After Hassan Sunny & Izwan Mahbud, Hougang United’s Zulfahmi Arifin has also jumped on the bandwagon to sign for Chonburi FC in which he will play an active role in the new Toyota Thai League 2018 season.
Ever since the Thai League (PLT) announced their new foreign player quota of 3 Universals Player + 1 AFC Player + 1 ASEAN Player last year, Thai football clubs have been busy keeping track of some of the outstanding players from around the region this season. And it is no surprise that the best from Singapore are snapped up immediately after the conclusion of the 2017 Great Eastern Hyundai S.League last month.
For Hougang United’s Zulfahmi, holiday break is certainly not on his schedule after the season ended. After an impressive trial with the Sharks, the Singapore Midfielder pen a 1 year contract with the new club. Yesterday, Chonburi FC has also officially announced the new signing of Zulfahmi.
The former Hougang United’s Midfielder was extremely excited over the new adventure as he shared his immediate plan and thoughts with Junpiter Futbol.
“Now that I have earned the contract, I really want to adapt myself in the new environment as quickly as possible. The pace of the game is much faster here but I enjoy that. So what I am going to do now is to improve my fitness and cope with the fast game. Nevertheless, I am sure I am at the right place to improve myself. And hopefully, I can have a good season and get into the Suzuki Cup squad, “ said Zulfahmi.
Although news of Singaporean players and many other talented ASEAN players heading for a greener pasture, in particular the Thai League, are alarming the local & ASEAN football industry, the deputy CEO of Toyota Thai League & AFC Consultant, Benjamin Tan is not surprised.
“Yes, with the new foreign player quota arrangement, we did expect the influx of ASEAN players, that of course include Singapore players to Thai League. In fact, this is part of our League’s strategy to position Thailand as a hub of ASEAN football and this policy has certainly created a positive hype in Thailand and the region as well,” said Benjamin when he was asked by Junpiter Futbol to comment on the current situation of ASEAN players signing up by Thai League clubs.
“Introducing ASEAN players to play in the region’s strongest league will raise the technical standards of ASEAN players and make ASEAN teams stronger. Thai players will benefit from playing along other ASEAN best players thus making the the National Team stronger. Commercially, this attracts potential sponsors from ASEAN region and lastly, we want to promote Thai League to fans regionally who will be following actively not only their countrymen but also the League. We are talking about 650 million fans here. There is already a strong following and we can make it more attractive and engaging, ” added Benjamin.
To read up more on Junpiter Futbol’s visit to Chonburi FC, Click Here.
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