HE WAS only looking for a chance to rub shoulders with some of the world's best.

What Muhd Aqhari Abdullah didn't count on was a head-on clash with Ronaldinho.

It happened yesterday during the Brazil Olympic team's training session, when six Singapore players joined them at Brazil's request.

As Brazil had only 16 players here, they asked for four midfielders, one left-back and one striker to boost their numbers.

Recalled Muhd Aqhari, a national Under-17 player: 'We were warming up and doing some running when I just crashed into him.

'The reaction? We just laughed at ourselves!'

But it was payback time for Muhd Aqhari just a while later, when it was time to play 'monkey', the person designated to chase a ball as players try to move it around.

He said: 'Ronaldinho just passed the ball to me with a smile.

'With that, I became the monkey.'

It was an invaluable lesson for the youngsters, said Singapore youth coach Abdullah Noor, who is also a former national player.

He said: 'They can learn and experience for themselves how a world-class team trains.'

For Kenny Fondey, a national Under-18 player, it was a dream come true.

TRICKS

He said: 'I love the way he performs his tricks.

'What struck me was how they seemed to enjoy their training and give their best at the same time.'

But while learning from the best is top of their agenda, there is something else, too.

As Under-16 player Safirul Sulaiman would tell anyone, what's a close encounter with a football star without an autograph to show for it.

He said: 'I haven't got any autographs from them yet.

'But of course, I will have to get one soon.'

The six teenagers are expected to participate in more training sessions with the Brazilians in the coming days.

Yesterday, they were involved in just the initial segments of the training session, as the rest of the work was largely focused on tactical and physical drills.

The team placed plenty of emphasis on defending and attacking corner-kicks, as well as sprints.