March 26, 2004

Farizal Basri simply has not been able to wipe the grin off his face since learning about his national call up into Radojko Avramovic squad.

He said he could not believe his ear when he received the news from the national coach himself. He had to ask the national coach to repeat it so that he knew he was not dreaming & every words coming out Radojko Avramovic was music to his ear.

Like any young footballer, his long-term ambition was always to don national colours.

While he knows he may be spending the 90 minutes of the match just warming the bench, at least he is now just 1 step away from fulfilling his dream.

It is no surprise he got the call up as those who have been watching him play this season will know. A mainstay in the Young Lions' right-back berth this season, he has impressed with his speed, work-rate & willingness to go forward.

The former Tampines Rovers protégé, who is the youngest of 3 brothers, believes that all his hard work is paying off. He praised his parents who have always encouraged him & reminded him that only with patience along with hard work would he expect to be in the national team.

Now it has happen as he got the call up he has been dreaming for.