Written by: Kenneth Ho

Ignatius Ang is aiming to advance a step further in his career next season by earning a call-up to the Singapore national team.

The quick-footed winger has improved immensely since he joined Balestier Khalsa in 2015, and his performances have seen him earn a move to Warriors FC.

While Ang was grateful to the Tigers for giving him a chance to prove his worth, he admitted it was hard to say no to Warriors when they came calling.

“One of the officials gave me a call and told me they were interested in me. And Warriors are one of the biggest clubs in Singapore – it’s an honour and it’s hard to say no,” Ang said.

“As of now, I have not set any target for myself. But I just hope to contribute in one way or another for Warriors in terms of goals or assists. After all, one individual can only do so little. It’s a team effort.”

Besides hoping to help Warriors earn silverware, Ang will also be battling hard to earn a maiden call-up to the national team, a feat he believes is more achievable now that the LionsXII have disbanded and most of the players have rejoined the S.League.

“Since we and the former LionsXII players are all now on the same level of playing field, there is no excuse for those that are playing well not to be picked,” he said.

“Frankly speaking, I was silently hoping to be called up to the national team this year with some of my notable performances but maybe it wasn’t convincing enough.

“I will just continue to work hard and hopefully, it will come soon. I’m no different from the rest, is every boy’s dream to play for their national team.”

First, Ang will have to fill in big shoes as he will most likely be a direct replacement on the right wing for former Singapore international Shi Jia Yi, who has been released by Warriors..

“Jia Yi was one of the players I looked up to when I was young. He is one of the best technical player in Singapore,” Ang shared. “Of course it will be hard to fill in his shoes but I hope to be able to provide other form of contribution for Warriors in the upcoming season since we are quite different in our playing style.

“No pressure for me but it will be good if I can play even better than him.”