Despite his diminuitive stature, Hami Syahin is a standout performer in midfield for the Lion City Sailors and the Singapore national football team. With his clean technique and tenacious spirit, he’s asserted himself well for his teams as a reliable technician that can keep the tempo and possession deep in the middle of the park.
He’s set his sights higher for the coming season, with a desire to play further up the pitch as an attacking force while also chipping in more goals and assists in a team packed with talent.
We met Hami at the launch of the new Lion City Sailors kit at the adidas Brand Centre Orchard to learn about his need for speed (boots), his proudest achievements and his ability on the turf.
BOOTHYPE: What has been your most favourite moment of your career so far?
Hami: It has to be the recent ACL2 Final. As a Singapore player, you don’t get to those stages often. To play in a full house (at Bishan stadium). Wow, I’ll never forget that day.
BOOTHYPE: Do you prefer to score a goal or provide an assist?
Hami: In my position? I’ll prefer an assist though scoring would be a bonus. My objective is always to support my teammates. If I can provide an assist, that’ll be job done for me.
BOOTHYPE: What are your strengths as a footballer?
Hami: I always see myself as a visionary player. I like to give those passes in between the lines, breaking down the defences – quite shiok haha!
BOOTHYPE: What would be your preferred position? We know you play often in the middle but in the ACL2 Final, you were an inverting full back
Hami: Personally, I’d like to play attacking midfielder. Though lately I’ve been converted into a defensive position and defensive role. But as long as I can help the team, I’ll do my best in whatever position.
BOOTHYPE: You moved from playing in a control boot to a speed boot in the form of the adidas F50. Tell us what prompted that change
Hami: I was looking for for something that made me feel more resilient and more bold as a player. When I put on the F50, I felt really good. It was light, comfortable and I felt the close control on the ball too.
BOOTHYPE: You’re not the biggest guy on the pitch. How did it fare for you in the ACL competitions, playing against bigger men from Australia, Middle East etc.
Hami: Since young, everyone has been talking about my size. It’s not just about physique. It’s also about mentality. I may not be physically big, but I think I have to add something different to my game to compete. I have to work harder than everyone else.
BOOTHYPE: What are your goals for the coming season?
Hami: More assists for sure and I’d like to score a few goals since I had none last season haha. As a team, winning the SPL, the cups. We want to win everything. And if we can get to another ACL final, we’d like to bring home the trophy.
