The Singapore Under-15 football team is set to compete in the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival, scheduled from October 24 to 30 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The squad, named by the Football Association of Singapore on October 16, features 14 players selected through extensive scouting across local youth leagues and development programs.
Among the players is 14-year-old forward Kyen Sasikumar, who currently trains with Atletico Madrid’s academy in Spain. Kyen’s journey includes a move to Spain in 2022 with his family, followed by successful trials that led to his signing with Atletico’s youth setup. Over the past season, he has demonstrated notable attacking prowess, recording 50 goals in 83 matches while regularly covering distances close to 9 kilometers per game and reaching top speeds near 29 km/h. His experience in Spain has contributed to his tactical development, particularly in positioning, movement off the ball, and understanding of the game’s demands.
Kyen, whose father is former Singapore national team defender R. Sasikumar, highlighted the challenges of adapting to a new environment and language but said it has strengthened his discipline and mental resilience. He aims to establish his own identity in the sport, focusing on teamwork and contributing to his national side’s success.
Singapore’s group stage draw places them in Group P alongside Guatemala, Honduras, Canada, Guinea, and American Samoa. The tournament features 191 teams competing in an eight-a-side format, with each match consisting of two 20-minute halves. Teams will play a round-robin qualification phase comprising four to five matches to determine placement into subsequent tournament tiers. The top-tier winners will be crowned champions of the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival.
The Singapore squad includes players developed through the Unleash The Roar! National Development Centre, Singapore Sports School, and Lion City Sailors, alongside overseas-based talents such as midfielder Edam McCulloch from Alcobendas in Spain. Head coach Ashraf Ariffin emphasized the importance of international exposure, noting that competing against diverse opponents will help the players adapt to different tactical styles and prepare for the rigors of international football.
The visit of French World Cup winner Paul Pogba to the team’s training base at the Kallang Football Hub on October 12 served as additional motivation for the squad. Pogba’s message underscored teamwork, dedication, and national pride, themes that resonated strongly with Kyen and his teammates.
As one of three forwards in the lineup, Kyen is expected to bring a distinctive attacking dimension to the team’s play style, drawing on his experience in European competition. The coaching staff hopes his skills and competitive mindset will be valuable assets as Singapore seeks to make a strong impression in the tournament.