Back Passt With Ras

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 sacri...

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...

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 profes...

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 o...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In this episode, we sit down with former S-League veteran T. Ramoo, who represented clubs like Balestier Central, Woodlands Wellington, Marine Castle United, Jurong FC, and Singapore International. He takes us through his footballing journey — from competing at the highest level to navigating the realities of balancing professional football with a full-time job. This episode dives into the sacrifi...

As a football fan, this one hurts. Italy — four-time world champions — missing out on the FIFA World Cup again. Not once, not twice, but three times in a row. It doesn’t feel real… and it raises some serious questions. In this episode, I try to make sense of it all from a fan’s perspective. What’s actually gone wrong? Is it the way football is being developed in Italy? Has Serie A fallen behind? A...

Inspired by the “Dad/Mum, What Were You Like in the 90s?” trend, Ras takes you back to the 90s through football, media, and collectables. From classic football video games to sticker albums and memorabilia, this episode is all about real experiences and everyday moments that defined growing up in that era. No deep dives — just pure memories, simple times, and football culture as it was. Press play...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Sead Muratović to unpack a football journey shaped by resilience, ambition and survival. Sead reflects on his time in Singapore with Tampines Rovers FC — the highs, the challenges, the dressing room culture, and what it truly meant to represent one of the S.League’s most iconic clubs. He opens up about settling into life in Singapore, adapting to a new fo...

In this episode, we sit down with Thai legend Therdsak Chaiman as he reflects on an era when the Thailand national football team set the standard in Southeast Asia. Therdsak shares what made that generation so dominant, the mentality inside the dressing room, and why Thailand consistently stayed ahead of their regional rivals. He also opens up about his stint in Singapore with Singapore Armed Forc...

From raw talent to reflection — this week we sit down with Singapore football veteran Shukor Zailan ⚽️🇸🇬** Shukor takes us through his S.League journey — from his early days at Sembawang Rangers and Paya Lebar Punggol FC , to stints with the Young Lions and SAFFC , before truly finding a home at Tampines Rovers . He opens up about the grind of carving out a career in the S.League era, earning his...

In this episode, Ras sits down with Croatian football veteran Marko Kraljevic — a globe-trotting pro whose career took him across Southeast Asia’s football scene. From his early days in Malaysia with Kelantan , to his spell in Hong Kong with HK Rangers , and his impactful years in Singapore with Balestier Central, Tampines Rovers, and Jurong FC , Marko shares stories from the dressing room, the cu...

Our 100th episode marks a major milestone — and it is only fitting that we celebrate it with Singapore football legend Aleksandar Duric . In this special episode, Duric takes us back to where it all began — his hometown in former Yugoslavia — and opens up about growing up during the war, the challenges he faced, and how football became both an escape and a purpose. He shares his remarkable journey...

In this episode, we sit down with a former Singapore international goalkeeper who made his mark across the S.League with clubs including Woodlands Wellington, SAFFC, Young Lions, Gombak United, Sengkang-Punggol, and Hougang United. He opens up about his playing days — the pressures, the rivalries, the unforgettable moments — and the mindset it took to survive life between the posts. We also dive i...

From the broadcast booth to the pitchside, Dez Corkhill has seen it all. In this episode, we sit down with the former ESPN, Star Sports, and Astro producer, host, and pundit to talk about his journey through decades of sports broadcasting — the stories behind iconic moments, what it takes to bring football to life on screen, and his thoughts on how the media landscape has evolved. Whether you’re a...

In this episode, we sit down with Bukit Timah FC’s Team Manager/Assistant Coach Fahmi Hassan and Head Coach Riskandar Roslan , as they open up about the journey of building a football club from the ground up. From player recruitment and funding struggles to culture-building and tactical evolution, they share the unseen challenges and proud moments that shaped the team’s rise — all the way to the s...

🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with Dhananjay Rawal from Calcio Charcha to revisit the early days of football coverage in India during the 90s — a time when catching a Serie A game on TV felt like a rare treat. Dhananjay shares how he became a Juventus fan , what following Italian football was like back then, and how the passion for Serie A has evolved in India over the years. We also dive into h...

In this episode, we sit down with Steven Tan , a true Singapore football legend best remembered for his game-changing performances as the Super Sub . Steven takes us through his footballing journey with Tanjong Pagar United , Sengkang Marine , and Tampines Rovers , along with his memorable years donning the Singapore national team jersey . Known for his ability to turn matches around off the bench...

🎙️ In this episode, we speak with former Singapore international and Tanjong Pagar United player Lim Soon Seng . Known for his industrious spirit and never-say-die attitude, Lim’s journey is one of resilience — both on and off the pitch. He reflects on his playing career, the challenges he faced, and the lessons football has given him along the way. ⚽ A story of perseverance, passion, and dedicat...

Join us for an insightful conversation with former Singapore international Joseph Pragasam , who also turned out for Tiong Bahru United and Jurong FC during the S.League era. Joseph reflects on his football journey, from representing the national team to competing in Singapore’s domestic league at a time when local football was buzzing with energy. He shares stories from his playing days, his thou...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dale Farrington, the voice behind A Thai Football Podcast, as he takes us back to 2006 when Chonburi made their mark in the Singapore Cup. From the excitement of their participation to the impact it had on Thai football’s regional presence, Dale shares vivid memories, behind-the-scenes stories, and reflections on a historic campaign that still resonates with fans t...

We’re diving deep into Malaysian football through the decades ⚽🇲🇾 From the glory years before the 90s, to the highs and lows of the 90s and 00s, and what the present day looks like for the national team. Joining us are Sivan John from The Bola Bola Show and veteran journalist Rizal Hashim , who share stories, insights, and reflections on how the game has evolved in Malaysia over the years.