As a young boy, goalkeeper Ilhan Rezal fondly remembers watching his father, Rezal Hassan, as the custodian for the now-defunct Singapore Armed Forces Football Club (SAFFC) from the stands at the Jalan Besar Stadium. He dreamed of that pitch every time he watched.
More than a decade on, Ilhan has come full circle. The 15-year-old is set to walk onto that same pitch next Wednesday (9 July) – this time as a player for the Singapore Under-16s as they take on the Philippines in their opening match of the 2025 Lion City Cup.
“It’s going to be a big moment for me,” Ilhan said.
“I have watched my father play in this very stadium and on TV since I was a young boy, and I’ve always wanted to do the same. Now, that moment will finally come next week.”
Ilhan first picked up gloves at three, inspired by his father – a former Singapore international. However, putting on a pair of gloves and saving shots was not exactly what he had in mind at first.
“When I was discussing the position, I initially thought being a goalkeeper was boring,” he recalled.
His father insisted he try goalkeeping at his first club, JSSL Singapore, and Ilhan quickly fell for diving saves.
For six years at JSSL, Rezal coached Ilhan – teaching both technique and mental grit.
“One of the best moments in my career is still training with my father every day while I was at JSSL,” he said.
“There were days I didn’t feel like training, but he would always push me to work harder and become a better goalkeeper.”
Ilhan learned early to shout commands, keeping busy and banishing nerves – qualities that are important to his game today.
“My father would always remind me to communicate and speak as loudly as I can during matches – to keep busy, remain calm and be decisive .”
Now, Ilhan and the Under-16s sharpen that focus as they prepare for 9 July. Despite feeling a little nervous, the 15-year-old hopes the close-knit bonds forged within the squad will translate into good performances on the pitch.
“Our preparation has been good and the team is well bonded,” he explained.
Football taught Ilhan teamwork, discipline and passion – values he’ll lean on at Jalan Besar.
“It will be my first time playing in front of thousands, including my family, so it provides that extra motivation for me to play well,” he said.
“I want to try and get a Man-of-the-Match award, but beyond that, we will give it our all to win the Lion City Cup for the country.”
