The 21-year-old forward is aiming to score five times at this year’s South-east Asian (SEA) Games in Myanmar after being named in the Singapore national under-23 squad for the biennial meet. He believes five goals could help his country finally land that elusive first SEA Games men’s football gold medal.
“The SEA Games has about four to five games, so one goal for each game seems to be a good target,” said Shahfiq.
“The five goals are my own target and although I’ve yet to score a goal in an international game and it will be difficult, I’m confident because we have a very strong team. Hopefully, Hariss and the wingers will be able to assist.”
Singapore under-23 head coach V Sundramoorthy welcomed Shahfiq’s confidence.
“He said that? Well, I’m happy that he is motivated enough to want to score more goals. I believe it’s possible,” said the former Singapore international.
Shahfiq, who is set to feature in tomorrow’s friendly against 2011 SEA Games silver medallists Indonesia at the Jalan Besar Stadium, played in the 2009 SEA Games in Laos.
He believes the current squad has a very good chance of striking gold this year.
“For me, I have been doing well during the MSL and this would be my time to shine for the team,” he said. “Furthermore, this will be the last SEA Games for (defender) Safuwan (Baharudin) and (midfielder) Hariss Harun, so they will go all out and give their best to get the gold medal.”
Despite limited opportunities and a fractured metatarsal, Shahfiq still came off the bench to score vital goals for the LionsXII, including the equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Perak in Ipoh on June 25 that kept their MSL title hopes alive — they clinched the title a week later in the 4-0 win over Felda — and finish as the LionsXII’s second-highest scorer after captain Shahril Ishak (8).
But the national under-23 side need to show their mettle against Indonesia U-23 to boost their chances of getting their nomination for this year’s SEA Games rubber-stamped by the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC).
Shahfiq believes the confidence and experience he gained from this year’s MSL season will benefit the team. “There definitely will be pressure. But it is our home ground so we must not be afraid and I’m confident we will win.”
