Hariss Unfazed By Juggling Act

Far from retiring, he strives to be 'perfect' in roles as national captain, FAS vice-president

- David Lee

Since incoming Football Association of Singapore (FAS) president Forrest Li announced his slate which included Hariss Harun as one of his four vice-presidents — over a week ago, the Lion City Sailors and national skipper has been inundated with calls and messages asking if he was retiring.

With a hearty laugh, the 34-year-old told The Sunday Times before the new council is sworn in at the FAS extraordinary congress on April 28: "I'm not retiring, and I want to play for many years more.

"I will know when the time comes for me to hang up my boots, but it's not now because I feel I still can contribute on and off the pitch."

Hariss, believed to be the first active player on the FAS council, added: "I was surprised when I was approached, because it's unheard of for an active player to be part of the council.

"But it's refreshing to know that they want me to be a voice for the players.

"I understand that the FAS council role comes with a lot more responsibility, and there will be a lot on my shoulders also being the national team captain and an active player. But I will have to learn to juggle and play each role as perfectly as I can when the time comes."