HUMANS OF RV (HoRV): SIR ALEX FERGU-EN: INTERVIEW WITH LEE WEI EN
At the mention of “football”, the first thing that comes to mind would probably be the FIFA World Cup, a series of spectacularly exciting matches that has gotten football lovers from all around the world on the edge of their seats, screaming and cheering for their favourite football teams. Amongst the zealous fans is Lee Wei En from 6T (2015) who admits to having on several occasions downed cups of Kopi-O to stay awake through the wee hours of the morning to catch his favourite games. Undoubtedly, his passion for football transcends the difference in time zones as he rarely misses a single match during the tournament. However, Wei En is not just contented with being a fan; his dream is to be a football manager. For those of you who do not have the slightest clue about what a football manager does, he is responsible for running a football club. His responsibilities include selecting the team of players for matches, planning the strategies, motivating players before and during a match, scouting for talented young players and facing the media in pre-match and post-match interviews. Teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to achieve uncommon results. “It doesn’t matter if the team has an extraordinary player or not, so long as they’re a strong team together.” Evidently, to this aspiring football manager, it takes more than a single extraordinary player to produce excellent results. As a football player himself, Wei En values the importance of teamwork, recognising it as one of the most important aspects of football. In case you haven't realised, Wei En hopes to follow in the footsteps of Sir Alex Ferguson, whose time at managing Manchester United Football Club (1986 to 2013) has led him to become one of the most successful and respected managers in football history. With the passion for football and the determination to lead, Wei En is definitely on the right track to becoming the man whom he aspires to be. We’ll keep our red flag flying high, because Manchester United will never die. “Is your favourite football club Manchester United?” “Oh, my gosh, YES! How did you guys know?” While it is no surprise that every teenage soccer fan has a favourite football club, Wei En amused us with his effusive 3-minute tribute to Manchester United. Here’s an excerpt of what he said: “I like the club because of its rich tradition. There are a lot of historic moments for the club. Call me a glory hunter, but it is true that they have won many trophies, and the way that they play to clinch these trophies is very remarkable.” Most importantly, however, Wei En admires the football club’s resilience and tenacity in making its way to the top. He especially respects the club manager’s firmness in maintaining the club’s strict sense of honour. Along with being among the most fearsome tacticians in the football arena, Sir Alex Ferguson makes it a point not to “buy” outstanding and already renowned players just for the sake of boosting the team’s strength. Instead, he devotes time and effort into scouting for young players with talent and potential. It’s not about the money, money, money. When asked about financial concerns, Wei En acknowledges them, but refuses to let them hinder his dream. He intends to begin his journey as an understudy and slowly work his way up the ladder to become a top-notch manager in a prestigious football club in Singapore. After all, it’s the experience that counts. Just like the lyrics in Jessie J’s hit song: “Forget about the price tag”; money might not necessarily be the only component of having a fulfilling life. Indeed, pursuing a career in sports in Singapore is an uphill task. Fortunately, with the immense support from his family and friends, Wei En has the motivation to chase his dream without qualms. We look forward to the day when he embraces his victorious football team on the football field! Last but not least, Wei En has a message for the other RV-ians harbouring unorthodox career ambitions: “Chase your dreams and don’t give up until the last whistle is blown. No game is won without a fight, which is determined by the amount of fire in your belly. Vamos (‘let’s go’ in Spanish), RV-ians!” Now that’s the spirit! Fight on, Sir Fergu-En — and don't forget to keep the ball rolling!
"Well, nothing is entirely impossible."
“A true sportsman carries class — he fights like a warrior on field but acts like a gentleman when provoked.”
Wei En and his #1 supporter.