February 7, 2004
With just hours to go before the transfer deadline closed yesterday on February 6 2004, Rafi Ali found himself thrown a lifeline by Tampines Rovers as the club & him agreed to a 6 months contract
The deal will last until the mid-season transfer window when Stags coach Vorawan Chitavanich will decide if Rafi Ali will get a new deal.
Tampines Rovers Chairman Teo Hock Seng was delighted to have captured Rafi Ali & dismissed the claims of critics about Rafi Ali being past the hill & unworthy of a contract in the S-league.
He stated Rafi Ali could still be a valuable player for both nation & club.
Still Teo Hock Seng warned Rafi Ali must prove his worth with the club or he can expected no new contract during the mid-season transfer window.
However Teo Hock Seng stated that it will be coach Vorawan Chitavanich who has the final say on Rafi Ali fate with the club & he will not interfere with the decision.
Meanwhile Rafi Ali was delighted to be still playing football in the S-league but he felt he had nothing to prove to anybody as he was confident of his own abilities.
This will be Rafi Ali 3rd stint with Tampines Rovers after 2 previous time with the club in 1996-1997 & 1999.