Wednesday, November 16, 2011

'Final year' syndrome

Although that man has claimed he will be announcing plans on the future of the S-league in the coming days, if not weeks, I am not interested or excited not just because I have grown awry of his words and promises but rather he is showing symptoms of a leadership style I will call 'Final year' syndrome.

This is defined by me as one who try to build a legacy in his final few moment of that administration but which will fail due to lack of time or successors.

I am that negative as examples are abound of such administration style.

The current economic crisis affecting United States was due to years of US presidents putting off the need to bring down their deficits and leaving it to their successors.  

One can trace it all the way back to the 1990s, when then-USA President Bill Clinton having build a surplus, after the deficits years of the 1980s under Regan and Bush, did not go on to tackle the deficits problem that was already building up until his final year.

At the point, he finally unveiled a plan to bring down the bulging deficit within a decade but of course we now know what happen after that.

By pushing the problem until then, and to the next generation, Bill Clinton did not solve a problem that was still under control.

He was only seeking a solution at that point as he needed to build a legacy and yet not wanting to suffer the consequences of his action, the time frame was way after he is long gone from office.

That is no solution and even in Singapore, we see traces of it.

During the recent General Election, transportation issues was one of the topic that pop up after a sizeable increase in Singapore population.

The claims was there was a lack of foresight as the problem is now not expected to be resolve until years from now but it was not so for back in 2000, there was already a Master Plan to deal with that.

It was unveiled by then-Minister of Communications and Information Technology (It was not called Ministry of Transport yet) Mah Bow Tan and had taken into account the abilities of Singapore transport system to take in a sizeable population.

If the Master Plan had gone to plan, many of the transport system (still building) will be in place by now, was it not so.

Yet Yeo Cheow Tong and then Raymond Lim, who took over, had their own plans as they wanted to build their own legacy, not Mah Bow Tan ones.

Yeo Cheow Tong was occupied dealing with the Free Air Agreement with other nations Ministry while Raymond Lim time saw him changing and chopping the Public Transport Council makeup and it role.

In a decade, there was not a single railway opening so our transport system was sterile.

Of course, the Nicoll Highway collapse delayed any action but the truth, even if it had gone to plan, the process was still lower than anticipated in the Master Plan; which we are seeing now.

Indeed in the next decade, Singapore will have two (and even three if we count the Johore line which is in discussion) more new lines opening in addition to the Circle Lines so we have build and finish three (or again four) in 10 years when we build no transport lines in the decade precessing it.  

A result of a plan released by a Minister that was never en-tasked to look after it.

Then the answer must be to appoint a successor who think likewise.

But the question is will any successor, like in the USA election back in 2000 which even if a Democratic had won, follow a plan that was not of his own doing and be prepared to suffer it consequences if it ended in failure while sharing, if not give, credits with his predecessor in success.

We all know the answer to that question.

For a better example, across the Causeway, Malaysia longest-serving Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad took his own time to appoint a successor he thought will maintain and build on his legacy but that was not the case.

However, one cannot blamed his successor Ahmad Badawi as even a strongman Mahathir had to leave tough problems until his final years.

Like the bullet train line and the teaching of English, Mahathir only touch on all these plans when he was on the verge on retirement.

The Bullet Train Line will have 'killed' off Proton - Malaysia national carmaker - while the teaching of English have displeased both the Malay and the Chinese language nationalist and the government count on for votes from both these sectors.

Now both plans are dead and buried.

All these examples have a common beginning and a common ending.

There was a plan to tackle problems but it was only released in the final years of the person leadership and his plan never survive long or even die in still-birth after the person have left his post.

Now looked at our FAS President, he is releasing a plan in his final 15 months in charge, what does that that tell me.

He is suffering from 'Final year' Syndrome as he has neither the time to build things now nor the influence to ensure whoever is appointed by PM Lee will follow his plan.

That man just want to build a firewall to protect himself as he has done virtually nothing for three years other than blow more hot air. (See Viewpoint or Point of View menu for too many hot airs over the years to list and new addition over the months that I have not listed)

China defeat Singapore 4-0

China defeat Singapore 4-0 at Jalan Besar 

Both teams are out of contention for the Final Group Stage of the World Cup Qualifiers.

World Cup Qualifier (Asia Zone) Group Stage
Singapore 0-4 China
Singapore: Lionel Lewis, Shaiful Esah (Sevki Sha'ban 32'), Noh Rahman,  Ismail Yunos, Daniel Bennett, Shi Jiayi (Isa Halim 46'), Mustafic Fahrudin (Hafiz Rahim 71'), Firdaus Idros, Shahril Ishak (C), Fazrul Nawaz, Aleksandar Duric

Jordan confirm their passage to Final stage with win over Singapore

Jordan have confirmed their qualification to the Final Stage of the World Cup Qualifiers after they defeated Singapore 2-0 at Amman.
 
World Cup Qualifier (Asia Zone) Group Stage
Jordan  2-0 Singapore

Singapore: Lionel Lewis, Shaiful Esah, Noh Rahman, Juma'at Jantan (Sevki Sha'ban), Ismail Yunos, Daniel Bennett, Shi Jiayi, Mustafic Fahrudin (Hafiz Rahim), Shahril Ishak (C), Fazrul Nawaz, Aleksandar Duric (Firdaus Idros)

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Geylang United are Prime League champions

Geylang United have finished as 2011 Prime League champions.

The Bedok club hold off the challenges of Gombak United who finished, 3 points behind, as runner-up.

In third are Tampines Rovers; who had also finished as third last season.

However the Stags got Fazil Zailani who finish as top scorer of the Prime League with 18 goals.

Riswan Ebnu from SAFFC was runner-up with 14 goals and Amy Recha from Geylang United was third with 12 goals.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Etoile secured fifth spot

Etoile FC have secured fifth spot after they defeated Gombak United 3-0.

Jonathan Toto notched a double with Kamel Chaaouane also contributing.

The 2010 champions also retain a chance to go up to 4th place as they are 3 points behind Albirex Niigata (S) with both having 2 games left and they are meeting each other in the next game on 25 November 

As for a bottom of the table battle not to win the Wooden Spoon, TPUFC and Woodlands Wellington play to a 1-1 draw.

Patrick Paran had scored the opener in the last 10 minutes of play but it was still not enough to secure victory as the Jaguars team showed their inexperience by allowing the Rams a way back.

Korean Moon Soon Ho, brought in the mid-season transfer, showed off his value to the Northern club by coming off the bench and notching a goal thus allowing the Rams to share the points and hopefully have a chance to overtake the Jaguarsd going into their final game.

TPUFC are facing Hougang United while Woodlands Wellington will be facing Gombak United in their final game of the season.  

TPUFC 
Fa Ng Jia  (GK), Arisman Arman, Delwinder Singh, Taufiq Rahmat, Kim Jong Oh, Cyril Bagnost, Takaya Kawanabe, Shamil Sharif (Israel Tan), Azlan Alipah (C), Patrick Paran, Gary Loo (Nurizam Azman)
 
Woodlands Wellington
Phang Chin Guan (GK), Fumiya Kobayashi, Duncan Elias, Munier Raychouni (C), Madhu Mohana, Jalal, Guntur Djafril (Moon Soon Ho), Sazali Salleh, Han Yiguang (Syed Karim), Hyun Jong Woon, Goh Swee Swee
----------
Gombak United  
Zaiful Nizam (GK), Jalse Hatta (C) (Zulkiffli Hassim), Hamqaamal Shah (Ruhaizad Ismail), Jeremy Chiang, Ismail Yunos, Obadin Aikhena, Walid Lounis, Tengku Mushadad, Park Kang Jin , Jung Hee Bong, Chang Jo Yoon (Ridhwan Jamaludin)

SRC are champions

SRC are champions of the National Football League Div 1.

They hold off the challenges of Eunos Crescent who are runner-up while last season champions SCC finished a disappointing third; a further 13 points and 14 points off the pace of both clubs. 

Tampines Rovers Prime League gain revenge with FA Cup triumph

Tampines Rovers Prime League have won the 2011 FA Cup after they defeated SRC in the Final.

Last year, SRC had defeated Tampines Rovers Prime League 3-2 in the Final but this time the story was different as there will be no outcome even until the final whistle in full time and extra-time.

The game have finished 1-1 and only a penalty shootout will settle it.

And Tampines Rovers proved stronger in that department as they won 7-6 and walk away with the 2011 FA Cup.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

No stopping Home or Tampines

There is no stopping Home United or Tampines Rovers in the S-league as they defeated their rivals yet again despite only a few days rest in a busy month.

Home United defeated Hougang United 2-0 while Tampines Rovers defeated Gombak United 2-1.

Korean Jung Hee Bong got the Bulls goal but it was not enough with Jamil Ali and Ahmad Fahmie scoring the Stags.

For the Protectors, Shi Jia Yi and Valery Hiek goals was enough to secure all 3 points.

In other matches, SAFFC crushed Geylang United 6-3 while Balestier Khalsa and Woodlands Wellington played to a 2-2 draw.

Mustaqim Manzur, Mislav Karoglan (2), Ivan Jekvoic, Farzul Nawaz and Zulfadli Zainal Abidin all got on the scoresheet for the Warriors with Nakano Yuta,Daniel Hammond and Rizawan Abdullah replying for the Eagles.

Ishak Zainol and K Vikraman scored for the Tigers with Goh Swee Swee and Moon Soon Hon scoring for the Rams to share the point each. 

Geylang United
Yazid Yasin (GK) (C), Sevki Sha'ban, Mubarak Ahmad (Rizawan Abdullah), Daniel Hammond, Syed Fadhil, Jeon Byung Euk, Kim Jae Hong (Amy Samion Recha), Shah Hirul (Sofiyan Abdul Hamid), Syed Thaha, Nakano Yuta, Hafiz Rahim

SAFFC
Shahril Jantan (GK) (C), Shaiful Esah, Hafiz Osman, Bah Mamadou, Daniel Bennett, Ivan Jerkovic (Rhysh Roshan Rai), Goran Subara, Taisuke Akiyoshi, Mustaqim Manzur (Zulfadli Zainal Abidin), Mislav Karoglan, Fazrul Nawaz (Noh Rahman)
----------
Balestier Khalsa
Joey Sim (GK), Anaz Hadee, Paul Cunningham (C), K Sathiaraj (Armanizam Dolah), Ishak Zainol, Ridhwan Osman, K Vikraman, Poh Yi Feng, Hilmi Azman (Shamsurin Abdul Rahman), Kim Young Kwang, Mark Kevin McGough 

Woodlands Wellington 
Phang Chin Guan (GK), Duncan Elias, Munier Raychouni (C), Madhu Mohana, Han Yiguang, Jalal, Sazali Salleh, Guntur Djafril (Syed Karim), Hyun Jong Woon, Goh Swee Swee, Moon Soon Ho
----------
Gombak United  
Zaiful Nizam (GK), Jaslee Hatta (C) (Zulkiffli Hassim), Hamqaamal Shah, Jeremy Chiang, Ismail Yunos (Ruhaizad Ismail), Obadin Aikhena, Walid Lounis, Ridwan Jamil (Tengku Mushadad), Park Kang Jin, Jung Hee Bong, Chang Jo Yoon 

Tampines Rovers
Yohann Lacroix (GK), Jufri Taha, Seiji Kaneko, Fahrudin Mustafic, Firdaus Kasman (Ahmed Fahmie), Ahmad Latiff, Akihiro Nakamura, Ismadi Mukhtar, Imran Sahib (Shukor Zailan), Jamil Ali (Aliff Shafaein) Aleksandar Duric (C)
----------
Hougang United
Fadhil Salim (GK) (C), Shahril Alias, Basit Abdul Hamid, Eddie Chang (Fathi Yunus), Jordan Webb, Syaqir Sulaiman (Azhar Sairudin), Faizal Amir, Sobrie Mazelan, Carlos Delgado, Mamadou Diallo, Vitor Borges 

Home United
Lionel Lewis (GK), Kenji Arai, Juma'at Jantan, Valery Hiek, Rosman Sulaiman, Shi Jiayi (C), Isa Halim, Firdaus Idros, Masrezwan Masturi (Yasir Hanapi), Frederic Mendy, Sherif El-Masri

Only Home and Tampines are left

Home United and Tampines Rovers are the only teams left in the title race after they defeated their respective foes in the S-league thus casting out SAFFC.

Home United defeated CYL 2-0 while Tampines Rovers defeated Albirex Niigata (S) 3-1.

Firdaus Idros and Frederic Mendy got the goals in the Protectors match.

Tatsuro Inui had scored for the White Swans but a brace from Jamil Ali and then a penalty from Fahrudin Mustafic killed off the Japanese side.
 
Both teams at the top are now uncatchable despite SAFFC late effort as they crush Etoile FC 4-1 at Jalan Besar.

Goran Subara, Mislav Karoglan and Indra Sahdan scored for the Warriors while Wilson Grosset scored for the French side.

Gombak United had defeated TPUFC 3-2 in another match

Ruhaizad Ismail, Hamqaamal Shahn and Walid Lounis scored for the Bulls with Takaya Kawanabe and Shamil Sharif scoring for the Jaguars. 

Tampines Rovers
Yohann Lacroix (GK), Jufri Taha, Seiji Kaneko, Benoรฎt Croissant (Jamil Ali), Fahrudin Mustafic, Firdaus Kasman (Shukor Zailan), Ahmad Latiff, Akihiro Nakamura, Imran Sahib (Aliff Shaffaein), Ismadi Mukhtar, Aleksandar Duric (C) 
----------
Courts Young Lions
Izwan Mahbud (GK), Irwan Shah, Shahir Hamzah, Afiq Yunos, Safuwan Baharudin, Fazli Ayob (Faris Ramli), Zulfahmi Arifin (Hafiz Abu Sujad), Hariss Harun (C), Shahdan Sulaiman (Gabriel Quak), Safirul Sulaiman, Khariul Nizam

Home United
Lionel Lewis (GK), Kenjia Arai, Juma'at Jantan, Valery Hiek, Rosman Sulaiman, Shi Jiayi (C), Firdaus Idros (Sufian Anuar), Yasir Hanapi (Nor Azli Yusoff), Masrezwan Masturi (Asraf Abdul Rashid), Frederic Mendy, Sherif El-Masri
----------
SAFFC
Shahril Jantan (GK) (C), Razaleigh Khalik (Hafiz Osman), Bah Mamadou, Daniel Bennett (C), Ivan Jerkovic, Goran Subara, Noh Rahman, Taisuke Akiyoshi, Zulfadli Zainal Abidin, Mislav Karoglan, Fazrul Nawaz (Indra Sahdan)
----------
Gombak United  
Zaiful Nizam (GK), Hamqaamal Shah, Jeremy Chiang, Ismail Yunos, Obadin Aikhena (C), Walid Lounis, Tengku Mushadad (Ridwan Jamil), Ruhaizad Ismail (Zulkiffli Hassim), Park Kang  Jin (Ridhwan Jamaludin), Jung Hee Bong, Chang Jo Yoon 

TPUFC 
Ridhuan Barudin (GK), Kim Seong Kyu (C) (Patrick Paran), Arisman Arman, Delwinder Singh, Taufiq Rahmat, Kim Jong Oh, Cyril Bagnost, Takaya Kawanabe, Nurizam Azman (Shamil Sharif), Azlan Alipah, Gary Loo

SEA Games XXVI Draw

Group A
Singapore U23
Indonesia U23 (Host)
Malaysia U23 (Champions)
Thailand U23
Cambodia U23

Group B
Vietnam U23
Myanmar U23
Timor Leste U23
Brunei U23
Philippines U23
Laos U23

Home continue their march

Home United continue their march to the 2011 S-league title by defeating Woodlands Wellington 2-1.

Masrezwan Masturi, who started his S-league career with the Rams back in 1999, and Frederic Mendy got the goals for the Protectors. Goh Swee Swee got the consolation goal for the Rams.

Tampines Rovers kept up the pressure by crushing CYL 4-1 and then defeating Geylang United 2-0 in the Eastern Derby.

In the matchup against the Cubs, Ismadi Mukhtar, Imran Sahib, Jamil Ali and Aleksandar Duric got the goals while in the matchup in the Eastern Derby Ismadi Mukhtar and Aleksandar Duric got the goals.

Safuwan Baharudin got the goals for the Cubs.

The Warriors also refused to give up as they defeated CYL 3-0.

Ivan Jerkovic (2) and Farzul Nawaz got the goals.

As for Albirex Niigata (S), their slim hopes of the 2011 crown was gone after they failed to beat Hougang United with the Cheetahs holding them to a 1-1 draw.

Shotaro Ihata got the opener but veteran  Noor Ali cancelled it out.

Tampines Rovers
Yohann Lacroix (GK), Jufri Taha, Seiji Kaneko, Fahrudin Mustafic, Firdaus Kasman (Shukor Zailan), Ahmad Latiff (Jamil Ali), Akihiro Nakamura, Imran Sahib (Ali Hudzaifi), Ismadi Mukhtar, Ahmed Fahmie, Aleksandar Duric (C) 

Courts Young Lions
Izwan Mahbud (GK), Irwan Shah, Shahir Hamzah (Afiq Yunos), Safuwan Baharudin, Al-Qaasimy Rahman, Gabriel Quak, Hafiz Abu Sujad (Zulfahmi Arifin), Faris Ramli, Hariss Harun, Shahdan Sulaiman (Nazrul Ahmad Nazari), Khariul Nizam
----------
Home United
Lionel Lewis (GK), Juma'at Jantan, Valery Hiek, Rosman Sulaiman, Abdil Qaiyyim (Asraf Abdul Rashid), Shi Jiayi (C), Isa Halim, Masrezwan Masturi, Frederic Mendy, Sufian Anuar (Yasir Hanapi), Sherif El-Masri

Woodlands Wellington
Ang Bang Heng (GK), Fumiya Kobayashi, Duncan Elias, Munier Raychouni (C), Madhu Mohana, Jalal, Sazali Salleh, Guntur Djafril (Nawfal Shahib), Han Yiguang, Goh Swee Swee, Moon Soon Ho
----------
Hougang United 
Fadhil Salim (GK) (C), Lau Meng Meng, Shahril Alias (Aqhari Abdullah), Ratna Suffian, Eddie Chang, Syaqir Sulaiman (Mamadou Diallo), Fazli Jaffar, Basit Abdul Hamid (Sobrie Mazelan), Noor Ali, Diego Oliviera, Vitor Borges 
----------
Geylang United
Yazid Yasin (GK) (C), Sofiyan Abdul Hamid, Daniel Hammond, Syed Fadhil, Hassan Aziz, Jeon Byung Euk, Kim Jae Hong, Shah Hirul, Syed Thaha, Nakano Yuta (Amy Samion Recha), Rizawan Abdullah (Zul Elhan Fahmi)

Tampines Rovers
Yohann Lacroix (GK), Jufri Taha, Seiji Kaneko, Fahrudin Mustafic, Firdaus Kasman, Ahmad Latiff (Shukor Zailan), Akihiro Nakamura, Imran Sahib, Ismadi Mukhtar (Ali Hudzaifi), Jamil Ali (Aliff Shaffein), Aleksandar Duric (C) 
----------
SAFFC
Hyrulnizam Juma'at (GK), Shaiful Esah, Hafiz Osman, Bah Mamadou, Daniel Bennett (C), Ivan Jerkovic (Zulfadli Zainal Abidin), Goran Subara, Taisuke Akiyoshi, Mustaqim Manzur, Mislav Karoglan (Rhysh Roshan Rai), Fazrul Nawaz (Erwan Gunawan) 

Courts Young Lions 
Izwan Mahbud (GK), Safuwan Baharudin, Sheikh Abdul Hadi,  , Fazli Ayob, Hafiz Abu Sujad, Ruzaini Zainal (Al-Qaasimy Rahman), Hariss Harun, Shahdan Sulaiman, Safirul Sulaiman, Navin Nigel Vanu (Gabriel Quak), Fairoz Hasan (Faris Ramli)

Home title to lose

Home United have taken a giant step toward winning the 2011 S-league crown after they defeated, soon-to-be-dethroned, Etoile FC 2-1 at Bishan Stadium.

The Protectors had achieved the victory thank to an ex-Etoile FC man, Frederic Mendy, who had  scored the equaliser after Etoile FC had taken the lead through Kamel Chaaouane.

Skipper Shi Jia Yi then notched the winner to give the Protectors a 5-points lead at the top now.

And it helped that Home United challengers are falling over one another to falter as this time, it was Albirex Niigata (S) that disappointed it supporters as they were held to a 1-1 draw with Gombak United; a club Albirex had crushed 5-1 previously.

Shotaro Ihata had given the White Swans the lead but the Bulls did not give up and Obadin Aikhena notched the equaliser at the end.

Meanwhile SAFFC kept up their slim title chances, after losses to Tampines Rovers and Home United respectively, by beating Hougang United 3-1.

Mislav Karoglan got a brace while Zulfadli Zainal Abidin contribute another in the Warriors win. Vitor Borges had scored for the Cheetahs. 

In one other match.Geylang United defeated Woodlands Wellington 2-1.

Jalal had scored the goal for the Rams while Shah Hirul and Nakano Yuta got the goals for the Eagles. 

Woodlands Wellington 
Ang Bang Heng (GK), Fumiya Kobayashi, Duncan Elias, Munier Raychouni (C), Madhu Mohana, Han Yguang (Nawfal Shahib), Jalal, Sazali Salleh, Guntur Djafril (Goh Swee Swee), Hyun Jong Woon, Moon Soon Ho 

Geylang United
Yazid Yasin (GK) (C), Sevki Sha'ban, Mubarak Ahamad (Rizawan Abdullah), Daniel Hammond, Syed Fadhil, Jeon Byung Euk (Hassan Aziz), Kim Jae Hong (Khalili D'Cruz), Shah Hirul, Syed Thaha,  Hafiz Rahim, Nakano Yuta
----------
Hougang United
Fadhil Salim (GK) (C), Lau Meng Meng, Eddie Chang, Faizal Amir, Ratna Suffian (Shahril Alias), Azhar Sairudin (Aqhari Abdullah), Jordan Webb, Diego de Oliveira (Sobrie Mazelan), Carlos Delgado, Noor Ali, Vitor Borges

SAFFC
Shahril Jantan (GK) (C), Razaleigh Khalik, Bah Mamadou, Daniel Bennett, Noh Rahman, Ivan Jerkovic, Goran Subara, Taisuke Akiyoshi, Zulfadli Zainal Abidin , Mislav Karoglan, Indra Sahdan (Fazrul Nawaz) 
----------
Home United
Lionel Lewis (GK), Kenji Arai, Juma'at Jantan, Valery Hiek, Rosman Sulaiman, Abdil Qaiyyim (Firdaus Idros), Shi Jiayi (C), Isa Halim, Masrezwan Masturi (Sufian Anuar), Frederic Mendy, Sherif El-Masri 
----------
Gombak United  
Zaiful Nizam (GK), Jaslee Hatta (C), Hamqaamal Shah, Jeremy Chiang (Zulkiffli Hassim), Ismail Yunos, Obadin Aikhena, Walid Lounis, Tengku Mushadad (Shafuan Sutohmoh), Ridwan Jamil, Jung Hee Bong, Chang Jo Yoon (Ruhaizad Ismail)

Home take over top spot as Tampines falter

Home United have taken a giant step toward winning the 2011 S-league after crushing arch-rival and challenger SAFFC 4-0 at Choa Chu Kang.

At the same time, closer rival Tampines Rovers fell 2-1 to Etoile FC to let Home United take a 2 points lead at the top.

Sherif El-Masri, who has only recently won back his place in the starting lineup of the Home United side, was the hero as he notched a brace while Firdaus Idros and Yasir Hanapi also contribute to the effort.

Jonathan Toto and Kamel Chaaouane was the Stars scorers with Ahmed Fahmie replying for the Stags.

In other matches, CYL crushed Woodlands Wellington 5-1 and Balestier Khalsa defeated TPUFC 2-1.

Gabriel Quak, Irwan Shah, Faris Ramli, Hariss Harun and Nigel Vanu was the scorers for the Cubs with Rams sole reply coming from Moon Soon Ho.

In the Tigers match, Aussie Mark McGough showed his importance to the Tigers as he notched another 2 goals to give the Toa Poyah club their second win in 3games after going winless for nearly 3 months.

Takaya Kawanabe had reply for the Jaguars. 

Tampines Rovers
Yohann Lacroix (GK), Jufri Taha, Benoit Croissant (Seiji Kaneko), Fahrudin Mustafic, Firdaus Kasman (Jamil Ali), Ahmad Latiff, Akihiro Nakamura, Ismadi Mukhtar, Shukor Zailan (Imran Sahib), Ahmed Fahmie, Aleksandar Duric (C)
--------- 
SAFFC
Shahril Jantan (GK) (C), Shaiful Esah, Hafiz Osman, Bah Mamadou, Ivan Jerkovic, Rhysh Roshan Rai, Goran Subara, Taisuke Akiyoshi, Mustaqim Manzur, Mislav Karoglan, Fazrul Nawaz (Indra Sahdan) 

Home United
Lionel Lewis (GK), Kenji Arai, Juma'at Jantan, Valery Hiek, Rosman Sulaiman, Shi Jiayi (C), Isa Halim, Firdaus Idros (Abdil Qaiyyim), Masrezwan Masturi (Faizal Samad (Yasir Hanapi)), Frederic Mendy, Sufian Anuar, Sherif El-Masri
---------
Courts Young Lions
Izwan Mahbud (GK), Afiq Yunos, Irwan Shah, Abdul Hadi, Al-Qaasimy Rahman (Safuwan Baharudin), Gabriel Quak, Zulfahmi Arifin (Hafiz Abu Sujad), Hariss Harun (C), Shahdan Sulaiman, Nigel Vanu, Khairul Nizam (Faris Ramli) 

Woodlands Wellington
Ang Bang Heng (GK), Fumiya Kobayashi, Duncan Elias, Munier Raychouni (C), Darrel Tan (Sahhid Jamallil), Jalal, Guntur Djafril (Nawfal Shahib), Han Yiguang, Hyun Jong Woon, Farhan Hairoddin (Syed Karim), Moon Soon Ho
---------
TPUFC 
Ridhuan Barudin (GK), Kim Seong Kyu (C), Delwinder Singh, Taufiq Rahmat (Shamil Sharif), Kim Jong Oh, Cyril Bagnost, Takaya Kawanabe, Azlan Alipah, Gary Loo (Abdul Rahman), Hafiz Nor, Patrick Paran

Balestier Khalsa
Joey Sim (GK), Paul Cunningham (C), K Sathiaraj (Anaz Hadee), Vahid Bogucanin, Ishak Zainol, Armanizam Dolah (Ridhwan Osman), K Vikraman, Poh Yi Feng, Andrew Tan (Nurhilmi Jasni), Kim Young Kwang, Mark Kevin McGough

Monday, October 24, 2011

Albirex won again

Albirex Niigata (S) won their match-up again as they continue to challenge for the S-league title.

This time they did it by defeating  Balestier Khalsa 3-1 at Toa Poyah with goals coming from Shimpei Sakurada and Shotaro Ihat.

The third goal was an own goal with the Balestier reply coming from Mark McGough.

In other matches, Etoile FC defeated Geylang United 3-2 and Gombak United defeated Hougang United 3-1.

Theo Raymond, Aly Doumbouya and Wilson Grosset got the goals for the Stars while Kim Jae Hong and Rizawan Abdullah reply for the Eagles.

In the Bulls game, Chang Jo Yoon (2) and Ridhwan Jamaludin got the goals for the home side with Noor Ali  replying for the Cheetahs. 

Days earlier, Hougang United defeated TPUFC 4-3 and Balestier Khalsa defeated CYL 1-0.

In the Cheetahs game at Hougang, Noor Ali, Carlos Delgado, Sobrie Mazelan and Jordan Webb got the goals for the home side while Cyril Bagnost, Takaya Kawanabe and Patrick Paran got the goals for the Jaguars. Mark Kevin McGough had got the winner in the Tigers game at Toa Poyah.

In the days between these games, Geylang United notched up a victory against TPUFC; defeating them 2-0.

Hafiz Rahim and Rizawan Abdullah got the goals.

Hougang United
Fadhil Salim (GK), Lau Meng Meng, Syaqir Sulaiman, Shariff Samat (C), Eddie Chang, Azhar Sairudin (Aqhari Abdullah), Jordan Webb, Fazli Jaffar, Carlos Delgado (Fathi Yunus), Noor Ali (Sobrie Mazelan), Vitor Borges 

TPUFC 
Ng Jia Fa (GK), Kim Seong Kyu (C), Arisman Arman, Taufiq Rahmat (Patrick Paran), Kim Jong Oh, Cyril Bagnost, Takaya Kawanabe, Azlan Alipah, Nurizam Azman (Sudhershen Hariram), Abdul Rahman (Shamil Sharif), Hafiz Nor  
---------
Balestier Khalsa
Joey Sim (C) (GK), Anaz Hadee, K Sathiaraj, Kenneth Chang, Vahid Bogucanin, Ridhwan Osman, Armanizam Dolah, Poh Yi Feng (Nurhilmi Jasni), Andrew Tan (Shamsurin Abd Rahman), Kim Young Kwang, Mark Kevin McGough

Courts Young Lions 
Jasper Chan (GK), Shahir Hamzah, Abdul Hadi, Gabriel Quak (Raihan Rahman), Hafiz Abu Sujad (Fazli Ayob), Faris Ramli (Khairul Nizam), Nazrul Ahmad Nazari, Safirul Sulaiman, Emmeric Ong, Fairoz Hasan (C), Fadhil Noh
 ---------
Geylang United
Yazid Yasin (GK) (C),Sevki Sha'ban, Mubarak Ahamad (Rizawan Abdullah), Daniel Hammond, Syed Fadhil, Jeon Byung Euk, Kim Jae Hong, Shah Hirul, Syed Thaha (Sofiyan Abdul Hamid), Zul Elhan Fahmi (Fadli Kamis), Nakano Yuta
--------- 
Gombak United 
Zaiful Nizam (GK), Jaslee Hatta (C), Hamqaamal Shah, Jeremy Chiang, Ismail Yunos, Tengku Mushadad (Ridwan Jamil), Ruhaizad Ismail (Farouq Farkhan), Park Kang Jin, Jung Hee Bong, Chang Jo Yoon (Ridhwan Jamaludin), Zulkiffli Hassim 

Hougang United
Fadhil Salim (GK), Lau Meng Meng, Shariff Samat (C), Ratna Suffian, Azhar Sairudin (Basit Hamid), Jordan Webb, Fazli Jaffar (Vitor Borges), Faizal Amir, Carlos Delgado, Noor Ali, Mamadou Diallo (Sobrie Mazelan)
---------
Geylang United
Yazid Yasin (GK) (C), Sevki Sha'ban, Mubarak Ahamad (Zul Elhan Fahmi), Daniel Hammond, Syed Fadhil, Hassan Aziz, Jeon Byung Euk, Kim Jae Hong, Syed Thaha, Nakano Yuta (Rizawan Abdullah), Hafiz Rahim 

TPUFC 
Ridhuan Barudin (GK), Kim Seong Kyu (C), Arisman Arman, Delwinder Singh, Kim Jong Oh, Cyril Bagnost, Takaya Kawanabe, Azlan Alipah, Gary Loo (Shamil Sharif), Abdul Rahman (Patrick Paran), Hafiz Nor 
---------
Balestier Khalsa
Joey Sim (GK), Paul Cunningham (C), K Sathiaraj, Vahid Bogucanin, Ishak Zainol, Armanizam Dolah (Nurhilmi Jasni), K Vikraman, Poh Yi Feng (Kenneth Chang), Andrew Tan, Kim Young Kwang, Mark Kevin McGoug

Albirex crush Geylang to continue their title challenge

Albirex Niigata (S) refused to accept that their title challenge is slim by continuing to challenge for it as they crushed Geylang United 6-1 at Jurong East stadium.

The White Swans goals came from Shotaro Ihata, Tatsuro Inui, Atsushi Shimono, Bruno Castanheira  (2) and Shunsuke Sagesaka.

Kim Jae Hong got the Eagles reply.

In other matches, Etoile FC defeated Woodlands Wellington 2-0, TPUFC defeat CYL 3-1 and Hougang United defeated Balestier Khalsa 2-0.

In the Stars match, Julien Durand and Kamel Chaaouane got the goals.

Kim Jong Oh, Takaya Kawanabe and Hafiz Nor had got the goals for the Jaguars with Fazli Ayob replying for the CYL.

Noor Ali and Diego Oliviera scored in the Cheetahs victory.

Before that, Hougang United and Geylang United had played 4 days earlier as the Cheeaths came back from a goal down to defeat the Eagles 2-1 at Jalan Besar.

Korean Jeon Byung Euk had open the scoring in the first half for the Eagles before a second half fightback with goals by Mamadou Diallo and Vitor Borges saw the Cheetahs snatching all 3 points.

Geylang United
Yazid Yasin (GK) (C), Sofiyan Abdul Hamid (Khalili D'cruz), Sevki Sha'ban, Daniel Hammond, Jeon Byung Euk, Kim Jae Hong, Shah Hirul, Syed Thaha, Zul Elhan Fahmi (Hassan Aziz), Nakano Yuta, Rizawan Abdullah (Mubarak Ahamad) 

Hougang United
Fadhil Salim (GK), Lau Meng Meng, Shariff Samat (C), Shahril Alias, Ratna Suffian, Azhar Sairudin, Jordan Webb, Sobrie Mazelan (Mamadou Diallo), Carlos Delgado, Noor Ali (Fazli Jaffar), Vitor Borges (Eddie Chang)
----------
TPUFC 
Ridhuan Barudin (GK), Kim Seong Kyu (C), Arisman Arman (Nurizam Azman), Delwinder Singh, Taufiq Rahmat, Kim Jong Oh, Cyril Bagnost, Takaya Kawanabe, Azlan Alipah, Gary Loo (Ganesan s/o Devadas), Hafiz Nor 

Courts Young Lions 
Izwan Mahbud (GK), Afiq Yunos, Irwan Shah (C), Raihan Rahman (Shahdan Sulaiman), Abdul Hadi, Al-Qaasimy Rahman, Zulfahmi Arifin, Faris Ramli (Hafiz Abu Sujad), Nazrul Nazari, Nigel Vanu (Fazli Ayob), Khairul Nizam 
---------- 
Hougang United
Fadhil Salim (GK), Lau Meng Meng, Syaqir Sulaiman (Faizal Amir), Shariff Samat (C), Fathi Yunus (Aqhari Abdullah), Eddie Chang, Fazli Jaffar, Carlos Delgado (Azhar Sairudin), Noor Ali, Diego Oliviera, Vitor Borge 

Balestier Khalsa
Ahmadulhaq Che Omar (GK), Anaz Hadee, Paul Cunningham (C), K Sathiaraj, Vahid Bogucanin, Ishak Zainol, Ridhwan Osman (Shamsurin Abd Rahman), Poh Yi Feng (Armanizam Dolah), Nurhilmi Jasni, Andrew Tan, Kim Young Kwang
---------- 
Woodlands Wellington
Ang Bang Heng (GK), Fumiya Kobayashi (Farhan Hairoddin), Duncan Elias, Munier Raychouni (C), Madhu Mohana, Zulkarnain Malik (Oswind Suriya), Jalal, Sazali Salleh, Hyun Jong Woon, Goh Swee Swee (Sahhid Jamallil), Moon Soon Ho
----------
Geylang United
Yazid Yasin (GK) (C), Sofiyan Abdul Hamid (Khayrulhayat Jumat), Sevki Sha'ban, Daniel Hammond, Syed Fadhil, Jeon Byung Euk, Kim Jae Hong, Syed Thaha, Khalili D'cruz (Amy Recha), Nakano Yuta, Rizawan Abdullah (Mubarak Ahamad)

Home and Tampines marches on

Home United and Tampines Rovers marches on as they defeated their respective foes on the field.

Home United had defeated Courts Young Lions 2-0 - with goals from Frederic Mendy and an own goal - while Tampines impressively defeated SAFFC 3-1 at the Warriors fortress Choa Chu Kang.

The Stags goals came from Ahmed Fahmie (2) and an own goal while SAFFC sole goal came from Mislav Karoglan.

That defeat now leave the Warriors with a mountain to climb as they are now 7 points behind Tampines Rovers and 6 points behind Home United so SAFFC have to hope both teams collapsed which will be difficult.

In other matches Etoile FC crushed TPUFC 6-1 and Gombak United defeated Balestier Khalsa 2-0.

In the Stars match up, the with goals from Maxime Belouet, Julien Durand, Aly Doumbouya and Wilson Grosset (3) while the Jaguars sole goal came from Hafiz Nor

As for the Bulls game, the goals came from Zulkiffli Hassim and Jung Hee Bong.  

TPUFC 
Ridhuan Barudin (GK), Kim Seong Kyu (C), Arisman Arman, Delwinder Singh, Taufiq Rahmat, Kim Jong Oh, Cyril Bagnost, Takaya Kawanabe, Azlan Alipah, Abdul Rahman, Hafiz Nor 
----------
SAFFC
Shahril Jantan (GK) (C), Shaiful Esah, Hafiz Osman, Bah Mamadou (Indra Sahdan), Daniel Bennett, Ivan Jerkovic, Rhysh Roshan Rai (Fazrul Nawaz), Goran Subara, Taisuke Akiyoshi, Mustaqim Manzur (Noh Rahman), Mislav Karoglan

Tampines Rovers
Yohann Lacroix (GK), Jufri Taha, Benoit Croissant, Fahrudin Mustafic, Ahmad Latiff, Akihiro Nakamura, Imran Sahib, Ismadi Mukhtar, Shukor Zailan, Ahmed Fahmie (Firdaus Kasman), Aleksandar Duric (C)
----------
Home United
Lionel Lewis (GK), Kenji Arai, Juma'at Jantan, Valery Hiek, Rosman Sulaiman (Abdil Qaiyyim), Shi Jiayi (C), Isa Halim, Firdaus Idros, Masrezwan Masturi, Frederic Mendy (Yasir Hanapi), Sherif El-Masri (Sufian Anuar) 
Courts Young Lions 
Izwan Mahbud (GK), Afiq Yunos, Irwan Shah (C), Safuwan Baharudin, Al-Qaasimy Rahman (Shahir Hamzah), Hafiz Abu Sujad, Ruzaini Zainal, Faris Ramli, Shahdan Sulaiman, Nigel Vanu (Nazrul Nazari), Fairoz Hasan (Fazli Ayob) 
----------
Balestier Khalsa
Ahmadulhaq Che Omar (GK), Anaz Hadee , Paul Cunningham (C), K Sathiaraj, Vahid Bogucanin, Ishak Zainol, Armanizam Dolah (Ridhwan Osman), Poh Yi Feng (Shamsurin Abd Rahman), Andrew Tan, Kim Young Kwang, Mark Kevin McGough 

Gombak United  
Zaiful Nizam (GK), Jaslee Hatta (C), Hamqaamal Shah, Jeremy Chiang, Ismail Yunos, Obadin Aikhena, Tengku Mushadad (Ridwan Jamil), Ruhaizad Ismail (Zulkiffli Hassim), Park Kang Jin, Jung Hee Bong, Chang Jo Yoon (Ridhwan Jamaludin)

Jordan defeat Singapore 3-0

Jordan looked set to reach the World Cup Qualifiers Final stage after they defeat Singapore 3-0 with goals from Abdallah Deeb, Anas Bani Yaseen and Ahmad Hayel.

Singapore continue to get the short stick on officiating as the Lions had a goal cancelled out which replay show should be allowed to stand.

It was not offside as the assistant referee rule.

This is the third match in a row referee decisions  had gone against although one has to admit it was not as costly as the previous two matches which would have give the Lions the chance to gain points.

But this 'goal' came late in the game when Jordan was already three goals up.

World Cup Qualifier (Asia Zone) Group Stage
Singapore 0-3 Jordan 

Singapore: Izwan Mahbud, Juma'at Jantan, Safuwan Baharudin, Daniel Bennett, Shaiful Esah, Shi Jiayi (Isa Halim 45), Hariss Harun, Hafiz Rahim (Shahdan Sulaiman 45), Shahril Ishak (C), Fazrul Nawaz (Khairul Nizam 61), Aleksandar Duric

Singapore defeat Philippines 2-0

In a friendly international arrange to prepare for the World Cup qualifer against Jordan, Singapore defeated Philippines 2-0 at Jalan Besar stadium.

SAFFC  defender Shaiful Esah had opened the scoring with one of special freekick before Aleksandar Duricmake the game safe by notching the second goal. 

International Friendly
Singapore 2-0 Philippines 

Singapore: Lionel Lewis (Izwan Mahbud), Juma'at Jantan, Safuwan Baharudin (Noh Rahman), Daniel Bennett, Shaiful Esah (Delwinder Singh), Isa Halim (Hafiz Rahim), Hariss Harun, Shi Jiayi, Shahril Ishak (C), Fazrul Nawaz (Shahdan Sulaiman), Aleksander Duric

Sunday, October 2, 2011

The lies that man told to get his Malaysia team

I should be a fortune teller as just two months after I predicted everything that will happen - Trust, something I do not have of FAS - has happen.

But do be honest I do not need a crystal ball to see that future as history and human nature has been a guide.

As I noted before, that man can walk away from it all so it is not even a gamble for he will not be hurt no matter the outcome in years to come and indeed he can used it for his political advantage. 

After all, the Minister-in-charge-of-Muslim-Affairs, Yaacob Ibrahim, is going to be over 60 by the next GE and with only a single Ministerial post for the Malay, those below need to show something as what has that man done during his time as Mayor, labour leader or even the Malay community if one can enlight me. 

Former MM Lee claimed PAP do not lies but obviously that man tell us a different story or is it as WilkLeaks files said, PAP is looking for it MPs at the bottom of the barrel with many of them second to, worse, third choice ones. 

Of course, this is a blog about S-league football and not government so I will stop here about why I believe his human nature is choosing this path.

Here are the difference between the fact and the lies he told in July when he wanted his Malaysia team. (Who know there may be more but here are the starter course) 
  • S-league matches to be played on weekend so it can played to better crowds
    Now the story has totally changed and S-league will remain on weekdays and it is only his Malaysia team that get this benefit
Just to add on, no doubt he will claimed it is to avoid a clash but may I remind readers that MSL is a shorter season and start earlier so there are free weekends but no doubt not a single S-league games will be played on weekend next season for let be honest, he is asking SPOOLS to foot his bill.
  • It is U23 team no matter what 
Now he create the world first "U28' team (where have one heard of this nonsense) and claimed it is still a development squad
No doubt the year after that, the age limit will be raise again but even Arsene Wenger do not lie to himself like that and when he buy players above 23, he admit their potential for development is not high so he want the final product for these kind of players and that is why he rarely touch such players even in the early 20s
  • He will not disband Courts Young Lions no matter what 
    Now stories are already leaking (and confirm by former S-league CEO, and partner in crime, Winston Lee in August, just a month, after his 'brave' words) Courts Young Lions will be gone so no doubt the million dollar contract is going to his team now 
So much for the increase in number of young players as some of his defenders claimed as now we have less than 20 players exposed under his remaining term and he may wishfully hoped the clubs will help him out; I will said fat hope as club coaches will be under pressure to help their team win, not developed FOC players for FAS.
  • Increased in subsidies
    Now I can tell readers I believe not a single single club will get the full amount as no doubt FAS as the tester will fail every team no matter what
Just think, if every club give up $100k, he can get nearly $1million and the PKI take up 50% of it so it is up to $5 million.

Simple maths for the sponsors have promise the money so the money is there and it is up to FAS to decide how to 'split it' with no overseer. (I do not think the new S-league CEO will stand up to FAS as they are it real employer not S-league)
  • Youth development will not be footing the bill
    But already we see cost cutting measures where many local Under-age teams cannot travel because FAS refused to foot the bill
Note the difference between Ho and that man era, Ho always found money to foot those bills for National Team and age groups so those who claimed he will continue to fund the Under-15 and Under-16 teams, I will note once the media fade away he will forget these teams like he forget about the rest of the age groups because they have no media attention.
  • We are not paying FAM money in any kind 
    Truth is we gave FAM anywhere between RM1million to RM 2.5 million disguised as subsides for their youth team for take note it is an 'exchange program' so why the need to pay FAM
I have no doubt FAS will give in even more in years to come as even now FAS has closed it books to the public. Remember in Ho time, FAS opened it books as Ho wanted to show the public FAS spending but now, FAS has not published it account since 2009; the year the man took over.

GIC and Temasek closed it books because of national issues but what about FAS. Why have the spending on local football gone down so much in the 3 years under him.

PAP do not lie. Not this man as from July to now it barely 100 days and the stories we get are totally different from the ones he delivered back then.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Who does S-league CEO represent


I mean looked at who is choosing the new S-league CEO!

Along with that man, the selection panel that decide the new S-League CEO includes former minister and FAS president Professor Ho Peng Kee, president of the Singapore Bowling Federation Jessie Phua and Singapore Sports Council CEO Lim Teck Yin.

Why is Singapore Sports Council (SSC) and Singapore Bowling Federation (SBF) involved but not a single S-league club.

S-league CEO is to run and represent S-league; which are in the interest of the clubs yet they have no say but bowling and SSC have.

SSC, may I remind them, refused to get itself involved in Singapore Athletic Association (SAA) election over two year ago claiming it has no right as this involved those in the sport and SSC as the overseer can only advise.

Worse of all, why bowling?

Does it mean Singapore football can now send people over to oversee one of their many committees as well.

I do not understand the logic.

Maybe this panel is just meant to select one of their own as frankly I only see government people in there and not a single person from the private sector so how can they attract the man from the private sector they claimed they want to hire.

For if they do not want S-league clubs involved as they lacked the connection to get good men for the job but does this panel have it!

For the S-league CEO will be tasked with getting money from private sector so it is good if he come from there and has the connections like Richard Scudmore, BPL CEO, who before getting that post was a media man.

He clearly know the in and out of media and has been able to use it to his and his company advantage as one thing about the running of BPL is how they 'covered' up the negative news whenever it involved their brand - which even other top European league cannot matched.

The issue about debts of BPL is a good example as Scudmore always claim their debts are 'different' from other European league which have fallen foul of it and somehow BPL always has one group of media willing to defend that as a fact even if not all are not as supportive of it.

This is why Scudmore earn his pay and frankly can the S-league CEO earn that pay which is reportedly S$8k a month.

I will wait to pass judgement (as it is only fair) but I wonder how do we get a good CEO as it is unlikely  the panel will have the connection to get men from the sectors Singapore football need.


Mystery solved

Now I know why SSC have not issued a statement about the Today article on JBS expansion.

It does not involved them as FAS will be footing the bill on this one as this new Today report tell us it is FAS who is calling for vendors.

Of course this lead to the million dollar question of how come FAS have money now? (After coming out repeatedly to cry they have no money when it time to spend money on local football)

If you ask me, it is more likely there will be no Courts Young Lions in 3 months time as they need the money even more now.

Afterall even if it is a temporary stand it will cost as least a hundred thousand dollars (including maintenance cost as SSC is not going to foot it since they did not build it) and money do not grow on trees, it has to come from somewhere.

The Chinese saying the lamb fur must come from lamb (literally translated) come to mind.

All this for a temporary stand is not worth it as I can see that stand lasting a year or two before it is torn down and during that time, the maintenance cost will be borne not by FAS but by Singapore next generation in turth. (Reason is FAS will cry even louder they have no money now for local football as all of it is either going to FAM, the Malaysia team or JBS)

Sunday, September 25, 2011

S-league Preview XXIV & XXV (edited for correcting some errors)


Mon 26-Sep Etoile FC - TPUFC (QTN)
Tue 27-Sep SAFFC - Tampines Rovers (CCK)
Wed 28-Sep Home United - CYL (BSN)
Thu 29-Sep Balestier Khalsa - Gombak United (TPY)
Fri 30-Sep Geylang United - Hougang United (JBS)

Mon 3-Oct TPUFC - CYL (QTN)
Mon 3-Oct Hougang United - Balestier Khalsa (QTN)
Tue  4-Oct Woodlands Wellington - Etoile FC (CCK)
Wed 5-Oct Albirex Niigata (S) - Geylang United (JES)
Thu 6-Oct  Hougang United - TPUFC (HGG)
Thu 6-Oct Balestier Khalsa - CYL (TPY)

S-league Preview XXIII - 4 right with 1 perfect score and 3 wrong 

Etoile FC - TPUFC
I wonder what mental state Etoile is in now. Having lost the semi-final of the Singapore Cup, they are doom to finish empty-handed after last season Double and that is a blow. But they have a season to finish and the least their ultras will expect is that the team is a professional (I think they can agree with that). That mean finishing off the Jaguars. 2-0 to Etoile FC

SAFFC - Tampines Rovers
For such games, I have always say to be on the safe side, it is a draw. But not at this point as a draw only benefit their rivals and a winner may have to emerge. It is not easy as both sides are capable of beating the other on their day so who will be the top dog on the day. At this point, I am willing to go with the home side as 1) they have the advantage of the home pitch and at CCK it is a big advantage 2) The Warriors players are less taxed than the Stags for the Stags have the added responsibility of Asia this year 3) The Warriors main players, other than Daniel Bennett, are not national players while the Stags most important attacker Duric is. This is important as the national players are taxed to the max this quarter and when one hear Lionel Lewis being burn out, one know players are also human. 3-1 to SAFFC 

Home United - CYL
8 more games to go and every point count. So it win or bust. The Protectors have no excuse why they cannot get full point as even their second team could take on the Cubs. Also it is not played at the artificial pitch of JBS so that is another plus for them. At the same time, the Cubs have no advantage of a good rest as they battled in Vietnam in the same week Home was playing in the Singapore Cup. Clearly all the advantage are with the home side. 3-0 to Home 

Balestier Khalsa - Gombak United 
The Bulls are a side capable of finishing in the top half yet they can easily fail to reach that target. This is the Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde side of the Bulls. One just do not know if they are mentally prepared for the challenge. Darren Stewart cannot keep hiding behind the undeniable fact they have lost good players over the last two seasons as he has been given his own sweet time to build a side in his own image. He must show he is a good a coach as anybody in the league and for this season, it mean a top half finish. They have the squad to to do that. 3-1 to Gombak

Geylang United - Hougang United
 The Eagles have kept the nucleus of the side for a while now and one can see they are ready to reap it reward which is a top half finish once again (4 time in last 5 seasons). It may not seem like much but for Geylang it is only the start of a climb (A very long climb) back to being a force in the S-league. What is clearly handicapping them is the U23 policy as they cannot reap the benefit of their youngsters like in 03 thus they have to go the long way of building a side with players who are not as 'desired' (Khalili D'Cruz etc). It is a tough road to ply. 3-2 to Geylang 

TPUFC - CYL
Out of the 10 points the Jaguars won this season, 8 have come from the Cubs and the Rams. This show the Jaguars can take on this two teams as both lacked the killer touch to trouble the Clementi side; who have good foreign recruits. The Jaguars could be collecting their points again from the Cubs again. 2-1 to Jaguars

Hougang United - Balestier Khalsa
The games are coming in thick and fast for Hougang and I am not sure they have the squad to deal with it. After a 3-day rest, they do battle again and this is their 6th games in 22 days. Not even the Big 3 squad will be able to deal with it, in my opinion, let alone Hougang. The Tigers could well take advantage of that. 2-1 to Balestier 

Woodlands Wellington - Etoile FC
Can the Stars not win this one? Surely if they cannot do that, we know their mind is gone and that they are cruising towards the end of the season which is not the professional thing to do. They have commented they are a professional side then this is the time to show it. 2-0 to Etoile 

Albirex Niigata (S) - Geylang United 
A tough game for the White Swans as the Eagles are 1 of the side capable of derailing their title challenge. Indeed the Eagles could have ended the White Swans League Cup dream had they hold out for another few more moment. Since then, the Eagles have got stronger and this time there is no extra-time for Albirex to win full point to continue their challenge. With the Big 3 having games in hand, they can slip up and Albirex can only, at best, catch up with them but if Albirex slip, it could be the end. 2-2 draw 

Hougang United - TPUFC
Another game in a crazy month for Hougang and they must have expended all their round by now. The Jaguars must hope so as Hougang is no easy place to visit to win a point or more. But it could well be the case as the Jaguars targets are easy to achieve which is any point gain this season is a win. So they do not need more than a point and I can see doing that. 1-1 draw 

Balestier Khalsa - CYL
The Tigers can still climb out of the bottom 3 and they can do that if they beat the Cubs. Surely coach Salim Moin do not hoped his players are happy with their current position and the players proved there is still hunger and desire in them. This is the least expected of them as one is not asking to win anything other than this match so they still can climb out of the bottom 3. It is not asking for the sky. 2-1 to Tigers

2011 Ho Chi Minh City Football Tournament Results

Results 
Singapore U23 0-3 Aspire Academy U17
Singapore U23 0-3 South Korea University team
Singapore U23 1-2 Vietnam U23

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Albirex reach second Final this year

After reaching the League Cup Final and winning it, Albirex Niigata (S) have reached their second Final this year after defeating a stubborn Hougang United 5-4 overall.

The White Swans looked well on their way to the Final in the first leg as they got a two goal in the first period through Norihiro Kawakami, who scored a brace, but the Cheetahs showed the fighting spirit that have accompanied them this season by fighting back.

First Sobrie Mazelan pulled a goal just before the break and then in the second period Syaqir Sulaiman got the Cheetahs back on level term just 10 minutes before the end of the game to break the White Swans heart.

The second leg was no different as Albirex Niigata (S) took the lead in the game through Shotaro Ihata but Hougang United refused to die as the script demanded.

Basit Hamid, who came on as a sub, got the equaliser through an indirect freekick in the last 15 minutes after the Cheetahs had missed a penalty earlier in the game.

Neither side could get the winner in the remaining time thus extra-time was needed.

Yosuke Saito got the White Swans ahead again in that period but once again the Cheetahs came back as Sobrie Mazelan pulled the Cheetahs back on level term with 5 minutes to go.
  
That was when the Cheetahs make the mistake of the game as with a man advantage, with Albirex top scorer red-carded Shotaro Ihata, they went for the kill and left themselves short at the back.

The White Swans got their winner through a quick counterstrike as Hougang United lost the ball in midfield and with a 3on 3 situation, a pass found Yosuke Saito with space and time to take into the box and fired it into the top corner.

There was no coming back after this as Albirex reached their first ever RHB Singapore Cup Final. 

Hougang United
Fadhil Salim (GK), Lau Meng Meng, Syaqir Sulaiman (Eddie Chang), Shariff Samat (C), Shahril Alias, Ratna Suffian (Sobrie Mazelan), Azhar Sairudin, Jordan Webb, Carlos Delgado, Noor Ali, Diego Oliviera (Basit Hamid)
----------
Hougang United
Ridzuan Hasan (GK), Lau Meng Meng, Syaqir Sulaiman (Raymond Kwa), Shahril Alias, Fathi Yunus, Ratna Suffian, Azhar Sairudin, Jordan Webb, Fazli Jaffar (Sobrie Mazelan), Noor Ali (C),  Diego Oliviera (Basit Hamid)

Home reached Singapore Cup Final after 6-year absence

Home United have reached the RHB Singapore Final after defeating Etoile FC 2-1 in the semi-final.

The first leg have ended 1-1 with Sherif El-Masri getting the goal for the Protectors while Sirina Camara got the goal for the Stars.

In the second leg, Frederic Mendy got the all-important winner as the Protectors defeated Etoile FC 1-0. 

Home United
Lionel Lewis (GK), Kenji Arai, Juma'at Jantan (C), Valery Hiek, Rosman Sulaiman, Abdil Qaiyyim (Nor Azli Yusoff), Isa Halim, Firdaus Idros (Sufian Anuar), Masrezwan Masturi, Frederic Mendy, Sherif El-Masri 
----------
Home United
Lionel Lewis (GK), Kenji Arai, Juma'at Jantan (C), Valery Hiek, Rosman Sulaiman, Abdil Qaiyyim (Sufian Anuar), Nor Azli Yusoff (Shi Jiayi), Isa Halim, Masrezwan Masturi, Frederic Mendy, Sherif El-Masri (Zulfadli Zainal Abidin)

Tampines and Home win

Tampines Rovers and Home United won their respective matches to stay as the forerunners of the S-league challengers.

Tampines Rovers defeated Woodlands Wellington 4-0 while Home United won 3-0 against TPUFC.

In the Stags match, Aleksandar Duric notched a hat-trick with Benoit Croissant also contributing. In the Protectors match, Frederic Mendy and Valery Hiek (2) got the goals.

In another match, Hougang United and Courts Young Lions drew 1-1 with Diego Oliviera getting the goal for the Cheetahs while the Cubs goal came from Haniff Sadique.

TPUFC 
Ridhuan Barudin (GK), Kim Seong Kyu (C), Arisman Arman, Delwinder Singh, Sudhershen Hariram, Cyril Bagnost, Azlan Alipah, Nurizam Azman, Gary Loo, Abdul Rahman (Justin Khiang), Hafiz Nor (Shamil Sharif)
Home United
Lionel Lewis (GK), Kenji Arai, Juma'at Jantan, Valery Hiek, Abdil Qaiyyim (Faizal Samad), Shi Jiayi (C) (Rosman Sulaiman), Isa Halim, Firdaus Idros, Frederic Mendy, Sufian Anuar (Masrezwan Masturi), Sherif El-Masri
---------
Woodlands Wellington
Ang Bang Heng (GK), Fumiya Kobayashi (Farhan Hairoddin), Duncan Elias, Munier Raychouni, Madhu Mohana, Syed Karim (Darrel Tan), Jalal, Sazali Salleh (C), Han Yiguang (Moon Soon Ho), Hyun Jong Woon, Goh Swee Swee 

Tampines Rovers
Yohann Lacroix (GK), Jufri Taha, Benoit Croissant, Seiji Kaneko, Fahrudin Mustafic, Firdaus Kasman,  Ahmad Latiff (Ahmed Fahmie), Akihiro Nakamura, Imran Sahib (Ali Hudzaifi), Ismadi Mukhtar (Jamil Ali), Shukor Zailan, Aleksandar Duric (C) 
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Hougang United
Fadhil Salim (GK), Syaqir Sulaiman, Shariff Samat (C), Shahril Alias, Azhar Sairudin, Fazli Jaffar (Lau Meng Meng), Basit Hamid (Noor Ali), Sobrie Mazelan (Jordan Webb), Aqhari Abdullah, Diego Oliviera, Vitor Borges

Courts Young Lions 
Jasper Chan (GK), Afiq Yunos (C), Shahir Hamzah, Hafiz Abu Sujad (Abdul Hadi), Zulfahmi Arifin (Shahdan Sulaiman), Faris Ramli, Nazrul Ahmad Nazari (Fazli Ayob), Emmeric Ong, Nigel Vanu, Fairoz Hasan, Haniff Sadique 

Albirex charge stalled

Albirex Niigata (S) charge up the S-league table have been halted by Courts Young Lions.

Before this game, the White Swans have won 11 of their last 12 games - which include rivals like Home United and Etoile FC - to climb up the S-league table but with this 1-1 draw, it give the White Swans rivals a chance to open a gap with both Tampines and Home having two games in hand as well as the leadership of the S-league.

Shahdan Sulaiman had scored for the Cubs while Tatsuro Inui scored for the White Swans.

On the same night while the White Swans stumbled, the Warriors did not as they defeated Balestier Khalsa 3-1 to continue to bite at both Tampines Rovers and Home United feet.

The hero was once again their inspirational Croatian forward Mislav Karoglan as he notched a brace especially the second one which showed his class as he beat several defenders and midfielders on his way to firing in the goal.

Fazrul Nawaz scored the Warriors third goal while Mark McGough reply for the Tigers.

As for the mid-table battle, Gombak United kept up their chances of a top half finish with a 2-1 defeat of Geylang United.

Jeremy Chiang and Chang Jo Yoon got the goals for the Bulls.

For Hougang United, their chances of a top half finish looked slim after their 1-3 defeat against Etoile FC.

Kamel Chaaouane (2) and Sirina Camara scored for the Stars while Noor Ali scored for the Cheetahs.

Hougang United
Fadhil Salim (GK), Lau Meng Meng, Syaqir Sulaiman, Shariff Samat (C), Ratna Suffian, Eddie Chang (Aqhari Abdullah), Jordan Webb, Fazli Jaffar (Diego Oliviera), Sobrie Mazelan (Carlos Delgado), Noor Ali, Vitor Borges
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Gombak United  
Zaiful Nizam (GK), Jaslee Hatta (C), Hamqaamal Shah, Jeremy Chiang, Ismail Yunos, Obadin Aikhena, Walid Lounis, Tengku Mushadad, Park Kang Jin (Ridwan Jamil), Jung Hee Bong, Chang Jo Yoon (Ridhwan Jamaludin)

Geylang United
Yazid Yasin (GK) (C), Sofiyan Abdul Hamid, Adrian Dhanaraj (Mubarak Ahamad), Daniel Hammond, Syed Fadhil, Jeon Byung Euk, Kim Jae Hong, Shah Hirul (Zul Elhan Fahmi), Syed Thaha (Hassan Aziz), Nakano Yuta, Hafiz Rahim
---------
Balestier Khalsa
Ahmadulhaq Che Omar (GK), Anaz Hadee (Armanizam Dolah), Paul Cunningham (C), K Sathiaraj, Vahid Bogucanin, Ishak Zainol, K Vikraman (Hilmi Azman), Poh Yi Feng, Andrew Tan (Shamsurin Abd Rahman), Kim Young Kwang, Mark Kevin McGough

SAFFC
Shahril Jantan (GK) (C), Shaiful Esah, Hafiz Osman, Bah Mamadou, Daniel Bennett, Syaiful Iskandar (Fazrul Nawaz), Ivan Jerkovic (Rhysh Roshan Rai), Goran Subara, Taisuke Akiyoshi, Mislav Karoglan, Indra Sahdan (Noh Rahman)
----------
Courts Young Lions 
Jasper Chan (GK), Irwan Shah (C), Shahir Hamzah (Emmeric Ong), Abdul Hadi, Al-Qaasimy Abdul Rahman, Fazli Ayob, Hafiz Abu Sujad, Ruzaini Zainal, Zulfahmi Arifin (Fairoz Hasan), Shahdan Sulaiman, Safirul Sulaiman (Afiq Yunos)

Saturday, September 17, 2011

True or False?

That is my belief regarding  the story broke out by TODAY on Jalan Besar Stadium expansion.

Frankly I do not want to be negative for the sake of it but in that story there was not a single statement from the most important stakeholder - Singapore Sport Council.

This is important as they will be the one paying the bills for any expansion and unless they confirm it, all that talks is just PR from FAS for just a few days earlier, FAS deny that it has a plan for expanding any stadium.

And this is not the first time I read a story on stadium expansion as let remember just a few months back that man at FAS was in the news (as he always does when he want to give 'good news' but never bad ones as take note the one answering in those are always his men) with Straits Times quoting him as saying talks on Toa Poyah was 'going well' and with Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA) 'support', he expect SSC to approve it.

But since then, not a word so we know it is died and buried so that why he has never mention it.

After all, Etoile FC at least has a letter from SSC so they can build a clubhouse but what do you have other than your words (which is not worth much considering your record)

At the same time, he may like to mention Tampines Stadium which is not selected for expansion but rather to be a shopping centre (or Life Hub as called by them) by People Association (PA) and it would have help Singapore football more to know if whether this was happening.

But we know he will never answer this question but to lose Tampines stadium even if JBS is expanded is a loss not a win. 

Lastly it is no help to Singapore football to only expand only one stadium just as Esplande is of little help to Singapore Art with them struggling to develop a niche outside the few who really appreciate them.

So it much better if that man get down to real work and answer some really questions like telling everybody if Courts Young Lions will be in S-league or will it be culled so you can steal the money for your Malaysia team and pay FAM as Courts $1million sponsorship is no doubt delicious.

S-league cannot keep waiting for you to have time to deliver the good news so you can get PR as it is nearly a year since you claim you will give S-league more money but you refused to tell anybody if you really have the money. 

Monday, September 12, 2011

S-league Preview XXIII

Mon 12-Sep Etoile FC - Hougang United (QTN)
Tue 13-Sep Gombak United - Geylang United (JWS)
Wed 14-Sep Balestier Khalsa - SAFFC (TPY)
Wed 14-Sep CYL - Albirex Niigata (S) (JBS)
Thu 15-Sep TPUFC - Home United (CMT)
Fri 16-Sep Woodlands Wellington - Tampines Rovers (JBS)
Sat 17-Sep Hougang United - CYL (HGG)

S-league PreviewXXI & XXII - 10 right with 2 perfect score and 5 wrong 

Etoile FC vs Hougang United
I am not sure the French are in the right frame of mind to play this game. They will be more focus on the Singapore Cup a week later as frankly that represent their best chance of a trophy this season. Of course, this could well be the case for Hougang as well but the difference is expectation as Hougang is already experiencing one of the best season ever so they can go into Singapore Cup with the least pressure. 2-1 to Hougang 

Gombak United vs Geylang United 
This game will give the winner the best chance to cement a place in the top half. At this point, I think the Eagles have the better chance as they are in the form of the season. They can more than take on Gombak United and defeat them. 3-1 to Geylang 

Balestier Khalsa vs SAFFC
The Warriors have hit 14 goals in their last 3 games without reply from the other sides. While for the Tigers, they have not won in their last 5 games and only once in their last 10. This is the form of a side in trouble and meeting the Warriors now looked a forgone result. 3-0 to SAFFC

CYL - Albirex Niigata (S)
Albirex Niigata (S) is the team to win this game and rightly so. Let be honest, the White Swans are fighting for the crown for a reason so they are good. They can defeat the Cubs and I see no reason to see otherwise. 2-0 to Albirex Niigata (S) 

TPUFC vs Home United
Home United are suffering because of the WCQ as their best players are called up to the National Team. This is taking a toll on the Bishan side as some of their regulars are playing when half-fit but luckily for this game, the Protectors squad can come into effect as surely their second-stringers can take on the Jaguars and come out with all 3 points. It is the least the squad of Home United are expected or else why will Home United spend so much money to build a squad. 2-0 to Home United 

Woodlands Wellington vs Tampines Rovers
The Stags will not mess this up as even without 3 regulars last week and a team hit by the toll of the WCQ, the Stags still found it in itself to defeat the Jaguars. The Rams are, at best, only slightly better than the Jaguars and they will find it hard to take on the the Stags who, now, welcome back their 3 regulars and a team that is better-rested than last week.

Hougang United - CYL
Believed this game will not be as important as the next two one for Hougang. It is the Singapore Cup semi-final so Hougang will surely want their best players to be fit. A draw will then suit both sides as at this point, both sides will be satisfied with their season. 1-1 draw

Albirex open their new clubhouse

Albirex Niigata (S) have open their new clubhouse

------

NEW Clubhouse Opening from 1 Sep (Thu)!

Have fun in the Electronic Games, Table Soccer, reading, gallery etc.

■Opening Hours: 10am-10pm
■Location:  Jurong East Stadium, 4th floor (MAP)
                (Nearest MRT Station Chinese Garden, 5 mins walk 
■Phone: 6334 0511

How to become a Clubhouse Member 
-  Membership is open to persons 18 years old and above.
-  Membership fees are as follows:
     1-year membership: S$10
     2-year membership: S$18
     3-year membership: S$25
-  Please produce your IC/Passport/Employment Pass when submitting your application for membership.

Jackpot Room 
-  Access to and use of the Jackpot Room is strictly restricted by law to Albirex FC(S) Clubhouse members aged 18 years old and above.
-  Members must produce their valid membership card to enter the Jackpot Room.

Dress Code 
-  No Shorts(Bermuda and three quarter are OK)
-  No Slippers
-  No Singlets
-  Exercise goers are advised to change from sweaty outfit to clean ones before entering the clubhouse.

To Supporters Club Members 
Current members of Albirex FC (S) Supporters Club (18 years old and above) will be automatically registered as Albirex FC(S) Clubhouse members, subject to eligibility criteria and management approval.

Please produce your Albirex FC(S) Supporters Club membership pass when you use clubhouse for the first time to be issued the Albirex FC(S) clubhouse membership card.

Etoile set to ink deal for clubhouse


Etoile FC is set to have their own clubhouse in Queenstown soon.

Etoile chairman Hicham Moudden have the letters of acceptance and approval from Singapore Sports Council (SSC) officials to finalise details on the clubhouse lease when he emerged from their meeting at SSC headquarters in Kallang.

Moudden said: "We're just looking over the contract details and hope to sign the lease by the end of this month.

"Once we have everything ready we will make an announcement ... and we aim to start renovations before the start of the 2012 season."

The proposed 30,000 sq ft facility at Queenstown Stadium featured a restaurant, gym, a sports bar and roof-top astroturf pitches for small-sided football games.

Albirex and Warriors close gap on Home and Tampines

As the S-league march down to it final 3 months, it looked like a four-horse race has developed as Albrex Niigata (S) and SAFFC closed the gap on duo leaders Tampines Rovers and Home United.

Home United was unable to shake off the effect of the international break as most of their regulars were involved with the national team and not helping, they also missed the services of 16-goal Mendy and defensive midfielder Isa Halim due to suspension.

With the national players also returning half-injured like Lionel Lewis, Qiu Li and Shi JiaYi, it looked like Home is in trouble.

Albirex Niigata (S) took full advantage with their rest squad as they crushed the Protectors 4-0 with goals from Tatsuro Inui, Ryuta Hayashi, Shimpei Sakurada and Kunihiro Yamashita.

A day later, SAFFC also took advanatge as they crushed Woodlands Wellington 7-0 to close the gap to 4-point at the top.

Fazrul Nawaz, Taisuke Akiyoshi (2), Mislav Karoglan (2) and Indra Sahdan were the scorers. One of the goals also include an own goal.

For one other match, Gombak United defeated Courts Young Lions 1-0 at Jalan Besar.

Jung Hee Bong continue to look a different player at Gombak as he notched  the winner.

Home United
Lionel Lewis (GK), Kenji Arai, Juma'at Jantan, Valery Hiek, Rosman Sulaiman, Shi Jiayi (C), Nor Azli Yusoff (Faizal Samad), Firdaus Idros, Masrezwan Masturi (Sufian Anuar), Qiu Li (Asraf Rashid), Sherif El-Masri 
----------
SAFFC
Shahril Jantan (GK) (C), Hafiz Osman (Razaleigh Khalik), Bah Mamadou, Daniel Bennett, Noh Rahman, Ivan Jerkovic (Rhysh Roshan Rai), Goran Subara, Taisuke Akiyoshi, Fazrul Nawaz (Indra Sahdan), Mislav Karoglan, Erwan Gunawan (Syaiful Iskandar)

Woodlands Wellington
Ang Bang Heng (GK), Fumiya Kobayashi (Oswind Suriya), Duncan Elias, Sahairi Ramri (Syed Karim), Munier Raychouni, Madhu Mohana, Jalal, Sazali Salleh (C), Hyun Jong Woon, Goh Swee Swee (Darrel Tan), Moon Soon Ho 
----------
Courts Young Lions 
Jasper Chan (GK), Afiq Yunos, Irwan Shah (C), Abdul Hadi, Al-Qaasimy Abdul Rahman (Emmeric Ong), Fazli Ayob, Hafiz Abu Sujad, Ruzaini Zainal, Zulfahmi Arifin (Fairoz Hasan), Shahdan Sulaiman, Safirul Sulaiman 

Gombak United
Zaiful Nizam (GK), Jaslee Hatta (C), Hamqaamal Shah, Jeremy Chiang, Ismail Yunos, Walid Lounis, Tengku Mushadad, Park Kang Jin (Ridwan Jamil), Fareez Farhan (Zulkiffli Hassim), Jung Hee Bong, Chang Jo Yoon (Ridhwan Jamaludin)

Tampines go top with win

Tampines Rovers reached the top of the table after the international break with a 1-0 win over TPUFC.

Aleksandar Duric notched the winner.

As for champions Etoile FC, their title hopes are over as they go down 7-2 to Albirex Niigata (S).

With this defeat, the Champions are 14 points behind new leader Tampines Rovers with only 1 game in hand.

It looked like an insurmountable job as even Tampines Rovers falter, there is Home United, Albirex Niigata (S) and SAFFC on hand to take advantage.

Shotaro Ihata scored a hattrick while Tatsuro Inui got a brace with the remainder coming from Kunihiro Yamashita and Bruno Castanheira.

Sirina Camara and Aly Doumbouya scored for the French side.

In one other match, Geylang United staged an amazing comeback to defeat Balestier Khalsa 3-2 at Bedok.

At one point, the Tigers were two goals ahead thanks to  Andrew Tan and Kim Young Kwang.

But the stage for the comeback was set when Hafiz Rahim scored from the spot just minutes after the Tigers had taken the two-goal lead.

Syed Fadhil and then Eagles new sentential forward Yuta Nakano notched the second and third goal of the match to overcome the Tigers. 

Geylang United
Yazid Yasin (GK) (C), Sofiyan Abdul Hamid, Jonathan Xu (Mubarak Ahamad), Daniel Hammond, Syed Fadhil, Hassan Aziz (Shah Hirul), Jeon Byung Euk, Kim Jae Hong, Syed Thaha, Nakano Yuta, Hafiz Rahim (Rizawan Abdullah) 

Balestier Khalsa
Joey Sim (GK), Anaz Hadee, Paul Cunningham (C), Vahid Bogucanin, Ishak Zainol, Ridhwan Osman (Nurhilmi Jasni), K Vikraman, Poh Yi Feng, Andrew Tan, Kim Young Kwang, Mark Kevin McGough
--------- 
Tampines Rovers
Yohann Lacroix (GK), Jufri Taha, Benoit Croissant, Seiji Kaneko, Firdaus Kasman (Ali Hudzaifi), Akihiro Nakamura, Ismadi Mukhtar, Jamil Ali (Zahid Ahmad), Shukor Zailan, Aliff Shafaein (Ahmed Fahmie), Aleksandar Duric (C) 

TPUFC 
Ridhuan Barudin (GK), Kim Seong Kyu (C), Arisman Arman (Sudhershen Hariram), Delwinder Singh, Kim Jong Oh, Cyril Bagnost, Takaya Kawanabe, Azlan Alipah, Nurizam Azman (Taufiq Rahmat), Gary Loo, Hafiz Nor

Iraq defeat Singapore as another penalty decision go against Lions

Iraq defeat Singapore 2-0 in the World Cup Qualifiers after yet another penalty decision go against Lions when the game was in the balance.

With Iraq in the lead, Singapore had a valid call for a penalty as Hafiz Rahim was hacked from the back when he was set to take a shot in the box and the Iraqi defence in chaos at that point.

Unfortunately, Japanese referee Tojo Minoru refused to acknowledge it and the Lions missed a golden chance to level the game.

Iraq will then go on to win the game 2-0 and take all 3 points.

World Cup Qualifier (Asia Zone) Group Stage
Singapore 0-2 Iraq

Singapore: Lionel Lewis, Daniel Bennett, Safuwan Baharudin, Shaiful Esah, Juma’at Jantan, Mustafic Fahrudin, Isa Halim (Shahdan Sulaiman 81’), Shahril Ishak(C), Hafiz Rahim (Shi Jiayi 57’), Aleksandar Duric, Qiu Li (Fazrul Nawaz 45’)

Monday, September 5, 2011

S Murali (Edited)

Saw this on Liga Singapura but I do not expect Hougang United to be given a fair verdict by the mass media and as a result, most Singaporean will be accepting of what the mass media write.

I think the comments by civotarum weeks ago in the Kallangroar forum panned this out.

Same type of incident but praises for the Portuguese for going out and attacking a fellow staff on the opposite side.

sports editor? what a joke!

im refering to his article on mourinho on friday's tnp

of course! mourihno is giving spanish football life.. fights and scuffle are results of passion and desire to win, it makes the game interesting.. and that is why he gets up at 4am just to watch mourihno's antics on television..

guys, he has already marked dec 11 and april 22 on his calendar to see more fights between real and barca, he cant wait..

on the other hand, fights or scuffles (from nas vs bennett to yl vs bg to hougang vs etoile) in sleague is embarassing, disgraceful and hooliganism. I dont see Mr Murali suggesting that the sleague is interesting, exciting and competitive due to the fights/scuffle

(personally, i watched some of real vs barca matches in the champs league and king's cup last season, and find it absolutely distasteful/disgraceful the behaviour of both sets of players, going down theatrically. 4-5 players surrounding the referee complaining, whining and pressuring the referee to hand out a card at every challange.)

Unfortunately Singapore do not have the type of checks on the media on themselves like the Guardian and the Sun etc.

This is seem by the Shin Min chief editor car incident years ago; with Today claim they were the only one covering the news. 

It looked like SPH are not doing their job but do one expect any differently as ultimately, all the other chief editors of other papers (under SPH) will not want to be seem 'attacking' their fellow colleagues in the same company for UK New of the World was not brought down by it own company papers but from outside (It was the expose from Guardian that ended the NOTW)

And Wilkleaks has shown how powerful SPH Singapore editors are (And I have always commented that SPH sport editors are not as weak as some believed and that why the likes of ex-SPH man like Jeffery Low etc were so powerful) for let not forget SPH do control over 90% of Singapore mass print media which ultimately most Singaporean still get their news.

That why the likes of TNP sport editor S Murali can be so biased without any fear as Straits Times will not say anything as they are from the same company while TODAY is a portion owned by SPH.

And he has openly showed it as he has basically told the world he will support the Malaysian project while continuing to neglect S-league which they will only report negative news about.

The proof from civotarum again as quoted in the sport editor own words.

And here is a promise: From this day on, The New Paper will be your Malaysia Cup guide.

We will bring you all the stories that matter, all the colour, all the goals, all the passion.

Just like in years past, we will leave no stone unturned in our quest to give unrivalled coverage of the tournament that should grip the attention of the nation.

Has Mr S Murali promised such help?

I believed the answers are out there already with the different treatment. 

Ex. TNP is printing the Roars papers but Mr S Murali as the main man of TNP sport section has not written in it.

Surely there is no excuse as how can the main man of the paper not have a section in it other than the fact he does not want to do it and the Roars was done only for the sake of doing it.