Safuwan Plays For Country But No Club

Lions face Bangladesh, but his future is uncertain as Selangor say he is not needed

- Deepanraj Ganesan

At 33, Safuwan Baharudin still remains one of the first names in the Lions' starting line-up. But, while his importance to the national set-up is as strong as ever, uncertainty surrounds his club future.

Although he still has a year left on his contract with Malaysia Super League runners-up Selangor FC, the centre-back has been told he is no longer part of their plans for next season.

The ambiguity surrounding his career has taken a personal toll, said Safuwan, who racked up 71 appearances with the Red Giants across two stints and even donned the captain's armband.

"The sad truth is that coach (Katsuhito Kinoshi) does not want to include me in his plans so I've got to go," said Safuwan. "I'm disheartened, and not sure about what lies ahead for me. I've got nothing on the table now."

"It has been a tough few weeks for me. I deactivated my social media, I was quite disheartened."

Safuwan, who was part of the Lions' 2012 Asean Championship-winning side, did not rule out a move back home to play in the Singapore Premier League.

While he has yet to receive any offers, he is certain that he can still contribute at the top level.

He is hoping to have a "clearer picture" after the Asian Cup third-round Group C qualifier against Bangladesh in Dhaka on June 10.