Three generations of Singapore footballers are set for a rare reunion on the pitch to raise funds for the less fortunate.

Veterans from Singapore’s Malaysia Cup heyday in the 70s and 80s like Fandi Ahmad, Malek Awab, Samad Allapitchay and Dollah Kassim will don their boots again on Friday for Charity Fiesta, a showcase match in aid of several charities.

Lining up alongside them will be their younger counterparts like Aide Iskandar and Rezal Hassan.

A collection of local Malay celebrities – including Asian Idol winner Hady Mirza, actor Aaron Aziz and singer Syed Azmir – will also play in the star-studded match.

“We want to cater to all generations of football fans,” explained Aide, who helped to put the event together. “For younger players like myself, its also nice to play with legends like Fandi and Dollah for the first time.”

The former Lions captain now runs Aide’s Soccer Buddies, a football training programme for junior players.

The charity event – which is sponsored by investment firm Amanah Nusa Indah (ANI) – will benefit seven organisations, including the Jamiyah Children’s Home,

Muhammadiyah Welfare Home and Muslim Kidney Action Council Association.

The friendly match between the Singapore footballers and their celebrity counterparts will kick off at 7.30pm at Woodlands Stadium. It will be preceded at 6.30pm by performances from local singers like Jatt Ali and Fuad Rahman.

Tickets at $20 (grandstand) and $12 (gallery) are available at The Cage at Kallang, O’lando Jamming Studio, and at the Woodlands Stadium.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Feb 2,2009.