Ikhsan and Ilhan Fandi Are Stronger With Spirit
What motivates you?
My family and friends, who always believe in me, and all the people who doubt me — I love proving them wrong.
What would a close friend say when asked about your strengths?
I think a close friend of mine would say that I’m a very bubbly person, easy to get along with, a joker and in general a very happy guy. Always smiling and I guess it’s always a vibe to be around me.
In your opinion, what makes someone a strong person? If you have someone in mind, could detail why you find them strong?
Being strong means having a strong mentality and heart in whatever I do, be it in football or in life. Someone who I think embodies this is my beautiful mother; she has been through so many tough periods in life, and it’s her mind and heart that has got her to where she is today.
What do you think makes someone the strongest player on the football field?
Not fearing your opponent, having the courage to fight, and helping my team most efficiently by going into the game with only one thing on my mind — winning.
How have you grown stronger as a player compared to you two years ago — since we last met you and your siblings?
I think I’ve grown a lot physically and mentally as I’m older and more mature now. It was quite unfortunate for me to get a big injury during that time, so I think what I’ve learnt now is to appreciate what I have and to always remember that everything happens for a reason.
What about as an individual? How have you become a stronger person?
Definitely. Due to the injury, I started to look at life differently, and that change in perspective was made me mentally and physically stronger.
What do you think makes your family bond a strong one?
We are all very competitive with each other — even my mom and dad — so sharing the same mentality drives the family to do better.
What makes your bond with Ikhsan a strong one?
My bond with Ikhsan is very good. I think we have similar goals that we want to achieve, and I’m lucky to have him as my striker partner for club and country. We both also had to heal from an injury at the exact same time, so I believe having each other to lean on helped motivate us to get better faster, as well as allow us to grow closer to each other.
Last but not least, what aspects of yourself are you looking to strengthen in 2025?
I want to enjoy football and stay injury-free. Make my family proud, and appreciate the life I have.
Editorial Director Izwan Abdullah
Photography Chee Wei
Styling Manfred Lu
Interview Charmaine Tan
Grooming Natcha Tangmanus
Hair Chinnaglid Phetmunee
Production Assistant Ratchada Tuptimphet
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