Back Passt With Ras

In Part 2 of our conversation with former Singapore international and Geylang United midfielder Kadir Yahaya, we delve into the highs and lows of his football journey.

Kadir reflects on his playing career, sharing stories from his days representing Singapore and starring for Geylang United before discussing his transition into coaching. Beyond the football, he opens up about the hidden challenges that came with life as a footballer, the temptations and pitfalls of stardom, and the lessons he learnt along the way.

In one of the episode's most heartfelt moments, Kadir speaks candidly about one of his biggest regrets as a coach—feeling that he could have done more to help some of the players under his care who eventually went down the wrong path.

This is an honest, thought-provoking conversation about football, responsibility, redemption, and the human side of the beautiful game.

In Part 1 of this wide-ranging conversation, Director of Football at Unleash The Roar, Kadir Yahaya, takes us behind the scenes of Singapore's national football development project.

Kadir shares the vision and long-term plans for Unleash The Roar, the realities and challenges of building a sustainable football ecosystem, and why patience and trust are essential if Singapore football is to achieve lasting success. Drawing on his invaluable learning experience in Germany, he explains how those lessons are influencing the way young players are being developed back home.

The episode also features questions submitted by our listeners, with Kadir offering candid insights into youth development, the direction of Singapore football, and the work being done to shape the next generation.

Whether you're passionate about Singapore football, youth development, or the future of the local game, this is a conversation that provides valuable context on where the sport is headed—and why the journey is just as important as the destination.

From the Croatian leagues to Singapore's S.League, and eventually to the pinnacle of coaching in Southeast Asia, Bojan Hodak's football journey is one built on resilience, adaptability, and relentless ambition.

In this episode, Bojan takes us back to his decision to leave Croatia and embark on an adventure in Singapore, where he played for Balestier Central and Jurong FC. He shares his memories of Singapore football in the late 1990s, the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and why those years proved to be a turning point in his career.

The conversation then shifts to the dugout, where Bojan reflects on the pressures of managing clubs with vastly different expectations. From winning trophies with Kelantan, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Kuala Lumpur City, and Persib Bandung, to guiding Penang to safety when survival was the only objective, he explains how success is measured differently depending on the circumstances.

Finally, Bojan offers his candid assessment of Malaysian football today, discussing the issues that continue to hold it back and why he believes Indonesia has overtaken Malaysia in several key areas. It's an insightful conversation with one of Southeast Asia's most accomplished coaches, filled with stories, lessons, and honest opinions from a man who has experienced the region's football landscape from every angle.

Former Singapore international Toh Choon Ming joins me to reflect on a football journey that took him through Sembawang Rangers, Gombak United, Jurong FC, and the Singapore national team.

In this candid conversation, Choon Ming shares what it was like transitioning from being a full-time professional footballer to balancing the demands of the game as a part-time player. He opens up about the sacrifices, challenges, and realities of Singapore football during that era, while also reflecting on the highs and lows of representing the national team.

From his long-awaited national team call-up to the trials and tribulations that shaped his career, this is an honest look at the resilience, determination, and passion required to keep chasing the game you love.

Sivan John from The Bola Bola Show joins me for a deep dive through the eras, going all the way back to the 1930s, as we explore the best national teams in World Cup history that never managed to lift the trophy in their respective years.

From early pioneers of the game to modern heavyweights who fell just short, we revisit iconic squads, forgotten brilliance, and heartbreaking near-misses across every footballing era. A nostalgic, opinion-driven journey through what-ifs, greatness, and moments that changed World Cup history forever.

The Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate has been discussed countless times, but in this episode, I take a different approach.

Instead of comparing statistics, trophies, or individual awards, I share my personal views on how both players have conducted themselves throughout their careers and how I perceive their impact on football.

From their personalities and leadership styles to their professionalism, mentality, and behaviour on and off the pitch, I discuss what stands out to me about two of the greatest players the game has ever seen.

This isn't about proving who is right or wrong. It's simply my honest perspective on two football icons who have defined an era and sparked endless debate among fans around the world.

Agree or disagree, I'd love to hear your thoughts after listening.

Who are the greatest footballers never to grace the FIFA World Cup stage?

In this episode, I'm joined by Sivan John from The Bola Bola Show as we each reveal our Top 10 players who, despite their immense talent and achievements, never got the chance to play at a World Cup.

From legendary playmakers and prolific goalscorers to cult heroes and modern stars, we debate the biggest names, compare our lists, and discuss why these football icons missed out on football's biggest stage.

Did we miss anyone? Let us know which players you think should be on the list. Share your own picks for the greatest footballers never to have played at a World Cup, and we'll feature some of the best suggestions in a future episode.

Listen now and join the debate!

In this episode, I speak with Jim Ehrlich, an American fan who experienced the 1994 FIFA World Cup from inside the stadiums and around the country as football took center stage in the United States.

We revisit what it was like during that iconic summer — the crowds, the energy, and how the tournament captured the imagination of fans across America. Jim also reflects on how the mood feels today as the U.S. prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, comparing the excitement of 1994 with the build-up to a very different World Cup era.

A nostalgic look back at USA ’94 and a timely conversation about what the World Cup means to America then and now.

In this episode, I speak with Jim Ehrlich, an American fan who experienced the 1994 FIFA World Cup from inside the stadiums and around the country as football took centre stage in the United States.

We revisit what it was like during that iconic summer — the crowds, the energy, and how the tournament captured the imagination of fans across America. Jim also reflects on how the mood feels today as the U.S. prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, comparing the excitement of 1994 with the build-up to a very different World Cup era.

A nostalgic look back at USA ’94 and a timely conversation about what the World Cup means to America then and now.

In this episode, I take a trip back to 1994—seeing the FIFA World Cup through the eyes of a 10-year-old kid. It was a time of pure wonder, early mornings in front of the TV, iconic moments that felt larger than life, and a love for football that was just beginning to take shape. I also revisit the memorabilia I’ve held onto from that tournament—small pieces of history that still carry big emotions.

Fast forward to today, and I reflect on how that same tournament feels now as we approach the 2026 World Cup. The innocence has been replaced with perspective. The excitement is still there, but it’s layered with nostalgia, experience—and even a sense of negativity about where the modern game is heading.

This episode is about more than just football—it’s about growing up, how our relationship with the game evolves, and how certain moments, feelings, and memories stay with us forever.