By Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports
58-year-old Siti Rosnani of Nanyang CSC is the oldest participant of in this year’s edition of the 5-a-side Women’s Football at the Community Games. (Photo 1 © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)
Kovan Sports Centre, Sunday, June 1, 2014 — For 58-year-old Siti Rosnani, age did not deter her from taking part in the Community Games.
Representing Nanyang Community Sports Club (CSC), she is the oldest participant in the 5-a-side women’s football tournament.
“It’s good for me to come out here and exercise and also to share my experiences with the younger ones,” said Siti. Siti has been playing football since her teenage years. The former women’s national footballer took part in the 1985 SEA Games, where the team won a silver medal. Siti retired in 1995 and now devotes her time to coaching and imparting her knowledge to the younger generation.
“There is no women’s football team at the Jurong area, so we are building up the team to prepare for the Women’s Premier League,” added the 58-year-old player-coach, who is participating in the Community Games for the first time.
“Coaching is more stressful, because you have to give instructions. When I was a player, I only had to listen to instructions. Now I know how my coach felt,” laughed Siti. Siti oversees a growing team of 18 players, and is looking to expand the team to suit up for the professional Women’s Premier League, which is run by the Football Association of Singapore.
“It’s good to have the young and old in a team together. It’s like a family already. We joined the Community Games to let everyone experience the feel of a competition,” said Kamisah Mohd Haji. The 49-year-old is the team manager of the Nanyang CSC women’s football team.
51-year-old Hamidah Binte Haron said, “I’m happy to play together with everyone, because we’re a team of mixed generations. A mixed team like this is much better than an all-young or all-old team. A mixed team will have a balance of experience and stamina.”
On why Siti and herself are still playing football at their age, Hamidah added, “Sports is our life. We must keep fit and healthy always.”
The Nanyang CSC football team trains together every Saturday at the field and street-soccer court near Blk 850, Jurong West Street 81.
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