Written by: Khalis Rifhan

Sticking true to his words, national team coach Bernd Stange has included several prominent foreign players from the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League in his squad for the Singapore Selection team to face Italian Serie A champions Juventus FC.

Stange announced his 21-man squad list which included Warriors FC strikers Nicholas Velez and Miroslav Pejic, alongside Home United Sirina Camara.

“We are treating this match as part of the preparations for the AFF Suzuki Cup at the end of this year, so most of the players are part of the national set-up,” explained Stange.

“As I have mentioned before, I have also added a few stars from the S.League who have performed well this season.”

Pejic and Velez are only into their first season in the S.League, but their partnership have netted a total of 23 goals between them. They are also an integral part of Warriors coach Alex Weaver’s ambition of lifting the league title this year.

As for right-back Camara, he has been a diamond for Lee Lim Saeng’s charges in the league with his marauding run down the flanks and deadly crosses into the danger area.

Also in the squad are Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League stars such as Warriors custodian Hassan Sunny, Al-Qaasimy, Iqbal Hussain, and Sahil Suhaimi (all from Courts Young Lions).

Majority of the players in the Singapore Selection had recently went on a two-and-a-half week training stint in Austria, where they pitted their skills against top European sides.

“I believe this squad will be able to play the sort of game I want the national team to play, and it will be a good chance to see where we stand after our recent training tour to Austria where we faced some top European teams,” added the German native who have also included Tampines Rovers players Shahdan Sulaiman and Shaiful Esah for the match.

“This is going to be a great curtain raiser for football at the new National Stadium and our players are very motivated to put on a good performance. We look forward to the full support of all Singapore fans to make it a great atmosphere and a historic night for all of us to remember.”

Singapore Selection will be led by captain Shahril Ishak (Johor Darul Ta’zim II) and vice-captain Hariss Harun (Johor Darul Ta’zim).

The friendly will take place at the revised kick off time of 6pm on 16 August 2014 at the new National Stadium located at the Singapore Sports Hub. Tickets are available through Sports Hub Tix (www.sportshubtix.sg).