Mas loves football
Veteran attacker is still passionate about learning the game at 33
TANJONG PAGAR UNITED v TAMPINES ROVERS
(Tomorrow, Jalan Besar Stadium, 7.30pm)
It has been 15 years since he burst onto the Singapore football scene as an 18-year-old for Woodlands Wellington in the Great Eastern-Yeo's S.League.
Now a veteran at 33, Masrezwan Masturi's passion for the game continues to burn bright.
The versatile Tanjong Pagar United forward is anticipating an exciting match when his team take on champions Tampines Rovers at the Jalan Besar Stadium tomorrow night as both sides look to get their season on track.
"Tampines are a very good club with very good players, but we're also hungry for a win so it will be a very good tie," said the former Home United star.
"After losing two in a row, they will want to win this match, so it will be an exciting game for both teams.
"We've been working very hard to figure out what the problem with us is and we're looking forward to the game."
The Jaguars finished sixth last season, but are struggling for form this year with just two wins from eight games.
The Queenstown-based club are in 10th spot while the Stags are second, although Tampines have hardly looked convincing.
After losing 2-1 to Woodlands last Friday, the S.League giants suffered another heartbreak on Tuesday when they crashed out of the AFC Cup despite needing just a point against unfancied Myanmar outfit Nay Pyi Taw FC.
The visitors won 1-0 at Jalan Besar Stadium.
While he has enjoyed a lengthy career in the S.League, it has been more than three years since Mas last had the opportunity to add to his 22 international caps.
The attacker says he has not retired from international football and will gladly answer the call should national coach Bernd Stange come knocking.
He said: "I think every player wants to play for the national team. It is the recognition you get for the hard work and sweat you put in. If I'm given the opportunity to play for the national team again, I'd be honoured."
Having starred for Home last season before his move to the Queenstown Stadium, Mas has had the privilege of playing alongside two different marquee players in Home's Lee Kwan Woo and Tanjong Pagar's Monsef Zerka.
LEARN
Even at his age, Mas continues to learn from such players.
He said: "It's good playing alongside them because they have a lot of experience. With Kwan Woo, he has, different style, different thinking and such professionalism.
"When I came here, I was actually looking forward to learning something from Monsef. He has a different kind of professionalism and way of encouraging his teammates.
"We have to try and learn something from these kind of players. Even though I'm 33, I can still learn a lot more from them."
While he is in the twilight years of a footballer, Mas is not ready to put a number on when he will hang up his boots.
He said: "I can't say exactly how long I think I can play, but as long as a good club can offer me a good contract and as long as I'm fit and passionate about playing, I'm up for it."
We have to try and learn something from these kind of players. Even though I’m 33, I can still learn a lot more from them.
— Masrezwan Masturi on learning from marquee players Lee Kwan Woo and Monsef Zerka
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