, adding: "You always dream of becoming a national player but to be honest, I had never dreamt of being a captain.

"But it was a real honour and a special moment for my family and me. I knew they were going to be in the stands and it ended up being a huge night for me. It was a perfect birthday present."