Al-Qaasimy Rahman says he can't wait to reignite his battle with Faritz Hameed to become Singapore's top right-back at their new club Geylang International.
The former Courts Young Lions captain has joined his former LionsXII teammate Faritz Hameed in making the move to be part of what is fast becoming one of the most exciting S.League clubs for the 2016 season.
With both players touted as the Singapore national team's answer to the legendary Kadir Yahaya -- also a Geylang alumnus -- the 23-year-old is unworried the the rivalry between the pair could go up a notch.
"To be honest, I was very excited to learn that Faritz was joining," Qaasimy told ESPN FC.
"I even called him many times to make sure he signed for Geylang. I'm not worried about competition at all because I'm comfortable paying both left and right-back. Who knows, I may even revert to becoming a winger like when I was younger.
"But I think we are all here for the same reason: to help Geylang get back to where the club belongs. On a personal note, I want to secure back-to-back wins for the club, accumulate my assists rate and get my first S.League goal.
"But the golden objective is to get my national team spot back. And I am ready to work my socks off to earn it the hard way. We can actually start pre-season training now."
LionsXII teammate Gabriel Quak will join Faritz and Qaasimy in the quest to vastly improve on Geylang's eighth place finish in the 2015 S.League, along with six players who were at June's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
While the youthful enthusiasm will bring energy to the Geylang setup, Qaasimy singled out two veterans who will play important roles in the upcoming campaign: the returning Shariff Samat and midfielder Nor Azli Yusoff.
He said: "We have an exciting squad with a good mix of quality youngsters and experienced veterans. One of my first questions to the management when they interviewed me was to know which other players they were bringing to the club.
"When familiar names like my SEA Games teammates were mentioned, it was a no brainer for me to sign on the dotted line.
"Don't forget we also have seasoned professionals like Shariff and Nor Azli, who will show us the ropes and guide us on what it takes to play in the S.League. I'm hoping to learn a thing or two from them as the season pans out."
The talented squad list will be guided by new head coach Hasrin Jailani. But the ultimate reason that pushed Qaasimy to joining the Eagles was a very personal one, involving his father.
"I was in talks with a few clubs but memories of my childhood years came flooding back. At a packed Bedok Stadium, my father and I would catch Geylang in action and the history of this club is massive," said the defender.
"And when the management outlined their vision and plans for the club, along with the backroom staff and players that were joining in this project, I did not hesitate any further. Geylang was the right club for me.
"This coming season will be a very exciting one, with the LionsXII players coming back to their roots and playing in our own league with different clubs. Hopefully, the fans will come out in full force and help us revive the club and also breathe life into our own football."
If the talented pool of players assembled can play to their potential, it may not be too long before we see a third S.League title head towards Bedok Stadium, the home of the Eagles.