Harhys Stewart signs for Kosovo s Ferizaj joins older brother Ryhan in Europe

SINGAPORE – At 24, Harhys Stewart may be a late bloomer when compared to his older brother Ryhan Stewart, but he is fast catching up in his football career after some eye-catching performances.

After contributing his first assists for the Lions in Singapore’s 3-1 home friendly win against the Maldives on June 5, and their 2-1 away Asian Cup qualifier victory over Bangladesh, Harhys is in the spotlight again.

On June 12, the midfielder secured a move from Thai League 1 side Chiangrai United to Football Superleague of Kosovo club Ferizaj on a two-year deal.

He told The Straits Times: “Each player has his own trajectory, and sometimes when I was younger, I would look like friends and teammates of my age getting opportunities earlier than me. But I believed if I kept working hard and sticking to it, I would get my own chances.

“After a good season in Thailand, I wanted to progress further and challenge myself, so I talked to agents to look at what opportunities I had.

“There were clubs in Thailand, in the region and in Europe who were interested in me, but Ferizaj came in with a concrete offer and I didn’t want to pass up on it.”

Harhys will travel to Kosovo in early July before the league kicks off in August. His first foray to Europe comes almost three months after 25-year-old Ryhan joined Lithuanian top-tier side FK Riteriai on March 15.

He will be the first Singaporean to play for a Kosovar team.

Welcoming the latest addition to their roster, Ferizaj said in an Instagram post: “He comes from Chiangrai United in Thailand, where he showed a high level of professionalism and safe performances during the past season.

“Stewart brings composure, vision and strength to midfield – qualities that will give