The Silverfox Hustle Podcast
The hustle beats talent when talent doesn't hustle. The Silverfox Hustle is all about showcasing positive attitudes, great work ethics and consistent quality work. The Silverfox Hustle will be the vehicle that will inspire, motivate and share positive stories through its extraordinary guests. Host and creator, Shasi, is a former professional football player and now a coach developer as well as a commentator and pundit. He shares all the values and beliefs of the Silverfox Hustle. Enjoy the journey and stories! Cheers!
The Silverfox Hustle Podcast
Silverfox Hustle #96 - Krishav Ram - Chasing a Dream in Portugal
What does it take for a 15-year-old Singaporean footballer to leave everything behind and chase his dreams in Portugal? Krishav Ram opens up about his journey from local academies to signing with Portuguese club Boavista FC.
The young central midfielder shares how his football journey began at age five with JSSL before progressing through LFA (now LCS Academy), where coaches recognized his potential and pushed him to play with older teams. With a Liverpool-loving father as his first coach and a supportive family network behind him, Krishav developed technical skills that would eventually catch the eye of European clubs.
After several training stints abroad, including sessions with Feyenoord and Sporting Braga, Krishav and his family made the life-changing decision to relocate to Portugal. The transition wasn't easy – from navigating language barriers and adapting to a more physical style of play to missing Singaporean chicken rice and maintaining friendships across time zones. Perhaps most touching is how his father transformed from someone who "couldn't even make tea" to cooking chicken curry for his son.
Krishav offers fascinating insights into the differences between Singaporean and Portuguese youth football, particularly the emphasis on quick, two-touch play through the middle and tactical flexibility that sees players regularly switching positions. While he admits the physical aspects of European football initially challenged him, he's adapted by playing smarter and embarking on strength training.
His perseverance has paid off with a recent signing at Boavista FC, where he'll soon compete against older players. Despite the challenges, Krishav remains grateful for the opportunity and encourages other talented young Singaporeans to consider similar paths if they're truly dedicated.
This is the Silverfox. This is episode 96. And, as usual, we've got a very good guest in the show. But before that, please click on the follow button, subscribe button. We are out on Apple Podcasts, spotify and YouTube, of course, so please click on the subscribe button.
Speaker 1:Now today we've got a 15-year-old Singaporean who is flying the Singapore flag high in Portugal Now. He had a few training stints before overseas with clubs like Feyenoord, sporting club, de Braga, as well as Boa Vista. Now his football journey in Singapore was like a typical youngster, you know, starting out, played for JSSL, the former LFA, which is now also the LCS Academy, and in 2024, I think the family, together with this boy, this 15-year-old, made that brave and bold decision to leave Singapore and head to Portugal for this young talent to test himself out and grow as a footballer and, most importantly, as a person. I think it's fair to say that it has paid off, because he recently signed for Boa Vista. Welcome to the podcast, krishav Ram. Thank you for having me. It's a pleasure, really. And let's talk about you've been away for about a year or so slightly more than a year and you're back for a short holiday. I think, yeah, how's holiday been? Are you a superstar, back here in Singapore.
Speaker 2:I mean a few people have come up to like greet me and stuff, but other than that, not really. So in terms of holidays, it's somewhat like a relief to finally be back here after like around a year. The food, all I've really missed my friends, my family. Everybody has welcomed me so nicely, in fact like a group of my friends actually came to pick me up from the airport. Yeah. So like after not much of going out in Portugal or having that much fun more like training and stuff, it's Finally like Feels really nice To have some quality time to myself. What did you miss most about Singapore? So it's Probably the food Other than my family and friends.
Speaker 1:What do you like most In terms of food here in Singapore? What's your favourite food in Singapore?
Speaker 2:Food Either chicken rice or nasi lemak. You don't get that there.
Speaker 1:Do they have like, like you know, like stalls that do sell chicken, rice and stuff?
Speaker 2:like that. No, there is a Chinese shop near my school that like they have a chicken rice, but it doesn't taste like the same as yours, not the same quality?
Speaker 1:yeah, no, no, no, yeah. So you've come back for about like, when are you going back? In August, august, mid-august, and how has it been in terms of you know, have you been watching football here in Singapore and, of course, the Lion City Cup is going on. So how has it been?
Speaker 2:for you. So it has been quite good. In terms of football, I've been watching. I've been doing a lot of extra training as well, like gym work and individual trainings. I even went to try out with the national team for the Lion City Cup Okay, but I couldn't go because I had my uncle's wedding, right, right. So I didn't, yeah, okay, but it's been good so far, great, great Now.
Speaker 1:Krishav, let's talk. Let's go back a little bit, because you know, I think we wanted to talk, or we want to talk about, you know, your efforts and your hustle back in portugal, or you know. But let's go back a little bit. You know, I think we know, that your dad is a huge football fan and a huge liverpool fan, right? How did he start, or was he the biggest influence in terms of football for you?
Speaker 2:so yes, of course he was the biggest, not just in terms of my team, but he was the one who taught me how to play and the way I was supposed to play. How do I think, how do I play quick? He's been helping me analyze my games and professional games. Before I can even remember it's been really long, and every opportunity he gets to make me a better player, he take it like no matter what sacrifices have to be made. So even the past year, like he went from not even knowing how to make tea to cooking chicken curry for me.
Speaker 1:So all these sacrifices have been made for me from him and I really appreciate it well, I think you are letting a few secrets out of the bag. With your dad, so he wasn't much of a cook, and now he's a cook already. Nice, nice, yeah. So he started out. And are you, by the way, a Liverpool fan as well? Yeah, you've got no choice. Yeah, yeah, anyone in the family is not a Liverpool fan?
Speaker 2:Actually, my grandfather's sister is a big man United fan, right, okay?
Speaker 1:okay, fair enough. Okay, fair enough. I just feel that Krisha for you and obviously I know your dad for a little bit and then your mom as well, but the family as well. When I see your IG post and when you're coming back and even when you're going, it's a huge family support kind of thing. There's a support group. Am I right to say?
Speaker 2:that. Yes, of course, it's not just my close family, like my parents, my siblings, who all helped me get through this, but it's also been my grandparents, my aunts, my uncles and even some of my close family friends Like, whether it's from ferrying me to training and back or coming to my games to support and even right now, helping me financially with the move to Portugal. They've always been by my side and I'm really grateful for this group of people who've been like with me through it all.
Speaker 1:Yeah, brilliant. You know, I think if you look, if you go back in history and stuff like that and you talk about players with making it big overseas not only as Singaporeans and others as well I think that the family unit is very important. I think you are very, very lucky in that sense to have that support. Now, did you always love the game? Obviously, your dad pushed you when you were younger, much, much younger, right. Did you always love the game? Or what other sports did you excel in, in school even?
Speaker 2:Okay. So I have tried tennis before. I've also got a junior black belt in taekwondo Lovely and at some point some a junior black belt in taekwondo Lovely. And at some point some of my coaches said, like go improve your swimming. So I tried water polo as well Okay, but all of those sports didn't compare to football, so it's really been football for me since, like I was very young, water polo, where At school or what?
Speaker 2:No, not at school, it was a club. So one of my teammates was playing water polo, okay, and we decided to just go try out and see like how we liked it.
Speaker 1:But of course I couldn't really swim, so I just no, listen, it's good that you're actually trying out different sports and you know the differences as well. You know, and I think water polo is not the easiest sport at all. You know, and yeah, so you do, you know, and yeah, so you do, you know, take part in other sports as well. I just want to ask you this right, you started off in an academy which is called JSSL, and of course, jssl is still around.
Speaker 1:How was the experience like in terms of you know the football they play and how old were?
Speaker 2:you then when you started at JSSL so I was like five, I think, yeah, so I was really really young. I couldn't. I can't remember much from what I did, but one thing that I have vividly like in my head was we always used to do like water guns after the training. So, that's one thing I really remember, like sometimes I thought, even if I didn't want to go to training, I just go for the water gun fight.
Speaker 1:Right right.
Speaker 2:Another thing is one of the trainings I was attacking like I was through on goal okay and then my father shouted at me wrong way, wrong way. So I turned around, attack the other goal, and then my coach called me why, because I was. I was going the right way. Right.
Speaker 1:My father shouted wrong way because he thought I was attacking the other side okay, so, so, so your dad is at fault again, showing you the other way. But yeah, you know, and I think what's more important, and of course, you started at five, right, and that is like preschool basically. So they don't really do much in terms of you know, tactics and whatever.
Speaker 1:It's just about playing and enjoying the game, and I think that's very important as well, because at that age you don't want to be putting too much inputs, because at that age you just want to be having fun. So you did have fun at GSSL, of course, and what age did you then leave to go to?
Speaker 2:LFA, I think when I was like 6 or 7, I left to go to LFA LFA at that time and Coach Lee was actually the one who took me into the club. He was the one who really believed in me. He gave me a lot of opportunities and he believed that I could become a really good player.
Speaker 2:Right so one of the opportunities was he allowed me to play with the older team, and that's where I met Coach Jas Lee, who was coaching me, so I was really scared of him. He was really strict on me, okay. And that's where I met Coach Jas Lee, who was coaching me, okay, so he was. I was really scared of him. He was really strict on me. Okay, wait, this was at what age this was at, I think, nine, ten or like eight or nine around there.
Speaker 1:Okay, so you left JSSL, you went to LFA and obviously Lee, coach Lee, brought you in there. And then you know, as you grew older and stuff like that, at nine you were playing for the older.
Speaker 2:Yes yeah, Right Around that age, Okay. So when I went there, Coach Jas Lee took me. He was really strict and I was really like afraid of him, Okay, but at the same time I feel like he was the one that I really grew under. Like I grew both in mentally, mental toughness, physically and like the way I play football in general. And then throughout there's one more coach. His name was Coach Achap. He was the one who really allowed me to express myself. He gave me a lot of opportunities to do what I want, just enjoy the football. Like he was the reason that I'm playing sentiment now he is the one who gave was the reason that I'm playing centre mid now. He was the one who gave me the opportunity first so what position did you play in before?
Speaker 2:so I started off as a striker.
Speaker 1:I went to winger fullbacks and then centre back and I went centre mid okay and I just want to ask you, in terms of positions, so you're playing in central midfield now. Is that your favourite position or the best position? Because there's a difference, because you may like playing forward, but you think that you know, playing in midfield is a better fit.
Speaker 2:I love to play in the midfield and I think that's also my best role, but at the same time I also love playing like center back.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I feel like I can dictate play and stuff.
Speaker 1:Let's talk football, and in terms of positions as well, what's your biggest strength if you're playing in central midfield? According to you know, in your opinion, what's your biggest strength?
Speaker 2:I think my biggest strength is either my probably passing like through passes, incisive passes or my quick thinking Okay, which allows me to get off tight spaces and stuff Nice.
Speaker 1:Are there any weaknesses that you are trying to work on at the moment? I don't know, Maybe Coach Justy before and even now in Portugal, anything that your coaches have told you? I think you need to improve on this aspect.
Speaker 2:So my coaches haven't really told me anything, but I have been trying to work on my physicality. Okay, and another thing I've been working on my entire life, like it's still not there, but it's my left foot okay, so your left foot is.
Speaker 1:Is it still, uh, in the process or in the you know Are?
Speaker 2:you still building on it? I would say so yeah.
Speaker 1:Right, okay, it's not only for standing. Yeah, yeah, so, so. So you play in central midfield, are you the? The number 6? Number 8?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I can play number 6, number 8, sometimes I play 10 as well.
Speaker 1:Nice, nice. You take pleasure in scoring or in assist more.
Speaker 2:Probably more in assist Really, because I haven't scored In a really long time.
Speaker 1:You mean in a proper game? Yes, in a proper game. Why is that so? Because you are More with Playing in a more withdrawn role, or you, you just don't wanna.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Taking a risk.
Speaker 2:Running. I mean I do play in a more withdrawn role, okay. But yeah, I also don't like risk going up that much, because I know on my team there are a lot of players that can also like do that better.
Speaker 1:Now, I think, at LFA, or obviously now the LCS, and when you went there they changed their name as well and stuff like that. You had many opportunities to go overseas for training or competitions as well. Right, how did these overseas trips help you?
Speaker 2:So these overseas trips like whether it's by myself going or like with LCS it's really given me like a benchmark, like it's really helped me notice like what level they are and like whether I can make it or not, and I feel like over the past few trips I've really been able to match up with like their quality. So that was something that really like gave me confidence that I could move overseas and train with them where?
Speaker 1:where did you go when you were at LCS in terms of countries?
Speaker 2:in LCS I've gone to the Netherlands like twice, but other than that I've mainly gone around Asia. I did go to Portugal as well two years ago, to which club I?
Speaker 1:also went to train with Bovista Ah right, okay, and so you were saying that you went there and it also gave you the confidence to okay, this is the level and you could match up to it At that time, not now, right?
Speaker 2:At that time.
Speaker 1:What did you see that you could tell that? Okay, maybe I could try and go overseas and maybe match up to them. What was the?
Speaker 2:qualities that you had. So I really felt like in terms of technical abilities, passing like quick play In Europe they really play like very quick and very fast, like very smart. So I felt like I already had that and I was able to like fit in to play with them, hopefully in like those kind of teams and stuff. That's what really motivated me.
Speaker 1:So this probably fueled your ambition in a bit to really try out overseas, maybe in the future or something like that. Yeah, that's, that's, that's great and uh, you know, we talk about that. There's so many academies here in singapore and what did you learn at at you know, even from gssl to lfa and then, of course, the lcs what did you learn most? What are the qualities that you learned and stuff like that that you know that really stuck with you till now so I've really gone through a lot of hardships throughout my career like whether it's your short career so far.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so, whether it's like a lost game or like losing in the finals, it's really been tough. But or like losing in the finals, it's really been tough, but I've always kept my head up and I think that's always something I'll keep with me, to always keep on going. Because I heard this quote. One of my friends told me, like my father's friends, he said like tough times don't last, tough people do so. I just try and follow that quote and, like I, keep it with me right, I just want to also touch on.
Speaker 1:There's this group or organisation called the Individual Football Training Organisation right, how did they get into your life in a way you know, and their influence how did this happen?
Speaker 2:okay, so in 2019, my family and I, with like a bunch of my football friends, we went on a trip to Portugal, and that's when we met the individual football training. So we trained with them for around like two or three weeks and we also trained with like another club, and that's when we like got to know them. So we revisited them as like by ourselves, without my. So we revisited them as like, by ourselves, without my friends. We revisited them like, multiple times Throughout the past few years.
Speaker 2:And they've been really helpful Right. So when I moved there, that's when I realized that like I wanted to Continue training with them. It's been really helpful.
Speaker 1:How have they helped you? You know specifically In terms of like.
Speaker 2:Probably the main thing they've helped me in is my technical abilities, like whether it's first touch to get out of the way of a defender, or whether it's using your hands or your body to shield the ball. Doing skills whatever. It's just really the technical aspect that they've really helped me in Nice.
Speaker 1:Now let's go forward a little bit and we will talk about your dive, your deep dive to Portugal, right, and of course, this had you know, your dad came into the picture, your mom, obviously, and family, the family effort as well. When we're talking about just giving everything up in Singapore, everything, and then starting something in Portugal, how did this thing come out, this idea of okay, let's, let's try?
Speaker 2:Portugal. Okay, so in 2019 as well. I went to Ajax for a training camp. That was my first like trip to Europe to play football and we had like a 1v1 tournament which I won like out of around like 100 people.
Speaker 2:I think, so, like after that we my parents were talking with the coaches and they said, like would it be possible for someone to move here and like train with any of the clubs? And then they said, like it's really difficult because they're uh, apparently they only take like excellent players, because why would they take a player of the same caliber from a different country? It's just gonna make. So after we went in 2019 again, we went to Portugal with my friends. That's when they really fell in love with the place and they realized that they wanted me to move there, not just because of the football, but like because of everything else as well.
Speaker 1:Right. So it is kind of like trying to create a pathway in terms of football and then, of course, trying to move there as well, to live there. So this happened. Were there before going there? Were there any doubts in your mind? Because it's huge, because it's you spoke about sacrifices, that's, it's huge right to leave your friends, family and whatever behind and go there. Were there any doubts in your head?
Speaker 2:uh, yeah, of course there was a lot of doubts like whether I was going to make it, I'm leaving my friends behind, whether I'll be able to get past a language barrier and make new friends as well, but the same time, I really wanted to go pro. So it was really a sacrifice that I had to make and I feel like right now, after everything I've experienced so far, it's worthwhile. So all the sacrifices that I made and all, I'm perfectly fine with it for now.
Speaker 1:Brilliant, and I just want to ask you right. So the plan was obviously all the research was done way behind, way before I mean your dad and your family tried to make things work with the clubs over there. So what was the plan in terms of school and football?
Speaker 2:So you go to school from morning till… Afternoon, sometimes Some days evening, okay, and then you go for training every day at the club, almost every day. So we have on Monday, we skip Tuesday, wednesday, thursday, friday and then Sunday is match and you spoke just now about the sacrifice and trying to learn a new language.
Speaker 1:How was that? Because starting from scratch, right, but you go to international school. Do they speak?
Speaker 2:English yeah, they speak English. So my international school they have two different sides it's English and Portuguese. So I was on the English side. So when I was learning Portuguese, honestly it was like really hard because I'm in my second year of. I mean, last year was my first year of IGCSE and for IGCSE in my old school they made us take Spanish.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And Spanish and Portuguese are like quite similar.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:So to learn both of them at the same time was like really really challenging, Right.
Speaker 1:And you take private classes as well for Portuguese.
Speaker 2:Yes, yes.
Speaker 1:Okay, so how's your Portuguese now?
Speaker 2:It's coming along, so you can speak. Yeah, I said I could speak like.
Speaker 1:With your teammates and all.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I mean speaking as in, like outside of the field. They're always speaking to me in English, so I just go along with it. But like on the field itself, if I have to speak Portuguese, I can.
Speaker 1:Beautiful. I think that's important as well. You know and you want to be. You know adapting and getting into the culture as well, and I think that's very important. You know coming into, you got to learn their culture, you got to learn their language and you know showing that. You've made that effort and I think that's great and you've made friends, how's?
Speaker 2:friends been? Yeah, made friends. How's friends been? Yeah, so I have made a lot of friends, like in football and in school and stuff. At first it was quite difficult because not just in football but in school also, there was like kind of a language barrier because they're from all over the world and stuff, but I managed to get over it. The only thing is like I don't really find as many people there like I'm close to compared to singapore, like also I couldn't really strengthen that many people there, like I'm close to compared to Singapore, like also I couldn't really strengthen that bond as much because I didn't really have time to go out like training and stuff.
Speaker 1:So we will get to that part in a little bit, right? So you are, you were. So let's talk about when you got there and the club that you were playing for. So it's SC Salgueros and you were playing for the under 15 or 14?.
Speaker 2:Under 15s.
Speaker 1:Under 15s there, and so when you first started out there, what was it like? Because obviously you've been to training stands, competitions and whatever, but now it's the real deal in terms of training every day, you know, and eating and whatever. Football, what. How was it? What were the difficulties that you faced the first few weeks, the first few months?
Speaker 2:So, of course, one of the difficulties was really the language barrier, Okay. And also another thing I noticed like I felt like I was really on par with them, like for most of the things Football-wise, yeah, football-wise Okay but the one thing that I felt like I wasn't really on par with was, like, probably, my physicality. I felt like I could match up with them in technical abilities, the speed of the play. The only thing was my physicality. At some points I was like flying during the training and stuff.
Speaker 1:We talk about that right the physicality part. So naturally are they bigger Naturally? Yeah, naturally they are. We talk about that right the physicality part. So Naturally Are they Bigger Naturally? Yeah, naturally they are. And at that age, and even last season when you went in, or last year when you went in, what did you have to do To To try to improve On that aspect?
Speaker 2:Okay, so I did like two different things. One was I started like working out Trying to Build myself and I've shot up a bit, so I'm glad about that. And the other thing was when I wasn't like like at that physical level. I was playing faster and like quicker, smarter, to try and avoid those challenges.
Speaker 1:Right, right, it's important as well. Right, I think you got to. Naturally, I don't think you'll be ever as big, you know. Naturally I'm talking about physicality. But I think if you can make do with certain things you know, try to concentrate on your strengths and, for example, your first touch. Because if your first touch is good enough. The physicality is not going to, you know, work against you. You know, if your first touch is away from a bigger player, for example.
Speaker 1:I think that's very, very important. Have you started on gym training and stuff like that there?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I go like twice a week and I try to do a lot of work on my own as well At home, where there's sit-ups and push-ups.
Speaker 1:Yeah, you know, I think I have to say I don't think you have to worry much about that physicality part and the physical aspect because I think it will come, you know, with age, right, but I think the football aspect, the technical aspects, because you look at all the so-called best players in the world, right, they're not the biggest right and in your position as well, we've seen players who are small, who make it big, right, yeah, so those were the difficulties that you faced, right, the intensity-wise.
Speaker 2:It's really really fast, faster than here. Yeah, way fast. Yeah, yeah, way faster.
Speaker 1:So what are the aspects? You see the differences, right, in terms of football levels at that age 15? And probably when you came back and you trained with the Lion City sorry, the Lion City Cup players as well and you've seen them play and some of them are your friends, right?
Speaker 2:What's the difference? So there's a lot of differences, tell me tell me Technically, tactically, physically, they're all like way ahead. But another thing that really puts them in front is like their understanding of the game, like their speed of play. Okay, so you really have to play very fast, like don't have time for like just dribbling the entire team or anything over there. It's always like one touch, two touch football, like the ball is always traveling why so?
Speaker 1:why do you think that is the difference then? That I think for us locally in Singapore, I think we can think fast, we can move fast, but what's the difference then? Like why are they then doing it and we are not doing it? Is there a reason, do you?
Speaker 2:think I mean it might be maybe the mentality, I'm not sure. But those boys there they've like grown up with each other. They all play like Street football and all they really understand what they have to do To like Bring themselves To the next level. So, like Playing faster or whatever. They understand that they have to do it. They don't wanna Especially at the big clubs. They don't really wanna Like try and show out. They're always trying to Like improve as a team.
Speaker 2:I'm not really sure how to explain. But yeah, so they're not Really individualistic.
Speaker 1:They are effective In their own positions and trying to help out the team. Because the team is more important, if I got that right Is that okay, yes, yes, yes.
Speaker 1:And I try to. You know I got something that what you said from just now that you know they understand the game better there, what you said from just now that you know they understand the game better there, in what sense tactically what, tactically, like technically, they all understand, like they know the movements that they have to make, okay, like when they have to do it, all the passes that they have to make, they always communicate a lot as well.
Speaker 1:It's like it's decision making as well, isn't it, of course? And how has the coaches there helped in that aspect? Like you know the overall football side of things, how have the coaches helped them? Do they do individual you know trainings, or do?
Speaker 2:they speak not really honestly, the coaches there. They just let us play. So like an average training for me would be like 20 minutes of like normal rondos, like another 20 minutes of possession or 30 minutes of possession and then the last around like hour we'll start just playing games and they just let us play freely, right, right are they different from our local coaches?
Speaker 1:so far, you obviously you've been to the clubs here and, and you know, you've met uh, experienced uh, a couple of coaches here as well. So what's the differences, do you think?
Speaker 2:so both coaches here and there like I've been really privileged to train under some very good coaches and both here and there are like really solid, like they demand a lot. Some are also very chill, but the main difference I've noticed, like playing for Salgueiro, is that our coaches, like are really emphasized on playing through the middle.
Speaker 2:In Portugal, yeah, in Portugal, ah right so that's when, like once I moved to Salgueiro, that's when I really started. Once I moved to Salgueros, that's when I really started like to realise I was getting more on the ball. I was able to make a bigger impact because they really played through the middle Okay.
Speaker 1:Why is that so? It's interesting because now you're talking tactics and stuff, right. Why do they want to play through the middle, do you think?
Speaker 2:I mean a lot of people will say, like, through the middle is the fastest way to go, so that I would guess that's why, but also probably because, like, we were always overloading in the middle, like, so we play like a 4, 2, 3, 1.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And we're always like overloading in the middle, especially when the wingers like come in.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:So there's always a lot of people in the middle. That's probably why we're always like overloading in the middle, especially when the wingers like come in Right, so there's always a lot of people in the middle. That's probably why we're always playing through. So even your wingers, the right and the left, they come in, they are very narrow, yeah, so we're always trying to like create an overload in the middle.
Speaker 1:It's interesting, you know, and I think we need a board for that. Sadly, we don't have a board here, but when we speak about this I get excited and it's nice to know the reasons why they're doing that as well. If that's the case, do you think the wingers feel left out sometimes Because the ball don't go to them much?
Speaker 2:I mean, no see, that's the reason they come in, it's so they can receive the ball as well. Okay.
Speaker 1:Now, if I'm the defending team, would it be easier for me then to defend through the middle?
Speaker 2:honestly, I don't think so because, like, another thing is really like the understanding between all the players, like a lot of players can play in different positions. Like at some point our center back was playing. I remember one game our center back went up. Some point our centre-back was playing. I remember one game our centre-back went up to centre-mid Our right wing was playing right back, I think and then our striker like went to right wing and everybody was just like really in sync, like communicating and all that. So that really makes it hard for the opposing team to know what y'all are going to do.
Speaker 1:You know, I think you're right. You know, I think we talk about players playing in different positions and they're not always playing in that same. If you're a right winger, then you're always staying hugging the touchline. You know, I think there's a method to it. I think it's important that there are rotations as well, and players are very smart nowadays, you know, they just don't stand on the touchline. So that's great. You have recently secured what A contract, so to speak, with Boa Vista. Yeah, a contract. How did this happen? So you were playing in the league with Salgueros?
Speaker 2:Salgueros, yeah, and then what happened then? And so I was supposed to go on trial with them, but my With whom? Boa Vista, okay, okay, but then my agents like Helped me, like Talk with them and all, and they said like, if I really want to Like improve myself, I need to start playing At a higher level. Okay, and so they signed me For Boa Vista.
Speaker 1:And then yeah, Boa Vista must Must be liking you, because they don't just Sign anyone, right. So I think it's great. So you're going to be Playing same Under 15s. So since next year, I think it's when you say next year, it means the next season, right?
Speaker 2:I mean, yeah, next season. I think the one-year-old team doesn't have a proper Division 1. Oh no, we don't have a proper Division 1. So we are going to join with the 2009 squad to play against 2009.
Speaker 1:So it's going to be quite tough, so they will be 16s then, right, yeah, okay, so it's gonna be A little bit tough.
Speaker 2:It's gonna be tough but like. That's why I'm trying to Secure a spot In the starting lineup.
Speaker 1:Beautiful man, congratulations. Thank you To be getting that spot In Boa Vista. Boa Vista, is it a matter of survival? Every single year, then, for you, do you?
Speaker 2:think so. I wouldn't say survival, I'm just trying to like enjoy myself, like while I'm in the moment, you know, like whether it's going out with my friends or like playing football, going to the gym, studying anything, I'm just trying to enjoy myself doing it. I think you spoke about.
Speaker 1:You know you didn't really have much time to go out because you have school and football and whatever right. So in that aspect there in Portugal, what are the sacrifices you have to make besides not going out with your friends so it's a leisure time right like my eating habits as well.
Speaker 2:So tell me your eating habits now. So right now I have to eat a lot, you know, to put on weight, and more so. My dad's cooking. He gets me donuts from the bakery, okay, and I drink a lot of milk as well.
Speaker 1:Right yeah Right, friends-wise sacrifices as in you can't go out much because you got to concentrate on your food, you know, whatever yeah.
Speaker 2:So, of my, a lot of time with my friends has been like sacrificed. And also another thing like here, the time difference between here and Portugal. So it's really like quite hard to get into touch with my friends from here, especially since my school ends quite late and by the time I finish they're already asleep. So what is the time difference?
Speaker 1:six, seven, seven hours, yeah, and they're already asleep. What is the time difference? Six, seven, seven hours, yeah, yeah. And how often do you keep in contact? Not with the family? Family, I'm sure, is almost like almost every day, right, but how about your friends? Do you keep in contact with any one of your Singaporean friends?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I keep in contact with like quite a few of them, Like I'm always calling them like trying to games, right, yeah, so I want to ask you this, right uh, in your whole time there so far at least what have you learned about yourself, about myself?
Speaker 2:I've really learned that like I can do it, like I had like a lot of doubts and a lot of like thoughts about like what if I don't make it, is this really worth it? But? But one thing I've learned throughout everything is that I've really been doing well and if I want to, I can. So like I'm gonna keep it up and like and I feel like all of this is really worthwhile.
Speaker 1:Beautiful. Was there any time that? Probably maybe in the first few months, when you were struggling a bit, you know, in language and whatever. Was there any time that you think no, I'm going back.
Speaker 2:I mean, there was at some point so like I just finished like a training match yeah by the way, I scored a hat trick in that training. Wow, okay, match ball to you yeah, but I scored a hat trick and then after the training I thought I did okay, and then my father started scolding me and stuff. So I was really nervous and stuff.
Speaker 1:You mean what Right after the game?
Speaker 2:Yeah, it was a training match, so I scored a hat-trick, but then he started scolding me because I wasn't moving enough, and all that.
Speaker 1:Selva, selva, selva. Yeah, so that was the point where you thought, okay, maybe, okay, you know, I think it's probably something that parents do as well you know yeah. I think sometimes we do get a little bit carried away. That happens to the most of us. But yeah, I'm sure he only meant the best for you, right, of course? I just want to ask you what are your immediate goals for Bovesta, at least for this coming season? Any personal?
Speaker 2:or individual goals for you for this coming season. I know it's going to be quite hard. It's quite a jump, like from South Harus to Bovesta. Like older team. So I'm going. I want to really try and get a spot in the starting lineup.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:That's going to be my immediate goal for now.
Speaker 1:Nice. Do you have any ambitions to get back? I don't know, because this year you had the, you know, the opportunity for the Lion City Cup right? And anything that you are looking forward to, maybe in the near future, in terms of playing or donning the national colours because I'm sure for every, every Singaporean. You want to play for the Singapore team, right?
Speaker 2:so the AFC Champions League is gonna be coming up soon for the one year older teams and they're probably gonna select some like of our age as well, so hopefully I get called up again, like I did for the Lion City Cup so that's really my aim for now as well yeah, beautiful, beautiful, and I think that's very important as well in the next few years.
Speaker 1:In terms of your, what do you wanna do? Do you want to do? Do you want to stay in Portugal? Do you want to probably Try to go To another country? Maybe, I don't know what's your.
Speaker 2:What's your thinking at the moment? So right now I'm really enjoying myself In Portugal. I'm gonna see where it takes me, but For now, yeah, I'm just trying to. I'm just gonna Focus on myself, try to improve like every like way that I can okay not really focus on like any other, like moving somewhere else or clubs I'm just trying to focus on myself, yeah right uh krisha, before we go.
Speaker 1:Okay, I just, I just want to ask you this, right would you? Because I know it's. Firstly, I've got to say first you know, and to people watching and parents, and, and what have you? Firstly, obviously you, you need to recognize the fact that you've got to say first you know, and to people watching and parents, and what have you? Firstly, obviously you need to recognize the fact that you've got to be obviously talented enough to actually try to pursue that, to take the dive, to plunge right. But this is the thing that I want to ask you do you recommend this for any youngster?
Speaker 1:like right now if I think or my dad thinks that I'm talented, Like right now, if I think or my dad thinks that I'm talented, I could make it big. Maybe Would you recommend this to a talented youngster to take that plunge.
Speaker 2:Of course I would recommend it, like it would really be worth it in the end, but at the same time it's not really all that simple, Like there's a lot of stuff behind the scenes that's going on, like stuff with lawyers trying to get like a visa and all that. It's really a lot. But if you're really like dedicated enough to make it, then I say you should go for it.
Speaker 1:Wonderful. That's a wonderful advice. I think you got to try.
Speaker 2:Yeah, of course you got to try right.
Speaker 1:If you're talented enough, you think that you can do something, just try on. And if you don't make it, then you know, at least you try and you learn something as well. You know along the way, any, I know you've got friends, you've got fans, you've got family back home and stuff like that Back home. When I say back home, it's Singapore, not Portugal. Any messages for them, you know, before you leave again in.
Speaker 2:August. I just really like to thank them for all the support, thanking them for like helping me make it through these like really tough times and always sticking by my side. I'll always be grateful for it.
Speaker 1:Krishav, I think. Thank you firstly for coming in.
Speaker 1:And I think your parents are waiting outside as well, and thanks to them as well for bringing you here, and I personally wish you all the best. Thank you so much, and Boa Vista in Portugal and, of course, your future endeavors, and I hope to see you soon Making it big in Singapore and overseas as well. Okay, thank you. This has been episode number 96 of the Silver Fox Hustle podcast, and that was Krisha Fram, you know, I think, someone who's inspirational for a 15-year-old trying to make it big in Portugal, and obviously without the help of any organization, because this has been done all by himself and obviously his family members his dad, his mom and I think that is something to be really proud of and we got to really praise the effort that has been put in. So, again, that was Krisha Fram. Before we go, please click on that follow button, subscribe button we are out everywhere on Spotify, apple Podcast and YouTube and, like I said, just click on that subscribe button till we meet again. The hustle beats talent when talent doesn't hustle. Cheers, bye.