Interview with #TeamKlipsch’s Al-Qaasimy (GIFC)

We caught up with Al-Qaasimy (Qimy), blistering wingback from Geylang International FC, and we are excited to have him talk to us about his career’s highs and lows, and the journey to where he is today.

Klipsch:
Thanks for taking time out Qimy. It’s really good to have you on board with us on #teamklipsch.

Qimy:
It’s great to be on board. Thank you for believing in local athletes.

Klipsch:
Let’s get the ball rolling. People see you as who you are today, in the national team and at the prime of your football career, how did all this start?

Qimy:
I started playing football at 10, in Tampines Primary School. We did well, really, as a team. And when I was 12, I got called up into the Singapore Combined Schools Team. You know when that happens, you start to take football seriously; not as a career yet, because at 13, you don’t think of careers, but people were starting to see that you could possibly have a talent in that area. Those thoughts got me to go for a trial in the Singapore Sports School, and I was the second batch of students to get enrolled in there! It was really cool, because I could pursue both my academics and my football. I spent 4 years there.

Klipsch:
Ah, were you playing at a national level already back then?

Qimy:
Yes yes, I was with the U13s all the way to U16s. I stayed in there even after I went to Republic Polytechnic, where I got my diploma. 

Klipsch:
Then you went to Young Lions?

Qimy:
I graduated from the Singapore Football Academy and got into Young Lions at 18. That was when I started to think to myself, this could possibly be my career.

Klipsch:
Tell us what happened at Young Lions! Everyone noticed you when you were playing there!

Qimy:
Haha, I played with Young Lions for 5 years, captained the team in the last 2 years. It was a dream come true! There were senior players there like Hariss in there, and they were a major inspiration in my career. Very grateful to have played alongside them.  It was also at Young Lions where I received my first national call up.

Klipsch:
So how did it feel like having your first call up?

Qimy:
OVERWHELMING! For me, to play for the Young Lions is already an amazing opportunity, but to play and represent Singapore… It’s a lifelong dream. I have grown up watching Baihakki, Shahril, and now to see them day in day out, joking with them, up till today, I find it really unbelievable. The biggest highlight would probably be my call up to play against Juventus. I was actually in tears when we sang our National Anthem. I was so moved, because it was the grand opening match of our Sports Hub, and I was representing my country against a football giant like Juventus! I really cannot believe I was playing football amongst the greats!

Klipsch:
How did it feel going up against Juventus?

Qimy:
Honestly, I was more overwhelmed by the fact that I am to play for Singapore. I was pumped up to play against Juventus, but to represent Singapore was the highlight of the day! I really wanted to show Juventus they are not here just for an exhibition match! We showed them respect, but we needed to show them what we were capable of! I really gave my everything! I think the Juventus players knew I was really serious. At half time, I asked Giovinco for his jersey at the end of the match. He said he would give it to me if I didn’t tackle him like I did on Patrice (Evra).

Klipsch:
You are never intimidated by any big names you are up against!

Qimy:
I carry this mentality, that it is just another day in the office. Don’t think too much about your opponents, think about ourselves! If you worry too much, it doesn’t help. What would help is that you focus on your strengths, be aware of your opponent and just give your best.

Klipsch:
That is really no bulls**t.

 Qimy:
(Laughs) I know!

Klipsch:
We’re sure it’s not always sunny days for you in football! Were there times of difficulties?

Qimy:
Definitely, it’s not always easy. I remembered when I was 18, I was really worn out from football! I was on the verge of hanging up my boots, giving up the dream. You know, find a job working behind a desk. My passion died down, because of the mundane routine everyday. Like, an athlete burn out you know? I felt like I missed out on friends, family time, and I felt bad about all that. But my family was supportive. My Dad was really worried and concerned about me. Thank God I got the Young Lions call up. It felt like God telling me to give it another try. If this works out, then it will be OK. Looking back, I am glad I held on, and all the determination and patience paid off.

Klipsch:
Would you have done the same thing if you could turn back time?

Qimy:
I am so glad to be where I am now! I am very happy to play in the national team and for Geylang International. And I have time to pursue my Bachelors’ during my free time. I have the best of both worlds. I am glad I ran after the football dream, and now I can work on both my football and my studies.

Klipsch:
We really salute you, you went after your dream. You’re really a local hero…

Qimy:
I am just really grateful to be where I am today.

Klipsch:
So, you had tough moments off the pitch, but who would you think is the toughest opponent you had on the pitch?

Qimy:
Definitely Giovinco. He’s so small, silky and tricky. Definitely was the livewire of Juventus in that game. I had to chase him everywhere during the game… I had a tough time against Evra and Pogba too. I also remembered being up against the U21 France Football Team. We were up against Kingsley Coleman and Kurt Zouma! That was a tough one too.

Klipsch:
Do you think Singapore will have that kind of quality one day?

Qimy:
I don’t know to be honest! This year, S League’s crowd has improved. Quality improves when viewership and support improves. Behind the scenes, the players’ passion has always been there. But the support we receive acts as a form of motivation for us. Our players work hard. And when we hear haters, it can be quite hurtful, things they say and do. At the end of the day, we are local Singaporean sons trying to give our best! We’re really happy and motivated when we hear our fans. In Geylang International, we have a team of Ultras. Supporters. Every game they are singing, winning or losing, they sing. They mean a lot to us.

Klipsch:
Thanks for being so honest with us Qimy! We are so happy to have someone like you in Team Klipsch!

Qimy:
Same here definitely! Music is such a big part of my life. I listen to music everywhere; when I’m driving, in my room, while eating, before games, before training. Music makes my world revolve. Music can make me happy, make me sad, make me angry. I grew up with music. And to listen to music with Klipsch, it’s just amazing! The kind of quality of music I am getting now, it really gets me going!

Klipsch:
We’re glad Klipsch is doing your music justice. Thanks for taking time out to talk to us! Here’s to a great second half of the season with Geylang International FC!

Qimy:
Thanks guys!

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Al-Qaasimy currently endorses Klipsch. To piss off the neighbours, he uses the Klipsch Soundbar R10B for his home and Klipsch Groove portable speaker for his travels with the national team. For his personal listening, he dons the Klipsch R6 On-Ears and R6i In-ears. Listen like a champion, listen like Qaasimy, listen with Klipsch.