Before returning to Singapore after completing the journey with Nanyang Technological University at the 2025 International Youth Student Football Tournament - THACO Cup, Head of Delegation Muhammad Syafiq Bin Juffri shared with Thanh Nien Newspaper about the story of school football in Singapore, and hoped to soon return with Nanyang players to the Vietnamese student football field to once again prove their abilities.

Nanyang Technological University team gave their all

- What did the Nanyang Technological University team get back after their adventure at the 2025 International Youth Student Football Tournament - THACO Cup?

We would like to express our sincere thanks to the tournament organizers, Thanh Nien Newspaper as well as all those who have created a meaningful playground for Nanyang Technological University in particular and Southeast Asian teams in general.

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

The first thing that the Nanyang Technological University players get is to prove themselves. For student players, being able to show themselves on a big stage is a privilege, as well as a very important step for them to grow up. Through 2 matches, we have devoted our efforts to understand what we have and what we lack. This is a stepping stone to further improvement for the future.

The second benefit is to strengthen the solidarity between universities and colleges in the region. We came to compete together. On the field, we are opponents. Off the field, we are all friends. We are happy that Nanyang Technological University has contributed a small part to building friendship between countries. Hopefully in the future, Nanyang Technological University will return to the tournament.

- Although it is a university with a top-class training level in Asia, the players of Nanyang Technological University are not only good at studying, but also very good at playing football. What is the secret?

I think the key lies in the mindset of both managers and students. For students, knowledge is not only acquired in the classroom, but can also be accumulated through sports activities.

Through sports, students learn discipline, perseverance, teamwork skills and team spirit. These are the great values ​​that sports bring.

In Singapore, school sports are encouraged. About 70% of schools here always have playgrounds and special facilities for sports practice. We want students to develop comprehensively in terms of physical, mental, knowledge and skills. Each aspect is like a piece on a pizza, missing any detail is incomplete.

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

At Nanyang Technological University, we have 24 sports teams, from football, table tennis, badminton, tennis, swimming... Students are encouraged to practice sports to develop themselves. We recommend that students practice football this week, then taekwondo the week after, aikido the week after. Students can try a little bit of each sport to improve and discover their own potential.

In most schools, admissions officers will look at grades to evaluate students. However, we encourage students who are good at sports or have artistic talents such as singing, dancing, etc. to come to Nanyang Technological University. The development of cultural and sports movements is always promoted to contribute to shaping the personality and character of students.

Vietnamese players have high fighting spirit

- Thanks to different thinking, Singaporean school sports have made great progress?

Schools in Singapore always focus on comprehensive training. Although, being good at studying and playing sports is not easy. However, with the support of the Singapore Government and a specialized student player training program, we have a tournament system and methodical training methods to help players both study well and play smart.

The Nanyang Technological University players are really smart. They have in-depth football knowledge to analyze situations. After every match, the players sit down and watch videos, point out what went well and what didn’t, and consider whether they can do better.

PHOTO: NTU SPIRIT

We have a special player in Jerome. He studied Sports Science and is very good at analyzing matches and reading statistics. Jerome always observes everything carefully to make judgments and advise the coach and players.

At Nanyang Technological University, players and coaches always have two-way interaction. That is, the coach speaks, the players can argue and debate. Then the coach will listen. We always communicate frankly to improve together.

- What do you think about Vietnamese student football teams?

I highly rate both Ton Duc Thang University and Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Of course, Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism is better, because they are a sports training school. The players are agile, skillful and play with a fiery spirit.

However, the Ton Duc Thang University football team is also commendable. They have a team that plays hard and has good facilities. The artificial turf is very good, the stands with a capacity of about 7,000 spectators are also good, along with quality changing rooms and equipment.

I am impressed by the fighting spirit of Vietnamese student players. They are always determined to prove their worth, full of desire to express themselves to rise up.

- If the student playground is upgraded, will this be a bridge for student players to become professional?

The difference between school football tournaments in Singapore and Vietnam is that in Singapore, participating schools will pool money and share the costs to organize the tournament. In Vietnam, you have sponsors to contribute.

I highly appreciate the 2025 International Student Youth Football Tournament - THACO Cup, because I know Thanh Nien Newspaper has made efforts for the playground. The tournament is very good and will be even better.

PHOTO: INDEPENDENCE

In Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand or Indonesia, the school football system is organized densely and systematically. For example, in Malaysia, teams play in many different tournaments, then there will be a tournament that gathers the champions (called the Champions League of Malaysian student football) to find the number one team. Thanks to the tournaments running continuously through each region or each state, many student players have grown up.

Hopefully in the future, Vietnamese school football will have more quality tournaments so that students have the opportunity to compete and grow. In Singapore, we have a few student players who have become professionals. Hopefully Vietnam will do the same.

If possible, increase the number of matches and the scale of the tournament to maximize the potential of student players. I wish Thanh Nien Newspaper's playground to grow stronger and stronger to help student football take off!

Thank you for the chat!