Every good team in the world has an inspirational captain, someone who is willing to take the load on his shoulders when chips are down. We have seen the likes of Roy keane, Stevie G and John Terry leading their teams to recent successes and Lanxer did likewise. Well, so huge credit must go to Lanxer for putting together such a strong team that proved too much for the rest of the Division Two to handle.
Personal Profile
Name : Tan Chun Kiat, Lanxer
Age : 28
Position : Midfielder
Jersey no : 4
Height : 178cm
Weight : 75kg
Interview
Recall your childhood days... ...
"I was never involved in soccer till late primary school. I think it was only until primary 6 then i started to play with some friends in badminton courts. I think I only fully blossomed in the game when I entered secondary school. I would even go to the extent of playing one hour of soccer before my morning assembly at 730am!!!
Looking back, its still a regret for me as soccer was not considered a core sport in my secondary school, hence i didn't have proper coaching and exposure to the game. Although I was in the school team , we only played some friendlies. I wished i had more chances to learn the game when i was younger!"
How was it growing up with 2 brothers and a football??
"Haha!! Of course the younger ones are bound to get influenced when they have a eldest brother who is so passionate about soccer. We used to play in our block void deck with some childhood friends with plastic balls & barefooted. I remembered that i used to teach them how to kick the ball properly and would whine at them if they kicked with their toes! Oh, and due to my influence, all three of us were Liverpool fans since young. We'll impersonate as Liverpool players when we were young and then shout across the void deck with names from EPL at that time. I think Hao was Peter Beardsley, I was John Barnes and Francis was Ian Rush! Thinking abt it now makes me laugh! Gradually we raised the standard and started playing with leather balls and finally out of void decks. Those were the days , you only know want to put the ball through the goal and nothing else matters. Sometimes i even resort to waking up my brothers, just to have a sparing partner to kick a ball...
Any recollections of happy times playing football?
"I recall I used to start a revolution of playing soccer. We used to have a weekly affair on Sunday morning at 730am, where my friends, cousins and brothers would play at the basketball court rain or shine. I think its was wonderful to have some of them coming from places like Tampines and Chua Chu Kang. Imagine soccer with all your family members and close friends!! It was really good fun!"
Soccer acheivements??
"I don't think I have major trophy/medal to show for in soccer although I have lots more in track & field. Hahaha... I can remember for a certain year , I was roped in by a primary sch friend to join his team. That team was mainly kitchen staffs from a restaurant. A lot of them were 5-10 yrs my senior. I was astonished when I joined them for a friendly game ,3/4 of the team knew nuts about soccer tactics. They only knew how to kick a ball. I picked it up from there and of course imparted my knowledge and skills them. I would not say I know a lot but it really transformed them. Respect to them , they were willing to listen to someone who are their junior. That’s a good start to my leadership capabilities. The team was willing to sponsor my everything , jersey to boots and even transport. My team then went on to have their first full kit jersey."
I heard you taught your two brothers how to play soccer. How did it all happen? Are you proud of their skills and achievements now?
"I tried to impart my knowledge to my brothers since young, including the rules and laws of the game. I was often asked to join in for friendly games , and as they grew older and ready for field play , I'd brought them along... By watching soccer on TV , I answered their doubts about the game. Through discussion, they learned about the wonderful GAME. I glad each one of them have shown some potential . I would still relish a good game of football with 3 of us running the show.. Hahaha"
How issit possible for you to free up every sunday for soccer even after you got married? How supportive is your wife in your soccer? Any tips for the fellow Married Personnels in the team?
"It’s a coincidence , I only start to play Sunday soccer when I met her so we have a understanding that Sunday is soccer for me. I glad she shows me her support. We try not to plan any activities for Sunday. However, she would get worried whenever she sees me wounded. She would also try to console me if I have bad days in soccer."
I heard you have a room in your apartment painted red and specially dedicated to Liverpool FC!!! Tell us more abt it! How did you fall in love with Liverpool?
"Its remarkable that I almost supported ARSENAL…. Hahaha. My first TV match at home was that remarkable 2-0 win by ARSENAL to pip Liverpool right under their nose. Arsenal was wearing RED & Liverpool was GREY. I thought Liverpool was wearing RED... and after the game I realised I was wrong. That was where Liverpool started. I was all into it ever since. back then there was no internet, so magazines or newspaper was the only way to get closer to Liverpool. Every week I would buy MATCH or SHOOT... hoping to see my Liverpool idols and keep their posters.
I have a full blooded Liverpool room in my house. It's painted RED. Although its not glamoruous yet, all my mercendise and collections all these years are in that room. Hope you guys have a chance to visit it someday! The last piece of the puzzle would see me visiting ANFIELD in the near future…. It will be wonderful for me"
Briefly describe your history between you and Tusser. Who brought you and your brothers in. How did you grow to commit to this team and how did you rise through the ranks to become the elite captain?
"James , Koon & me were playing social soccer in the open grass in the current SIM campus next to national library. Until Wenjie, who is my primary school friend, introduced us to a team who wants to bring in players. Those days they have a resident field at Amoy Quee (2 SIR) camp. The people there were fantastic .Every Sunday there would be games. It started a chain of association with the team. From there we brought in my friends and brothers. Then i grew to love the club and the people there and started helping Steven with the responsibilities. I was one of the younger players back then, but look at the young squad we have now!!"
Most satisfying thing abt being the captain of the team?
"Its wonderful to lead a terrifc team of skilful players. I am still learning and its always make my job so easy when the team respects you . I hoped I have gained respect."
Most dreadful thing about being the captain?
"Anyone would say its so pressurising to take responsibilities. Personally I think so too. Its so hard whenever the team goes dwon in defeat. It would take me so hard to try and cheer up the team."
Your vote for the player of the season is....?
"Hahaha... I vote for TONG. Although he play less games , majority of those he played really transformed the scoreline. Hao is a close second!"
One thing you always wanted to tell everyone in the team??
"Throw me a ball in the air !!!!! (Lanxer’s header is still one of the best in the market.)"
Any last words?
"I still see myself as a player come another good 10 yrs. I am still like my younger days. I am still disgusted when I am taken off where I would like to stay on for the entire game. Completing a good 80 mins of the whole game."
