Away from the eyes of the average Singaporean, Jordan Emaviwe has been hard at work, earning, then cementing his spot in Chiangrai United, and patiently waiting, eager for another National Team call-up.
The 24-year-old has three international caps to his name and is acutely aware that the privilege to pull on the Singapore jersey does not come easy.
“No call-up is certain. I do not take it for granted. I am grateful to have been selected and I’m proud every time I get to wear the Singapore jersey and step out on to the pitch,” said Emaviwe.
“I’ve been watching and learning from our senior players. I try to absorb as much as I can. When that call-up comes, I have to show that I’m ready.”
Emaviwe made his Singapore debut in November last year in an international friendly against Chinese Taipei. Shortly after, he completed a move to Chiangrai, a province some 500 km north of the Thai capital of Bangkok, in an effort to further his career and development.
At Chiangrai, the defender has been deployed in a more advanced position and he has flourished in the new role, scoring 5 goals in 13 matches. Emaviwe however, is not too concerned about personal statistics.
“I love playing as a striker. I’ve really enjoyed the role and feel like it brings out a different side of my game. That said, I’ve always been someone who puts the team first, so I’m ready to give my all in whatever position the coach needs me in. At the end of the day, it’s about contributing to the team’s success wherever that may be on the pitch,” he said.
“I am enjoying my football. It is a higher level of football, and challenging as a foreign player in this league, but Singaporeans have shown that we have what it takes to compete at this level.”
Emaviwe pointed to the Lion City Sailors’ historic run to the final of the AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2) as a barometer of Singapore football’s progress and potential on the Asian stage.
“The Sailors – with our captain Hariss Harun and several national team players – have inspired the nation with their success on a big stage. It just goes to show that our dream is not impossible.”
“The qualifying campaign for the AFC Asian Cup is long. Every single player will play a key role in it. We have to believe in ourselves and do our best in every game.”
Tsutomu Ogura’s Lions squad announcement is scheduled for next week. Singapore will play two games in June.
An international friendly against Maldives on 5 June will serve as a tune up for the away AFC Asian Cup qualifiers Group C clash against Bangladesh on 10 June.
Tickets for the Singapore vs Maldives match are on sale now! Only a limited number of tickets remain. Get yours here.
