The name Fandi needs no introduction in Singapore and around the ASEAN region. Just as Pele is a football icon and role model to Brazilians, so too is Fandi to Singaporeans. At his pinnacle, he was easily the best player in the ASEAN region.

Fandi's illustrious football career began when his team won the 1977 & 1978 Lion City Cup Championship. At 16 years of age he became the youngest player ever to join the senior national team in 1978. He played a lead role in Singapore 's victory over arch-rival Selangor in the 1980 Malaysia Cup tournament and cherishes this first medal as his best.

Turning professional in 1981, 20-year career included stints with Dutch soccer giants, Ajax Amsterdam and FC Groningen, Indonesia's Niac Mitra and the Kuala Lumpur Football Club. He won the Golden Boot Award for the 1988 Malaysia Cup season.

Despite his hectic schedule, Fandi returned to play for Singapore in the SEA Games in 1983, 1985 and 1989 and helped the national team win a silver medal in each of these Games.

Back home for good in 1993, Fandi was made Captain of the National Team until his retirement in 1997. Also a Captain of Geylang United, he helped them win the inaugural S-League title in 1996. He then moved to SAFFC, steering the club to the League and Cup double. Serving as its chief coach in 2000 he led the team to yet another league title and was named the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Coach of the month - a glowing tribute to his coaching skills. South Africa also regarded him highly as they appointed him as their Football Ambassador in 2000 in their bid to host the 2006 World Cup.

Through the years, Fandi has chalked up more than 100 caps serving the national team. For his outstanding contribution to Singapore football, Fandi was bestowed the Public Service Medal (PBM) in 1994. He was also voted as the Footballer of that Year by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS). His “100 caps” paved the way to his induction into the AFC Century Club in May 2001.

Fandi was appointed as a Council Member of the FAS in Mar 2001, and became the youngest and the first former international to do so. With so many accolades, it is no wonder that Fandi has been frequently referred to as “Singapore 's favourite soccer son” by the media.