Geylang International celebrate golden jubilee with book launch and fundraiser

Written by David Lee / The Straits Times / 30 Nov 2024

SINGAPORE – High-flying Geylang International commemorated their golden jubilee with the launch of their 50th anniversary book Soaring Through 50 Years Of Football at a golf fundraiser gala dinner which was attended by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the Singapore Island Country Club on Nov 29.

Founded as the International Contract Specialists Football Club by businessman Colin Ng, the Eagles made their competitive debut in the 1974 Football Association of Singapore (FAS) Division Three and were unbeaten as they completed the league and President’s Cup double.

Through the years, top local and foreign stars, such as Singapore legends Samad Allapitchay and Fandi Ahmad and Iran’s 1998 World Cup scorer Hamid Reza Estili, have passed through their doors as they swooped numerous honours in the amateur, semi-professional and professional eras across 50 years.

After the professional S-League (now known as Singapore Premier League) kicked off in 1996, Geylang continued their winning ways with the 1996 and 2001 titles, as well as the 2009 Singapore Cup. Though recent success has been lacking, Noor Ali’s side are currently third in the nine-team SPL with a league-high 70 goals from 20 games.

Reminiscing the likes of Samad, a tough-as-nails defender, and the late “Gelek King” Dollah Kassim who waltzed past defenders with ease, President Tharman said: “Geylang International is really part and parcel of the history of football in Singapore.

“It was a club that had very well-known players and great spirit, but it was also the story of Singapore football starting with so little… playing on any scrap of grass you could find. We really have to pay respect to that spirit, that combination of sheer talent, great resilience and just daring to do something.”

He stated his belief that with the support of fans and sponsors, Singapore football “can create a new generation of the same talent and the same spirit”.

Ng, who flew in specially from his home in Chicago, was filled with pride as the Eagles celebrated half a century’s existence and hope the club can return to its glory days.

Geylang adviser Ben Teng added: “We are very proud to be one of the few football clubs in Singapore that can boast of a 50-year existence. Our journey has been filled with many memories that will be etched on the minds of the football community and our passionate fans who have stuck with the club through the highs and lows.”

These moments, as well as 50 profiles of those who have played a part in the club’s journey, have been captured in Soaring Through 50 Years Of Football, which is authored by former Straits Times sports editor Godfrey Robert, ST senior sports correspondent David Lee and public relations professional Calvin Koh.

Priced at $25, the book is available during Geylang’s home match days at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

While the club seek to raise funds for their high-performance initiatives for their youth, men and women’s teams, they also donated $20,000 from the proceeds of the fundraiser to the President’s Challenge.