FOOTBALL

North Zone ‘B’ Division
Serangoon Gardens Secondary School
Interview by Coach Dick Yip. Pictures by Leslie Tan. © Red Sports/soulbreath pictures

Karthigesan of Serangoon Gardens Secondary

Karthigesan, the diminutive midfield dynamo of the Serangoon Gardens Secondary team, was interviewed by Red Sports’ Coach Dick Yip after his game with Canberra Secondary. His school beat Canberra Sec 8-1 and he scored four goals. During and after the match, he was a picture of coolness and calm. Humble and soft-spoken in person, he explodes with pace, power and precision on the field.

Coach: "What level are you now in?"

Karthigesan: "I’m in Sec 3 this year."

Coach: "From what I’ve seen today, you have exceptional skills for a footballer. Your movement and control of the ball is excellent and your finishing is deadly. Where did you learn to play like that? From your primary school days?"

Karthi:  "No. I was from Mayflower Primary. But the school had no soccer team and did not offer soccer as a CCA. So, I took up Badminton and became the school’s captain. But I still prefer soccer as I love the game."

Coach: "So, where did you play and how did you acquire these lovely skills?"

Karthi: " Well, in those days, I often play in void decks or at Bishan park with my friends, brothers and uncles. I learnt a lot playing with them. Some skills I learnt by watching and developing myself."

Coach: "You scored 4 beautiful goals today. Your first goal, in our opinion, was the best of the match. Was it by chance or planned?"

Karthi:  :"No, I did it intentionally, hitting with my outside left foot and aiming at the top left corner of the goal."

Coach: "Which S. League team would you play for if given a chance?"

Karthi: " Home United, because they have many good players like Indra Sahdan and others. I like to join them next time but I don’t know anyone there."