July 26, 2004

At the age of 36, Thai midfielder J Surachai is still able to prove himself against younger opponent in the battle for the midfield.

With the Protectors looking to defend both their domestic trophies they won last season, Surachai has proven an important part in the closing stage of the season with performances that have earned the praises of many others.

The reason for that according to the veteran Thai midfielder is because he is still feeling as fit as he was when starting out as a professional so many years ago.

One cannot dispute that with him among the 3 Home United players – Svia Kumar & Sutee to pass the Beep test at the start of the season.

It has not been easy though to achieve that with sacrifices he needed to make to keep himself fit.

He now take fewer meat in his meals now but he feel it is for a good cause as he acknowledged as he aged he is likely to put on more weight & he must change his diet to reflect that.

Also he put equal emphasis on exercise & rest. While he now need tougher exercise to maintain his fitness he make ensure he do that but at the same time he also make sure he get more rest time than before as his body need longer period to recover especially after a match.

Still Steve Darby, coach of Home United, believe he ‘work too hard’ as the Englishman joked he had to pull Surachai out of training at times before the Thai would go home & rest.

Finally when Surachai was asked how long he would continued, the Thai said he does not have the answer but promised once his level start to drop, it would be the end of his playing days.