Singapore Cup champions aimed by Bigger clubs

Singapore Cup Champions, Geylang United, may be keen to strengthen their squad as they look to a busy 2010 but they first faced challenges in keeping their core intact.

Already, captain Noor Ali has left (Although it was Geylang who make that choice) and the Bedok club determination to retain some of their bigger names is expected to face some stern tests, particularly from established major players in the scene.

There are already been talk of Masnashzreen’s elder brother Masrezwan being approached by another local club, while stellar performances from Yazid Yasin and Jonathan Xu in the Cup final could also bring them to the attention of potential suitors.

One man almost certain to go is former J-League regular Haruki Seto, who has fallen out of favour in recent weeks and is understood to be eyeing a move to Australia’s A-League.

The possibility of seeing more names joining Seto in heading for the exit door could prove disruptive to Wong’s plans, yet he appeared placid about facing such a scenario.

“It’s normal for the bigger clubs to want to take my players,” he said.

“But then, I’m also taking some of their players! The good thing is that we have now qualified for the AFC Cup, so hopefully we can get some better players in.

“With due respect to the current players, we still need some more experience in our reserves. We can’t just keep putting untried youngsters into a Cup final or an AFC Cup game and expect miracles to happen.

“I have some targets, but I will try to convince them to come, because at least we can to travel to places further than Brunei!”