PETALING JAYA: It is never easy filling the shoes of a talisman. Safuwan Baharudin will attest to that.
The Singaporean international has been confirmed as Selangor’s new captain, replacing Brendan Gan, whose services were not renewed and has since moved to cross-town rivals Kuala Lumpur.
In his first press appearance as captain, Safuwan, 32, said the task would not be easy as Brendan had a strong reputation during his time as captain.
“I have been with Selangor for five years now under the leadership of two Australian-born men – Taylor Regan and Brendan Gan,” he said.
“I’ve learnt from these two great men. It will be a tough task to emulate Brendan, who did a great job with the team last year but I am grateful for the opportunity to be given the captaincy,” said Safuwan, whose first stint in Selangor was from 2019 to 2022, before rejoining them last year from Negri Sembilan.
“My work is to ensure that we stay together as one, be harmonious,” said Safuwan, who is expected to play a key role for the Red Giants this season thanks to his versatility.
Last season, he was used as centreback, partnering the likes of Harith Haiqal Hanafi and Sharul Nazeem Zulphakar.
This season, he is expected to play alongside Uzbek Umar Eshmurodov at centreback but can also play as a defensive midfielder if Ghanaian Alex Agyarkwa is unavailable.
Safuwan first played in the Super League for Singapore side Lions XI from 2012 to 2015, winning the Super League in 2013 and the FA Cup in 2015.
Then he joined Police in 2016, before moving to Pahang in 2018 where he won the FA Cup and then to Selangor the next year.
With Singapore, he was one of the most experienced players, earning 110 caps, scoring 10 goals, helping them win the AFF Suzuki Cup in 2012.
With such credentials, it is only apt that Safuwan should don the armband.
Selangor fans will be hoping the lanky player will have the team going great guns again.
