He IKHSAN Belittled

His last name requires little introduction. The Fandis are Singaporeʼs answer to the Beckhams – but 18-year-old Ikhsan Fandi Ahmad seems impassive. Nurul Farahin finds out why.

A chiselled jawline, solid biceps and washboard abs. Those hours in the gym have paid off and he is not shy to show off his gains to his 56,000 followers on Instagram.

A Calvin Klein model? No, Ikhsan Fandi Ahmad is one of Singaporeʼs Young Lions footballer who is reigning supreme on the pitch.

“I’m not my dad”

Although he has been the centre of attention to many, Ikhsan still feels like he is living behind his iconic fatherʼs shadows. And while he understands the nagging interest comes with carrying the surname, he is getting sick of it. The Garena Young Lions striker says: “I donʼt usually get called by my name.

Itʼs always ‘Eh, thatʼs Fandi Ahmadʼs sonʼ”.

However, he says the younger generation seems to be more familiar with him and is using the recognition as a fuel to become a better player. Ikhsan is determined to create a name for himself and hopes to make it big based on his own merit.

“I think I have shown some of my qualities. God willing, one day I can be as great or even better than my dad,” he dreams.

Ikhsan has demonstrated tenacity and skillful footwork on the pitch. The public first caught a glimpse of Ikhsanʼs talent at the 2015 Lion City Cup.

After a poor start against Liverpool Under-15s in August three years ago, Ikhsan took it upon himself to inspire a comeback to the game af ter the first break. He made headlines after duly lighting up the competition with a perfect hat-trick against the visiting team. While Singapore would eventually lose 5-3 in the semi-finals penalty shootout, Ikhsanʼs exploits left an indelible impact on the local fans who had barely seen him play. For the infantry trooper from Maju Camp, it is still one of his fondest memory of his career.

The close shave to the results however remains as one of Ikhsanʼs most devastating loss. Although he has scored all three goals in the game, he hopes to have done better if not for the save of his free kick and his denied goal from a Liverpool custodian. Despite the massive outpour of congratulations and recognition, the third Fandi to grace the field considers getting hate messages a norm.

Ikhsan vs Ikhsan

“Haters gonna hate,” he laughs candidly. “I pay no mind to negativity or those who say that I will never be better than my dad. My dad is not playing football anymore; itʼs our (his brother Irfan and his) turns so just shhhh.”

On how he deals with the high expectations, Ikhsan says: “Iʼve gotten used to it. I just try stay focus on my goals and train hard.“ Like his brother, Irfan Fandi Ahmad, 20, has come to terms that negative comments is a small price to pay for the fame that comes with it.

“I feel like Iʼve done enough for people to see that I have my own strengths and skills in football,” the eldest of five sibling shares. “I always try to be the best version of myself and give 110% in trainings. As long as I give my best, nothing can bring me down. ”

In 2013, Irfan was named as one of Goal.comʼs Top 20 Southeast Asian Rising Stars. The next year, he became one of The Guardianʼs 40 best young talents in world football. While he admits his brother has received more attention than him, Ikhsanʼs faith is unshaken.

“Iʼm obviously very proud and happy for him. Hopefully, I can get into those lists too. For now, Iʼm only competing with myself,” he says.

His ‘Ikhsan vs Ikhsanʼ mentality is what keeps him grounded. “My dad gives too many good advices. The best one is to always be humble,” he shares. The young strikerʼs optimism and high-spirited demeanour also often inspires his fellow team mates. Muhaimin Suhaimi, 22, who plays forward in the same club says: “Ikhsan has a winning mentality even in training. He encourages me to be a better player. His humility is his best trait. Respect!”

“Ikhsan is a smart striker who knows his positioning well and turns into a monster during matches. He can go further if he is given better exposure,” He adds, admitting that although Ikhsan has the physical presence to be the target man, he has not been receiving the platform he deserves to define his talent.

Looking Forward

While Singapore is working towards providing more opportunities to cultivate an active lifestyle, Ikhsan agrees that it has a limited sports ecosystem to help him grow as a footballer. After the government cuts its funding to Singaporeʼs only professional sports league – S League - from $16 million to $8.5 million for 2018, many players like himself, are uncertain of their future. National players have left the local scene in search of ‘a better tomorrowʼ. Last December, goalie Izwan Mahbud has inked a one-season deal with Thai League 2 (T2) side Nongbua Pitchaya, following the footsteps of many others who have ply their trade ov erseas.

Now one of the most marketable athletes in Singapore, Ikhsan and his brother, are set to attend trials with Leeds United next year after they complete their National Service (NS) in February. If successful, that is another tick off Ikhsanʼs bucket list whose hope is to carve out a career in Europe.

When asked if he has dreams to become the next Fandi Ahmad, the young footballer answers: “No, I will be the first Ikhsan Fandi - the great footballer that always lends a helping hand to people in need and a good person on and off the pitch.”

For other aspiring footballers who look up to him, Ikhsan only has one advise:

“Keep training hard and donʼt listen to the haters! If you want to become a footballer, go for it donʼt let anything stop you,” he affirms with a smile that wouldmelt the hearts of many.