SINGAPORE – The local football community has rallied around former national team goalkeeper Rezal Hassan, as the 51-year-old recovers from a stroke suffered in September 2025.
Several former teammates and close friends of Rezal came together on April 18 to play in a charity football match between social teams Sporting Tampines and Club Sukan Dramatis Singapura at Our Tampines Hub.
Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo as well as Rezal’s former Lions teammates such as Malek Awab, Nazri Nasir and Fandi Ahmad were in attendance.
Rezal, who arrived in a wheelchair, gave a short address before kick-off.
The charity match, which was supported by Tampines North Community Club, was an initiative by Rezal’s close friends who wanted to help him in a meaningful way after the former Singapore custodian was hit by a stroke seven months ago.
According to Malay-language newspaper Berita Harian, Rezal is able to walk short distances without a wheelchair, although his mobility is still limited and while his hand strength is improving, he still finds it difficult to grip and control his finger movements like before.
BH also said that his wife, Suhaila Sahari, 49, has given up her school canteen business to take care of her husband full-time.
Sporting Tampines president, Yazrul Rahman Yassin, 39, said the aim of the charity match was to raise awareness of Rezal’s situation and to support the fundraising efforts for him through Give.Asia, an online donation platform.
On the fund-raising page for Rezal – which shows that more than $7,700 has been raised so far – it is stated that he is now unable to work because of his medical condition.
The money raised will go towards medical expenses and rehabilitation costs, as well as living expenses for his family. The funds will also provide financial support for Rezal – who is unable to earn an income from his coaching roles – and his long-term care needs.
