SAFUWAN CONFIRMED AS A 'COP'

NATIONAL TEAM ACE AGREES TERMS WITH MSL SIDE PDRM, WHO WILL HAVE TO PAY A COMPENSATION FEE

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Dec 23, 2015 6:00am
BY SAZALI ABDUL AZIZ



Safuwan Baharudin has signed for Malaysian Super League (MSL) club PDRM FA, who represent the Malaysian police.

A picture of the national team ace was posted yesterday on a PDRM supporter group's Facebook page, and shared by the club's official account.

The photo shows the 24-year-old next to coach Fauzi Pilus, holding his contract.

The caption reads "Muhammad Safuam (sic) b Baharudin officially belongs to PDRM".

The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) confirmed the move yesterday.

An FAS spokesman said: "The FAS confirms that Safuwan Baharudin has agreed personal terms with PDRM.

"We are finalising the details of the loan agreement with PDRM, and the move is subject to the completion of regulatory procedures."

The New Paper understands among these "regulatory procedures" is PDRM handing FAS compensation, as Safuwan still has a year to go on his $15,000-a-month contract with the FAS' developmental team the LionsXII.

The figure being discussed between the two parties is somewhere in the region of RM100,000 ($32,656), which equates to just over two months' salary under Safuwan's LionsXII contract.

It is understood the versatile player will earn about $30,000 a month playing for PDRM, nicknamed The Cops.

Safuwan could not be reached for comment yesterday.

TNP had first reported on Dec 15 that PDRM were eyeing the Singapore Sports School alumnus.

Four days later, club secretary general Fuad Abu Zarim told TNP that the club were "very happy to secure the signing of Safuwan, one of Singapore's best footballers".

And late on Monday night, Safuwan posted on his Instagram account a caricature of him in a PDRM jersey with the caption: "Here we go, the cops!"

He has been one of Singapore's standout players this year.

In February, he became the first Singaporean to play in the A-League when he went on a three-month loan to Melbourne City, where he scored two goals in six matches.

Having made his name as a centre back, this year he has played mostly in midfield, which he last played during his youth.

The change has seen him enjoy his most prolific season since turning professional in 2009, scoring 15 goals for the LionsXII and the national team.

But not everyone is happy to learn of Safuwan's move to PDRM.

REACTION

While the club's fans are delighted to sign a player of his calibre - Facebook user Rahmat Abbas commented on the club's post and predicted a top-four finish for the team - Singaporean fans feel he is capable of playing at a higher level, after his A-League stint.

Instagram user k.hlmrn commented on Safuwan's post, saying "not a good choice man" alongside three crying emojis.

The sentiment was shared by various local Facebook users commenting on football pages sharing the news.

Azhar Adnan said: "Wow sorry to say (but) a suicide move for a very talented footballer. MSL (doesn't) deserve such a talented guy."

Alvin Koe added: "Wasted talent playing in the MSL. He is (ready) for better leagues in Asia."