FOOTBALL

adidas +Challenge
30 May – 3 June 2007 at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza

This story is contributed by Red Sports reader Aidil Jufri Bin Jumari. Thanks, Aidil!

When the announcer said "Chin Chai Bo Chai will play Ole Locomotive in the semifinal", everyone looked up expecting a Chinese Singaporean team. What everyone saw instead, was a team comprising Shaiful Nizam, Muhd Luqman, Abdul Hadi, Aidil Jufri, Ahmad Fuad and Muhd Sholihin. In multi-racial Singapore, we at Red Sports think that’s pretty cool.

Chin Chye Bo Chai (in white) about to kick off one of their games. © Aidil Jufri

However, far from being unconcerned about details (that’s what chin chai means in Hokkien), Chin Chai Bo Chai did well enough to qualify for the semifinals where they were beaten by eventual champions Ole Locomotive 0-2. Their achievements are impressive when you consider that there were 256 teams to begin with.

The teammates have known each other for almost five years having studied together at Jurongville Secondary School. After finishing their ‘O’ Levels last year, they are now studying in the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and some private schools. However, they still play together because of the firm friendship built up through football.

Chin Chye Bo Chye managed to snag a picture with Lionel Lewis, goalkeeper of the Singapore National team. (Left to right): Se Hao, Abdul Hadi, Aidil Jufri, Lionel Lewis, Ahmad Fuad, Saiful, Sholihin. © Aidil Jufri

"I played as a defender," said Aidil Jufri. "We aimed to be in the final but we only managed to reach third. We felt quite miserable losing in the semis but it’s still ok since we got some eyeware from adidas and $1,800 worth of adidas merchandise. But we won’t give up. We are coming back next year to rise as champions. Chin Chai Bo Chai all the way!"

So don’t be fooled next time you meet a team called Chin Chai Bo Chai. They may not be so chin chai after all.

Chin Chai Bo Chai pose with their 3rd place medals. (Left to right) Shaiful Nizam, Abdul Hadi, Muhd Luqman, Aidil Jufri, Ahmad Fuad and Muhd Sholihin. © Aidil Jufri