Gabriel Quak Explained

Gabriel Quak
Fullname:Gabriel Quak Jun Yi[1]
Birth Date:22 December 1990
Birth Place:Singapore
Position:Winger
Youthclubs1:National Football Academy
Currentclub:Hougang United
Clubnumber:22
Clubs1:Young Lions
Years1:2008–2011
Caps1:66
Goals1:5
Clubs2:LionsXII
Years2:2012–2015
Caps2:80
Goals2:10
Clubs3:Geylang International
Years3:2016–2017
Caps3:47
Goals3:6
Clubs4:Royal Thai Navy
Years4:2018
Caps4:13
Goals4:3
Clubs5:Warriors
Years5:2019
Caps5:23
Goals5:9
Clubs6:Lion City Sailors
Years6:2020–2022
Caps6:59
Goals6:29
Clubs7:Hougang United
Years7:2023—
Caps7:23
Goals7:6
Nationalyears1:2013
Nationalteam1:Singapore U23
Nationalcaps1:5
Nationalgoals1:2
Nationalyears2:2013–2022
Nationalteam2:Singapore
Nationalcaps2:40
Nationalgoals2:6
Club-Update:29 May 2023
Nationalteam-Update:14 June 2022

Gabriel Quak Jun Yi (born 22 December 1990) is a Singaporean professional footballer who plays mainly as a winger for Singapore Premier League club Hougang United. Considered one of the best wingers in the country, he is known for his skills, speed and ability to dribble past opponents quickly.

Club career

Young Lions

Gabriel began his professional football career with Young Lions in the 2008 S.League season. On 19 February, he make his professional debut coming on a substitution in a match against Sengkang Punggol. Gabriel scored his first career goal in a 3–1 lost against Super Reds on 26 May.

Gabriel was one of the Young Lions players involved in an on-pitch fight with Beijing Guoan Talent players in their S.League match on 7 September 2010. He was charged by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) for gross misconduct and bringing the game into disrepute and was banned for four months and fined S$1,000 for his part in the brawl.[2] Quak missed the 2010 Asian Games as a result of the ban.

LionsXII

On 5 December 2011, the FAS announced that Gabriel was to join the newly formed LionsXII for the 2012 Malaysia Super League. National service commitments however meant that Quak failed to make a single appearance throughout the 2012 season.[3] He was de-registered in the mid-season transfer window.

Gabriel returned to the LionsXII squad for the 2013 season. He made his long-awaited debut against PKNS on 15 January.[4] He made 15 appearances in all competitions as the Lions won the 2013 Malaysia Super League.The left-footed Gabriel was switched to the right side of attack for both club and country for the 2014 season.[5] He scored his first LionsXII goal in a 3–0 win over DRB-Hicom in the Malaysia FA Cup on 21 January. He scored his first league goal, an opener against newly promoted side PDRM FA, as Lionsxii defeated them 5–3.[6]

On the opening day of the 2015 season, Gabriel scored the Lionsxii's first goal of the season, helping the Lionsxii win their opening match 5–3 against PDRM FA.[7] Similarly, in the LionsXII's opening game in the Malaysia FA Cup on 28 February, Gabriel scored the 3rd goal in a 4–0 win against minnows Kedah United to push the LionsXII into the round of 16.[8] In the round of 16, Gabriel scored a goal against SPA in a 4–0 win to send the team to the quarter-finals. He helped LionsXII to win the 2015 Malaysia FA Cup.

Geylang International

Following the dissolution of the LionsXII, Gabriel signed for Geylang International in January 2016. He make his debut on 15 February in the Eastern Derby match against Tampines Rovers in a 3–3 match. On 1 April, he scored his first goal for the club in a 2–2 league match against Warriors FC, ending a long goalscoring drought.

Matsumoto Yamaga trial

After Geylang International and Matsumoto Yamaga signed a MOU,[9] Quak together with fellow winger Shawal Anuar went on a one-week trial with the J2 League side.[10] However, he was not signed by the club because he failed to impress.

Royal Thai Navy

On 2 February 2018,Gabriel signs for Thai League 1 side Royal Thai Navy and fill up their ASEAN import slot ahead of the In the upcoming 2018 season. On 11 February, Gabriel made his starting debut against Ubon UMT United. He started as the 1st eleven in the 1st 2 matches but was substituted at half time in both matches.[11] [12] Gabriel scored his first goal for the club in a 3–2 thriller win against Sukhothai

In total, Gabriel scored 4 goals and created 1 assist in 24 games for the Thai side which were relegated eventually.[13]

Warriors FC

In January 2019, Gabriel signed for Warriors FC for the 2019 season despite receiving lucrative offers from overseas club in order to spend more time with his young family. During the 2019 Singapore Cup, Warriors' captain Khairul Nizam was injured and Gabriel took over the captaincy for the competition.[14]

Lion City Sailors

In January 2020, Gabriel joined the newly privatised Singapore club, Lion City Sailors. He make his debut for the club in a league match against Tanjong Pagar United where he assisted Andy Pengelly in a 1–1 draw.

In 2021, Gabriel won the league 'Goal of the Year' for his volley goal in the 4–1 win over Balestier Khalsa on 18 April during the FAS Awards Night.[15]

On 15 April 2022, Gabriel make his AFC Champions League debut against eventual winners from Japan, Urawa Red Diamonds in a 4–1 lost. On 24 April, he provided an assist to Pedro Henrique in a 3–2 win over Chinese side Shandong Taishan. Gabriel was then released by Lion City Sailors on 28 November 2022.[16] He departed after scoring 29 goals across three seasons for the Sailors, as well as winning the Singapore Premier League 'Player of the Year' award in 2020.

Hougang United

Following his release from Lion City Sailors, Gabrel signed for Hougang United on 18 January 20232 to boost the range of attacking options in head coach Firdaus Kassim's squad. The 32-year-old joins his fifth Singapore Premier League club in his 11th SPL season. On 19 April 2024, he extended his contract until the end of the 2024–25 season.

International career

Youth

Gabriel has played for Singapore at Under-15, Under-18 and Under-23 levels. He represented Singapore in the Lion City Cup, AFF U15 Tournament, Asian Youth Games Qualifiers, AFC U18 Qualifiers, VFF Cup and Southeast Asian Games.[17]

Senior

Gabriel earned his first international cap in a friendly match against Laos on 7 June 2013, scoring a goal on his debut.[18] His first competitive goal came in an upset 2–1 win over Syria in a 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification match on 15 October 2013. He is the first Singapore-born Chinese player to feature regularly for the national team in 7 years since Goh Tat Chuan despite the ethnic Chinese forming the majority of the population.[19]

Gabriel scored a goal and recorded an assist during the 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualification match in a 6–2 over Myanmar.

Others

Singapore Selection Squad

He was selected as part of the Singapore Selection squad for The Sultan of Selangor’s Cup to be held on 6 May 2017.[20]

Personal life

Gabriel was born on 22 December 1990 to Alan, a technical associate at a building consultancy and Juet May, an early childhood educator in 1990.[21] He has a younger sister, Gu Ting.

Gabriel received his primary school education at Catholic High School and went to Guangyang Secondary School. He graduated with a diploma in Industrial and Operations Management from Republic Polytechnic.[22] [23]

Gabriel is married and has three children.[24]

Career statistics

Club

. Caps and goals may not be correct.

ClubSeasonS.LeagueSingapore CupSingapore
League Cup
AsiaTotal
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Young Lions2008262----262
2009202----202
2010150--180330
20115151
Total6650018000845
ClubSeasonMalaysia
Super League
Malaysia
FA Cup
Malaysia CupAsiaTotal
LionsXII2012[25] 00000000
2013[26] 1101030150
2014[27] 902100111
201531110042
Total231423000303
ClubSeasonS.LeagueSingapore CupSingapore
League Cup
AsiaTotal
Geylang International20162343000264
20172421031283
Total476403100547
ClubSeasonThai League 1Thai FA CupThai League CupAsiaTotal
Navy20181331110154
Total133111000154
ClubSeasonSingapore
Premier League
Singapore CupSingapore
League Cup
AsiaTotal
Warriors201923962002911
Total2396200002911
Lion City Sailors2020145000000145
202121130000002113
202224113000403111
Total59293000406629
Hougang United2023236001000246
Total236001000246
Career total254591852604030264

International statistics

International goals

Scores and results list Singapore's goal tally first.[28]

No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 7 June 2013 New Laos National Stadium, Vientiane, Laos 4–2 5–2 Friendly
2. 15 October 2013 Jalan Besar Stadium, Jalan Besar, Singapore 2–0 2–1 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification
3. 12 October 2018 Bishan Stadium, Jalan Besar, Singapore 2–0 2–0 Friendly
4. 9 June 2019 National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore 3–3 4–3
5. 11 June 2019 1–1 1–2
6. 14 June 2022 align=center 2–0 align=center 6–2 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualification

U22 International goals

Scores and results list Singapore's goal tally first.[28]

U19 International goals

Scores and results list Singapore's goal tally first.[28]

Singapore national team
YearAppsGoals
201342
201450
201550
201680
201700
201821
Total243
Statistics accurate as of match played 12 October 2018

Honours

Club

LionsXII

2013

2015

Lion City Sailors

2021

2022

International

Singapore

2006

Individual

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: FAS names 2014 LionsXII squad list . LionsXII . 8 March 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141019043514/http://lionsxii.sg/fas-names-2014-lionsxii-squad-list/ . 19 October 2014 . dead .
  2. News: Young Lions, Beijing Guoan players banned, fined. https://web.archive.org/web/20100925040650/http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Sports/Story/A1Story20100922-238536.html. dead. 25 September 2010. AsiaOne. 15 March 2014.
  3. News: Quak's raring to go in Season 2 . The New Paper . 2 January 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140306175635/http://www.tnp.sg/msiacup/content/quaks-raring-go-season-2 . 6 March 2014 . dmy .
  4. Web site: Selangor PKNS 1–0 LionsXII: Listless Lions fall to first defeat of season . Goal . 17 March 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130306081914/http://www.goal.com/en-sg/match/99779/pkns-fc-vs-lionsxii/report . 6 March 2013 . dmy .
  5. Web site: Gabriel aims to continue scoring. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160303230150/http://lionsxii.sg/gabriel-aims-to-continue-scoring/. 3 March 2016. 7 March 2014. LionsXII.
  6. Web site: Ruthless Lions march on to FA Cup second round. LionsXII. 17 March 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140306204741/http://lionsxii.sg/ruthless-lionsxii-march-on-to-fa-cup-2nd-round/. 6 March 2014. dead.
  7. Web site: Singapore LIONSXII 5 - 3 PDRM Match report - 2/7/15 Super League - Goal.com. www.goal.com. 23 May 2017.
  8. Web site: Malaysia FA Cup: Fandi fires up LionsXII.
  9. Web site: Geylang International FC signs MOU with Matsumoto Yamaga FC. mynewsdesk.com. 23 May 2017.
  10. Web site: Eye-opener for Quak and Shawal in Japan. 2 February 2017. tnp.sg. 23 May 2017.
  11. Web site: Chonburi vs Navy. 12 June 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20180916132021/https://www.thaileague.co.th/official/index.php?r=Match%2FPrintPostMatchPDF&iMatchID=4118. 16 September 2018. dead.
  12. Web site: Navy vs Ubon UMT. 12 June 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20180916131727/https://www.thaileague.co.th/official/index.php?r=Match%2FPrintPostMatchPDF&iMatchID=4106. 16 September 2018. dead.
  13. Web site: Football: Three players to watch in the 2019 Singapore Premier League. hermesauto. 2019-03-01. The Straits Times. en. 2019-03-03.
  14. Web site: Auto . Hermes . 2020-12-13 . Football: Not satisfied with Player of the Year award, Gabriel Quak eyes more trophies The Straits Times . 2023-01-10 . www.straitstimes.com . en.
  15. Web site: Auto . Hermes . 2021-10-12 . Football: Hougang win big at FAS Awards Night as Tomoyuki Doi and Clement Teo named best player and coach The Straits Times . 2023-02-10 . www.straitstimes.com . en.
  16. Web site: 28 November 2022 . Football: Stars, key backroom staff depart Lion City Sailors | The Straits Times . www.straitstimes.com.
  17. Web site: Quak Jun Yi – Football . TeamSingapore.com.sg . 12 May 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131017202752/http://www.teamsingapore.com.sg/public/teamsingapore/athlete.html?mg=20&aid=1454&sid=22&gender=0&view=Detail . 17 October 2013 . dmy .
  18. Web site: Wing wonders Quak and Faris looking to cement national team spots . Football Association of Singapore . 30 May 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130615063555/http://www.fas.org.sg/news/wing-wonders-quak-and-faris-looking-cement-national-team-spots . 15 June 2013 . dead .
  19. News: More Chinese and Indian football players wanted. The Straits Times. 10 November 2013.
  20. Web site: SINGAPORE SELECTION SQUAD FOR THE SULTAN OF SELANGOR'S CUP REVEALED - The Football Association of Singapore. www.fas.org.sg. 23 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170628215629/http://fas.org.sg/newsroom/press-release/singapore-selection-squad-sultan-selangor%E2%80%99s-cup-revealed. 28 June 2017. dead.
  21. News: Gabriel's wish? A place in the first XI . The New Paper . 26 December 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131015162123/http://www.tnp.sg/msiacup/content/gabriels-wish-place-first-xi . 15 October 2013 . dmy .
  22. Web site: Quak Eyes 2014 Step Up As LionsXII Senior . FootballOpod . 17 March 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140317170343/http://www.footballopod.com/viewarticle.aspx?id=9076 . 17 March 2014 . dmy .
  23. Web site: Rapport – Republic Polytechnic corporate newsletter (January 2009) . Republic Polytechnic . 15 . 17 March 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140317181809/http://www.rpi.sg/about/enewsletters/RAPPORT_Jan09.pdf . 17 March 2014 . dmy .
  24. News: Engaged, for the new year . The New Paper . 1 February 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140317170023/http://www.tnp.sg/content/engaged-new-year . 17 March 2014 . dmy .
  25. Web site: LionsXII fixtures and results for 2012 season. LionsXII. 6 March 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20180729050118/http://lionsxii.sg/fixtures-and-results/?league=malaysia-super-league-2012. 29 July 2018. dead.
  26. Web site: LionsXII fixtures and results for 2013 season. LionsXII. 6 March 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20180216204656/http://lionsxii.sg/fixtures-and-results/?league=malaysia-super-league-2013. 16 February 2018. dead.
  27. Web site: LionsXII fixtures and results for 2014 season. LionsXII. 6 March 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140309085113/http://lionsxii.sg/fixtures-and-results/?league=malaysia-super-league-2014. 9 March 2014. dead.
  28. Web site: Quak, Gabriel. National Football Teams. 18 October 2018.
  29. Web site: Gabriel Quak named SPL Player of the Year at FAS Awards Night 2020 – Football Association of Singapore. 2021-07-30. en-US.