Harimau Menang , Garuda Kecundang, Singa Tersengkang! - So now will there be more money? (meaning; Tigers Won, Garudas Lost, the Lions Choked!)

"Japan Football Association’s annual budget is around $264 million, the Chinese Football Association’s budget is around $180 million, the Korean Football Association’s budget is around $95 million while Football Federation’ Australia’s budget is around $60 million......"

"Even our regional Asean neighbours have continued to invest heavily in the game, for example, The Indonesian Football Association has a budget of around $112.5 million, Vietnam Football Federation has a budget of around $60 million, Football Association of Thailand has a budget of around $ 52 million and Football Association of Malaysia has a budget of around $35 million........."

"FAS have on the other hand worked within a modest budget of $9.7 million....."

( taken from FAS Strategic Plan Address, April 2010)

http://www.fas.org.sg/default.asp?V_DOC_ID=3516

Money is what we need, Honestly!

An injection of investment is needed to bring back life to a dull and "colourless" Singapore football

I thought we are a "football-mad" country. I thought we knew that success comes from hardwork and brave investment. I thought that we are willing to do whatever it takes to be a World Cup participant in football. And I thought, we just hate losing to our fiercest rivals in football, the Tigers.

But how, are we going to do that with a budget that is worth only spare change to our regional rivals who are also struggling to make it in the Asian footballing scene? To expect continued success with a budget as stated above is really ridiculous, especially when our neighbours are investing much more.

In an ideal world, the desire to win should be the motivation for players and officials to do well. It is for the country and pride like most people will say but this is not an ideal world that we live in.

In this day and age in world football, money solves almost everything but not everything. With money, better infrastructure can be set up. With money, the world's best sports scientists, sports psychologists, nutritionists, coaches, pitches, stadiums and players will be ours. Investment MUST be put in place without the mentality that we ought to get some back. The willingness to pump in the cash should be there first and the returns will definitely come later when we reap the fruits of our labour and investment.

How on earth are the Vietnamese able to offer a prize money to the team, greater than the prize money of winning the AFF Suzuki Cup? How on earth can Thailand keep getting big name coaches to try and change their fortunes. How on earth can Indonesian Football Association charge so much money for tickets to a game. And how on earth can the Malaysian Football Association get so much investment when the Malaysian League is deprived of the best foreign talent that they can get their hands on?

Needless to say, the underlying reason why there seem to be the lack of support is of course the mentality. Everyone wants success but not everyone is doing their part to ensure that success in local football is in their hands. Could it be the system? Could it be the players? Could it be the clubs? Or could it be the fans.

In my humble opinion, lets just say that everyone has to shoulder the blame.

The clubs are not doing much to reach out to the fans.

There seems to be a lack of investment from those that can invest.

The players are not doing themselves any favour with disciplinary issues ( still a debatable topic )

And the fans are not doing enough to convince the investors.

It is a cycle that can stop with one major stakeholder in football ; THE FANS. We can do something on our part.

My series of the "10 things you can do for Singapore football" should come in handy for this.

So, it is obvious what my wish for Singapore football in 2011. Please, we need the money. From anyone, any donor or any company or even donations from the streets. We need that. And another thing as well, lets not have the mentality that someone will do something for us because noone will help us but ourselves. Lets stop playing the waiting game and wait for any changes. Lets all spark that change!

A Lion is definitely a more fearsome animal than a tiger and certainly more powerful than a bird (garuda) or an elephant. A Lion is the King of the jungle. And our Lions ought to be the King in this region. But we tend to forget, that a hungry Lion is a mere pussycat if it is left without any food........

Support: In Spite of or Because of?

win,lose,draw. attitude problem or not. I will not turn my back on them!

Why people choose what they choose and when they choose;

I have seen the truest and purest of supporters who stuck by their team through thick and thin. Literally through the darkest of days and the highest of the high. My recent controversial blogpost have sparked a debate and there were those who actually were saying that fans just want their players to win the matches and that is about it. Well, true to some extent. But in my perspective, that statement have got me thinking why people choose to associate themselves with a particular team or a player to support.

Quite simply, it is more often than not, about glory more than what the team means to them.

Of course, not all Man United fans for example are glory hunters because I have seen those that really love the club because they can relate to them, somehow. But this is the obvious exception rather than the norm as many many many (NOT ALL) are just glory hunters.

Like my friend, Ali Haikal, once said " there are teams that you just idolize and then there are teams that you just belong to." Now this is a true testament of a supporter or a fan.

People may choose freely which clubs they want to support but do not feel offended if others view you as glory hunters. Either you do not bother them or try to justify yourself.

At the end of the day, like my blogger friend (PoHui) once said to me " be truthful to your perspective unless it tweaked as the time goes by...". How apt!

As for me, and I am speaking for myself and myself only, I support the Lions and Singapore football because I feel that it is my duty to support my own countrymen. I believe that since these guys put their bodies on the line for the country's pride, I should prioritise them. And since they are being slammed (left,right and centre) by everyone, I feel that I should take a firm stand and protect them. Like it or not, in spite of the many mistakes they have done, I stand by them.

And so, think about it. Why do you support a team? Is it because of the successes and the feel good factor they bring you? Or is it because you love the team so much that in spite of the apparent flaws, you are still backing them?

Time to Reflect ; Are we hypocrites and setting double standards?

Yellow Ribbon project for Aliff?

Why Judge Differently?

Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Cristiano Ronaldo, John Terry, Ashley Cole, Franck Ribery, Diego Maradona, George Best and practically the entire French national team. Now, think about what these guys have in common.

Yes, they belong to an elite group of footballers that have been blessed with out of this world skills and charisma on the pitch. Yet, they also belong to a group of players that have had their run-ins with the law as well as earning the tag as "a bad boy" in professional football.

But yet, Singapore football fans adore them. Treat them as heroes. Buying jerseys with their names on the back. Don t-shirts with pictures of these guys. Why? Because according to these Singapore football fans, they are their heroes and role models.

Thousands of miles away, we have also another group of talented individuals. Not as good but nevetheless, good enough for our own professional football. We trace back to the days of Samad Allapitchay, Lee Man Hon, Gusta Guzarishah and more recently, Ridhuan Muhammad, Baihakki Khaizan, Aliff Shaffaein and the "Five Errant Lions".

These guys, are our version of elite Singapore players. The difference is, these players are not allowed even the slightest of errors by our very own. They are abused and often criticised but merely, what they do are peanuts as compared to the "idols" that Singapore football fans adore.

Apparently, playing "dai di" after a game is a far worse act than Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo's partying. Apparently, Aliff Shaffaein's traffic offences is the end of the road whereas Rio Ferdinand are allowed to carry on driving in spite of being banned on 4 separate accounts. (Rio Ferdinand also missed his supposed international debut due to drink driving). And Gusta Guzarishah was not given any support by the local fans but Maradona's well publicised drug abused is easily forgotten by the loads of Singapore Argentinean fans here.

I bet, not many of you know that. Or should I say, CHOOSE NOT TO know that.

How are these guys, regarded as heroes, I will never understand. Yet, they have "the cheek" to have a go at our very own players.

Think about it. Are we being hypocrites? Do we have separate judging on the same set of offences?

 Like I have always said, I will let you be the judge.

Mr/Uncle Teo Hock Seng - We need more of him!

Mr Teo (chairman) sitting with his players and coaches, ON THE BENCH!!!!!

How I wish he is the boss of Singapore Football.....

Mr Teo Hock Seng, more familiar with nicknames such as the Godfather or Uncle Teo, is truly one of the heroes of Singapore football. It is not due to the fact that he scored many goals for Singapore or his tactical mastery, in fact, he is not even all that!

But why is this man hailed as one of the greatest man Singapore football has ever seen?

The answer is simple; He has the biggest heart.

Have you ever heard of a footballing boss that sits with his players and coaches on the bench during a game?

Have you ever heard of a chairman that hugs and gives his sweaty players "High Fives" after a game?

Have you ever heard of players who fought back for a chairman of a football club eventhough he risks getting punished?

Yes, Mr Teo IS the chairman I am talking about and Tampines Rovers is really, really, really lucky to have him as their boss! Even the fans at Tampines adore him more than any of their players at their disposal.

It is not the money that he pumps in to Singapore football that makes him a fans' favourite. It is more of his sincerity and passion in seeing Singapore football and Tampines Rovers do well. It is his humility and willingness to get down and dirty with those working for him that earns him the respect. From Along to Aliff, Mr Teo always came to the rescue, ready to give his workers a second chance to prove themselves. This, is a testimony of a good boss!

This may sound controversial but I would certainly welcome the idea of having him on board in FAS, possibly as one of the board members or even as president.

I will let you be the judge on that. But before I end this blogpost, I would just like to thank Mr Teo for his undying passion and support for his players, his coaches and all his contributions for local football.

Long live Uncle Teo!

(click on the link below to watch a clip on him)
TEO HOCK SENG (video by FOOTBALL ASIA SHOW)

A Red Cheetah - Thoughts by Johnathan of United 4 United

Re-Igniting my love for Singapore football
written by Johnathan of U4U.....

The early days of the S-League as described by Johnathan
(picture taken from S-League 1996 birth of our league CD)

The early days of Singapore football was met with much enthusiasm by the nation. Crowds jostled in front of vans packed with merchandise from the local clubs, each wanting to make sure he left with the best picks of the lot. After matches ended, the fans would again crowd the exits waiting for their heroes to exit the ground. I was about 12 years old when the league was formed and I was a part of the amazing atmosphere at Woodlands Wellington. Clutching an autograph book and pen I waited for the players I worshipped as Demi-Gods. It was amazing almost surreal if you think about it now. That’s what the S-League was all about all those years ago.

My support for local football didn’t last as I discovered my love for Manchester United, a club I remain fiercely loyal to till today. My home is adorned with memorabilia and my wardrobe stuffed with Man United kits. I even have a United tattoo which I’m always very proud to show off, a mark of undying love and passion for the club. United for United was started by the few of us, a club for the truly fanatical United supporter. Success is something all Red Devils are accustomed to.

Many have asked us why table propping Sengkang? I believe it is a testament, to not stereotype all Man United fans as glory hunters. It was the team’s never say die attitude that kept us supporting them.

The love affair with local football started again when the handful of us (5 includng myself) decided to catch the Sengkang Punggol versus Beijing Guoan match at the Hougang Stadium. We were there mainly in support of Aide Iskandar, a man we very much respect. We didn’t bother about anyone as we started singing and chanting, English football style. I have to admit, the live football atmosphere and the chance for us to cheer from terraces is certainly addictive. After that, we started going for Sengkang games on a regular basis.

The state of the fans has left me bewildered. There are even practices such as chartered buses, free food and tickets, all in an effort to attract people to watch the team play. Shouldn’t you as a fan reject such overtures and say NO, I will not accept these things because I am here to support the team on my own accord. Such things do not exist anywhere else in the world. Who would have thought the clubs would have to resort to such measures just to have below-decent attendances?

When the new season kicks off in 2011, I will encourage as many of my fellow Hougang United supporters as possible to purchase season tickets. A season ticket is a valued commodity in many leagues around the world. A culture U4U are keen on re-introducing to Singapore.

Cursing and swearing at FAS’ inadequacies won’t do much. So as fans of each and every fan club there is out there, we have to effect the change from where we are. I have had the honour and pleasure of meeting truly hardcore local football supporters in Arief of Tampines Rovers and Daniel Lau of Home United. Perhaps I will never truly comprehend their passion for Singapore football, but I believe I will grow to understand it more.

If every fan out there supports his or her local club by buying season tickets, merchandise (if its available) and being just half a fan these two lads are, then there will perhaps be a very bright future ahead. We can’t make the big wigs at FAS understand football, but we can make the changes we want to see a reality through the clubs we support.

Profile:

Johnathan is the co-chairman of United 4 United, an unofficial supporters' group of the Red Devils. Also, alongside his U4U family, they are currently giving their support for Hougang United and are slowly earning themselves a name in Singapore football. Getting to know Johnathan as a fellow supporter and a friend has been a privilege.

Johnathan (in black man u. jersey) with his U4U family

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10 Things YOU Can do to Help Local Football! - No 10: Don't Just Talk, DO!

Time for You to Walk the Talk!

Over the past few days, fans have done nothing but complain. So here are my suggestions so that you can see the results you want to see. Strangely, you, everyone of you, can do your part. Trust me, no matter who you are, you can make the difference!

So here is a countdown of the ten things that you can do to help Local football!

lets get behind these guys... All The Way!

10. " I am only one, but still, I am one. I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do." - Hellen Keller

Talk is easy and certainly cheap. I am not too sure whether it is in our culture to whine, complain and criticise. I am not too sure as well whether we are becoming a generation that is selfish and developing this "consumer attitude" in which we feel we deserve to have everything served nicely for us and then complain if things don't go our way. Recent events in the local football scene definitely points to that direction as we blame everyone and anything except looking into actually the root of the problem which is us!

Everyone in the local football scene want things to change. But as Gandhi and Michael Jackson have said in their lifetime, in order to see a change we want to see, we first have to be the change. Does it make sense? It certainly does to me.

Everyone may have different views and opinions on how certain things have to be approached. But nevertheless, we have a common goal. That is heartening enough to me. But there is one difference. There are people who talk and make the effort to see the goal being achieved while there are many others who just talk and stop there.

People talk about the S-League's poor attendance in matches but are they there to catch the matches in the first place?

People talk about how poor the merchandising scene in the league and local football-related-products but do they actually fork out the money and buy them?

People talk about how the league lacks investors and sponsors but are these people giving good publicity to the league to attract these investors?

People talk about how poor the players' are in terms of their motivation to play but are these people there to motivate the players in the first place?

All of these are certainly issues in which we cannot run away from. We talk about how people with the power and authority should do something about it but why should we stop there? We should, in my opinion, be the ones who spark the change!

It is frustrating for me to constantly see people complaining but what good are complaints without actions?

Hellen Keller, an inspirational figure throughout the world, once said: " I am only one, but still, I am one. I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do."


Let us all take her lead and do whatever we can to help our local football. Even by just turning up for an S-League game in midweek, you are at least doing something. It is not very difficult.

I was told by many that I am just one person that really cares about local football but I am just one and certainly powerless to change things. In my part, I refuse to listen to all those negativity as I feel that what I have done as a fan, is certainly impactful enough to make a difference.

Remember all the ten blogposts over the past ten days. Even by just doing one of those ten simple things, YOU, are keeping our football alive. One day, we will be in the World Cup. Trust me.........

10 Things YOU Can do to Help Local Football! - No 9: Keeping the Faith

Time for You to Walk the Talk!Over the past few days, fans have done nothing but complain. So here are my suggestions so that you can see the results you want to see. Strangely, you, everyone of you, can do your part. Trust me, no matter who you are, you can make the difference!

So here is a countdown of the ten things that you can do to help Local football!

9. Keep the Flame Burning

lets stand united.....

It is hard to swallow disappointment after disappointment. Time and time again, we have been tricked into believing that Singapore football is on the rise to only realise that it is another false dawn. But my hope to all the fans is that we do not give up on Singapore football.

The year 2010 has been bad for us, in spite of the YOG experience by the Cubs. Our Asian Games adventure was marred by injuries and poor performances from the boys, our league was dominated by foreign clubs and I do not want to start on our AFF Suzuki Cup disappointment.

But if you think that this is bad, it merely is just the beginning. To be honest with you guys, we are in for a tough 2011 with all the uncertainties in our league and national team. We have to bounce back quick and hit our opponents hard but it is almost impossible if we, the fans, give up hope on our football. We the fans have to do our best to fill up the stadiums in the league matches and international games. We, the fans, have to be a more influential stakeholder in the football industry here!

This is a simple blogpost but yet one of the more important ones because of the effect of just having the faith in those leading our local football.

Because truly, the day that Singapore football dies, is the day that the fans stop believing in the Lions and our league. So keep the passion and flame burning because even a flickering light symbolises hope that we can continue our march to become a shining star in the arena of football.

1 last suggestion left.......

10 Things YOU Can do to Help Local Football! - No 8: Support S-League events and Fan Initiatives

Time for You to Walk the Talk!

Over the past few days, fans have done nothing but complain. So here are my suggestions so that you can see the results you want to see. Strangely, you, everyone of you, can do your part. Trust me, no matter who you are, you can make the difference!

So here is a countdown of the ten things that you can do to help Local football!

Teaming up with Obadin was a great privilege!

8. Support goes beyond just attending matches

Over the course of the season and in the off-season period as well, the S-League and clubs usually organise events in order to attract fans to come and watch the S-League. It could be the traditional fans' day at the respective clubs, walk-about at the neighbourhood or the annual H-Two-O ultimate challenge. Also, competitions in predicting the "player-of-the-month" as well as the "crossbar challenge" have also been held in order to garner more interest and fanfare in the S-League.

All of this, in my opinion, deserves our support and participation too as a good participation rate will give a signal to potential investors out there that there is something to be tapped on the local football industry. It also serves as a platform for us fans, to get together with our heroes and a platform to attract new fans to come and support local football.

As for me, I have always been on the lookout for competitions and have been regularly taking part in them. 2 years back, I was named the 2nd runner-up in the Lions' craziest fan contest and just last year, I was given the opportunity to team up with Gombak United's Obadin Aikhena and go head to head against other S-League stars. It was a memorable and fun day for me as I competed against the likes of Hassan Sunny, Joey Sim and Hariss Harun! ( I will never forget stopping Hariss Harun's dribble during our quarter-final match!)

Apart from these competitions, we fans should also take part in fan initiatives during the games as well as supporting and continuously giving comments in local football blogs such as this blog and the very famous and well established Bolasepako.com!

So it is very clear that we, local football fans ourselves, have the power in crafting out the path of Singapore football. It is not just the association, the players and the investors. We, the fans, can trigger something great and big just by being more involved in our football. That is, of course, if we want Singapore football to be great again!

Last 2 suggestions coming up!!!

10 Things YOU Can do to Help Local Football! - No 7: Prioritise Local Football

Time for You to Walk the Talk!Over the past few days, fans have done nothing but complain. So here are my suggestions so that you can see the results you want to see. Strangely, you, everyone of you, can do your part. Trust me, no matter who you are, you can make the difference!

So here is a countdown of the ten things that you can do to help Local football!

lets be proud of these guys!
(photo from Nike Advert)

7. Countrymen before " Ang Mohs"

I certainly have no problems with Singaporeans supporting foreign clubs. Sure, the football quality is obviously many levels higher and we grow up watching the English Premier League, especially after our exit of the M-League and the Malaysia Cup. It is thus very difficult for a fan to switch from having "Liverpool" or "Man Utd" as their number one club to lets say the SAF Warriors.

However, I hope and urge that Singaporean football fans to at least give it a shot. After all, the local lads are our countrymen and deserve as much support or more logically even more support then we give to the Steven Gerrards and the Wayne Rooneys we watch every week on miotv.

A group of guys, United for United, is a classic example I love to use. They have an undying support and love for the Red Devils but at the same time, do their bit to help local football in supporting Hougang United! I hope that Singaporean football fans to at least be like them. They replicate their pride in supporting the guys in Manchester to the Hougang Stadium every week and are set to continue their cheerings and shouting for the Cheetahs (Hougang's new nickname) in the upcoming 2011 S-League season.

Well as for me, I was like most of you, loving Liverpool more than my Tampines Rovers and the Lions. But everything is all different now. Call me a "fair weather Liverpool fan" if you like but at least I have never betrayed my countrymen!

It is not difficult to prioritise local football over anything else. Just ask our neighbours from Indonesia where their local clubs and of course their very own Garudas (national team) are their first love instead of the foreign clubs.

Japan, is another example, of a country in which the football fans love their Blue Samurais more than anything else. In a game between Argentina and Japan earlier this year, I saw the Japanese filled up their stadium wearing the Blue of Japan. Compare it to a game between Singapore and Brazil a couple of years back and you see Singaporeans wearing proudly the yellow jerseys of the Samba Boys.

Maybe, just maybe, if the fans like you and me decide that we would want to spend our hard earn money buying S-League tickets, merchandise or even contribute a sum to the development of local football, then people with more power will be willing to invest since there is support. Maybe, just maybe, if we choose to watch an S-League match between Home United and Tampines Rovers over the Merseyside Derby, then the telcos would be stepping up their coverage on the S-League. And maybe, just maybe, if we regard our footballers to be the best at what they do, then who knows, we will one day be living our world cup dream.

We pride ourselves as being a country that was built by patriotic founding fathers but our generation certainly are not showing any signs of patriotism for our countrymen. Instead, we idolize foreigners while forgetting our countrymen that are flying the flag for our nation.

Think about it. Would you be happier if Noh Alam Shah gives you his jersey or have a certain Steven Gerrard shaking your hand?

For me, its certain I will take the first option. What about you?

My blood is Singapore through and through

3 more suggestions to go......

10 Things YOU Can do to Help Local Football! - No 6: Appreciate their Efforts

Time for You to Walk the Talk!

Over the past few days, fans have done nothing but complain. So here are my suggestions so that you can see the results you want to see. Strangely, you, everyone of you, can do your part. Trust me, no matter who you are, you can make the difference!

So here is a countdown of the ten things that you can do to help Local football!

us at the airport sending the Lions off

6. It doesn't hurt to Applaud and say Thank You

Imagine this. You go for football trainings everyday. Suffer injuries. Put your body on the line against foreign players. Fight for the country's pride. But when you get back home, people just don't care. People rather idolize your counterparts in England, Spain, Brazil and they even boo you when you play against these guys. How would you feel?

Life as a footballer in Singapore is tough. It was tough back in the Malaysia Cup era and even tougher now in my opinion, without as much support from the fans, unlike those times in the 70s, 80s and early 90s. Some might feel it is a glamorous job and an honour to fight for your country's pride but what honour is there when the people you fight for are not appreciative and even doubt your attitude on the pitch most of the time?


me showing my appreciation to duric!

 Everyone, all over the world, works better with a little bit of motivation. Everyone will step up their game if the cause they are fighting for is worth it. And certainly everyone, craves for a little bit of appreciation and thank you for his or her effort. These local footballers are no different. Earlier this year, our legend, Aleksandar Duric, was upset that his milestone was not recognised immediately and given his contributions and his long service to the country's football, he deserved to make something out of it.

So, my question is, are we local football fans, merely "fair weather fans"?

It is a question that we should ask ourselves. Some of the fans are calling for the 5 lions who breached the rules in Hanoi to be identified so that they can "apologize to the fans". Honestly, what would it solve? And secondly, were these fans even at the airport to send the Lions off to Hanoi or even receive them when they returned home disappointed?

So in my opinion, eventhough I do not support them breaking rules, I feel that the fans have no right to demand anything from these guys!

Instead, the next time you see a national player or even an S-League player, just lift that hand of yours and say "hi". When you catch a football game, motivate these players and applaud their efforts. Our appreciation will be acknowledged by these players and trust me, they will do their best for you.

What these guys are doing are similar to any other athlete or any other countrymen representing the country. They are trying to bring back the glory and fighting for YOUR pride and bragging rights.

A simple "thank you" is enough to make sure they will return with more hunger and fight with more passion and determination.

4 more suggestions to go.

10 Things YOU Can do to Help Local Football! - No 5: Good Publicity from the Fans

Time for You to Walk the Talk!Over the past few days, fans have done nothing but complain. So here are my suggestions so that you can see the results you want to see. Strangely, you, everyone of you, can do your part. Trust me, no matter who you are, you can make the difference!

So here is a countdown of the ten things that you can do to help Local football!

5. If words could kill.....

Stories and reports can kill, but it can also lift the mood and morale!

                                  
If I can get a dollar for everytime I hear people saying negative things about Singapore football and the S-League in the streets, I would be rich by now! Yes, I do believe that criticism can improve certain things but I definitely believe that it is not all bad. Talk, especially for Singapore fans, is certainly cheap.

We, in my opinion, are living in our past glories. So what if we had won the Malaysia Cup countless of times. That era, my friends, is over. This is the present. No offence to the old-timers but seriously, we should stop talking about how great our Singapore teams were, playing without fear and how things are different now.

It is all a new era in football. We have our very own league, in which I am proud to call our own. Yes, things could be much better but then again, when we were playing in the Malaysia Cup, did we win any international tournaments? The S-League has allowed us to blood in youngsters who can play at a professional level. It is since the inception of the S-League that we become a more feared force in Asian football.

People should start acknowledging the positive aspects of the S-League and our national team. Honestly, the past few days, I have seen and heard people walloping our players non-stop! They forget how tough it is for these players to play in the current era in which they don't play together as often as our Malaysia Cup heroes and yet are expected to win the AFF Cup tournament every single time.

Fans have an important role towards projecting a good image and publicity for the league and the national team. If people say good stuff about the league and how excited they are to catch an S-League game, who knows that they will be overheard by others? This type of publicity is simple, yet powerful enough to create awareness in football fans who have always thought that the S-League is all about betting and poor level of football.

Another thing to note, people often comment on the attitude of our footballers now. My question is, do you really know these players well to pass on judgement? Yes, it is frustrating for us fans to not win a game or a tournament but we should not go to the point in which we criticise the players personally. All these negative publicity is unnecessary as it creates a negative vibe, in which in my opinion, is damaging.

And last but not least, no offence to the reporters and journalists, I do hope that you guys can publish more positive things about the S-League and the national team. Most of the time, I read of the juicy and unnecessary stories of the Lions and local football which saddens me. You guys may not know it but  your role can do great wonders for the team and every local football fan! :D

So, next time when you are in the streets talking to your friends on local football, do acknowledge the positive aspects of the league and team while also criticise constructively.

Words could kill......

Captain Shahril being interviewed

5 more suggestions to go......

10 Things YOU Can do to Help Local Football! - No 4: Be More Passionate and Enthusiastic

Time for You to Walk the Talk!Over the past few days, fans have done nothing but complain. So here are my suggestions so that you can see the results you want to see. Strangely, you, everyone of you, can do your part. Trust me, no matter who you are, you can make the difference!

So here is a countdown of the ten things that you can do to help Local football!

                                                    what a football game should be!


4. It's a Football Game, NOT a funeral!

After a league game between Tampines Rovers and Geylang Utd at the Bedok Stadium this year, my hero, Aleksandar Duric, commented that he was envious of compatriot, Mustafic Fahrudin, even after Mustafic was abused by fans in Indonesia. Reason being, the S-League has a "dead" fan base with zero atmosphere in stadiums.

I was there at the Bedok Stadium that night. What was supposed to be the Eastern Derby between two great clubs turned out to be a match in which you could hear crickets and instructions between teammates on the pitch.

empty seats surely will not help either!

                                 
Yes, Singaporeans are known to be shy and reserved in general. But then again, isn't it embarassing if we play against our neighbours at the national stadium with the opposing fans doing all the singing and cheering. It is harsh to expect the fan club to be the only ones doing the singing and cheering as they are just not enough to create a fantastic football atmosphere. Every fan that turns up should, in my opinion, play his or her part in cheering and singing the team on to victory.

To say that the fans do not matter is certainly rubbish because our support and voices can motivate the players to perform better on the pitch. It creates the adrenaline rush needed and some players that we have thrive and gets high on the fan support. Just ask our very own Along (Noh Alam Shah).

Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and even Malaysia may be less affluent than us. However, in terms of passion and enthusiasm, they certainly are way ahead of us!

So what can we do? Simple!

The next S-League game or a Lions' game you turn up, be a little more vocal. Join the fan club in singing and clapping along. When the players are going into the tunnel, shout out their name. Pump your fists and clap for them. It does matter and it can make a difference to the team's performance. Not only can it motivate the players and telling them that people are behind them, you are also injecting a lively atmosphere into the stadium. Something which we sorely lacks.

Click on the following links if you want to see what I am refering to:

Malaysian Ultras
Persija Fans ( Agu Casmir's club)
Bangkok Glass fans

6 more suggestions to go.......

10 Things YOU Can do to Help Local Football! - No 3: Changing Your Mindset

Time for You to Walk the Talk!
Over the past few days, fans have done nothing but complain. So here are my suggestions so that you can see the results you want to see. Strangely, you, everyone of you, can do your part. Trust me, no matter who you are, you can make the difference!

So here is a countdown of the ten things that you can do to help Local football!

the scenes in central Hanoi just show how much they love their football team

3. Be the Change You Want to See

The great Mahatma Gandhi once said this famous quote " Be the Change You Want to See in the World". How apt is this quote with respect to us local football fans. Instead of being critical of the team, we should, in my honest opinion, be critical of ourselves first!

How many of us actually believe in local football? How many of us actually believe that one day, Singapore football will be one of the best in Asia, side by side with the likes of Korea and Japan? How many of us actually believe that our players are really good? And last but not least, how many of us actually believe that football is more than just a game?

To see the results, we first have to believe in what we support and do. It is what the educators and sociologists refer to as the Pygmalion Effect. This refers to the phenomenon in which the greater the expectation placed upon people, often children or students and employees, the better they perform. It is about having the believe that we will eventually see them succeed.

Hence, WE, as supporters and fans must first change our mindset. Reboot any negative thoughts we have about local football and start a new. Having the belief that we will one day be a successful football nation has done wonder, especially for me.

A turning point in my life as a local football fan was after Liverpool trashed our Lions 5-0 at our very own Kallang Stadium. The stadium was flooded by a sea of red fans, not backing our Lions but the team from Anfield. It made me realised how naive and stupid we all are to back a team playing against our national players!

That game changed my life as I decided that from then on, Singapore football should be the number one priority in my life as a football fan. It prompt me to turn up for S-League matches more regularly and support the national team more than I already did.

the Liverpool- Singapore game changed my life

                                  
The past one year have been extraodinary ever since I changed my mindset on local football. I was given many opportunities to meet and interact with the players and all of those experiences were wonderful. Not only did I realise that our national players are humble and very nice people, they are after all normal Singaporeans like you and me.

In spite of what many people have said, players like Baihakki Khaizan, Khairul Amri, Isa Halim and Jumaa't Jantan are really really nice guys. They truly deserve my respect for their fight and determination on the pitch and their humility of it.

Bai have truly earned my respect for his humility off the pitch

So my call to the readers of this blog is this. Have the faith and belief that Singapore football will be great one day. Have also the belief that the players that represent our local football deserve our respect. Have the belief that we fans can do something to help our local football improve.

Once again, be the change you want to see. Complaining and criticising will not help. Feeback and actions will!

speaking from the heart, lionsdiehard.

7 more suggestions to go......

10 Things YOU Can do to Help Local Football! - No 2: Buy S-League and Lions Merchandise!

Time for You to Walk the Talk!
Over the past few days, fans have done nothing but complain. So here are my suggestions so that you can see the results you want to see. Strangely, you, everyone of you, can do your part. Trust me, no matter who you are, you can make the difference!

So here is a countdown of the ten things that you can do to help Local football!

2. Wear their Jerseys, Show Your Support!

In the streets, people are proud to wear the shirts of Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona and Inter Milan, just to name afew. But every now and then, if a guy wears the jersey of the Lions or an S-League club, he will be met with stares, as if he is doing something wrong. So now my question is, why are we so proud to wear the shirts of clubs and countries that have no affiliation to us but refuse to buy the merchandise of the teams that represent local football? Plus, I have heard of people saying that S-League and Singapore team merchandise are expensive when a quick check shows that they are far cheaper than the Premier League or La Liga merchandise we have on sale!

In the big leagues of La Liga, the English Premier League and even in the J-League and the Indonesian Super League, merchandising is one key aspect that contributes to the club's and team's revenue and profit. Here in Singapore, merchandising is really pathetic.

I still remember the early days of the S-League in which we had S-League trucks, parked outside the stadiums during matches, for fans to purchase club flags, mugs, jerseys and even keychains shaped like football boots. Now, it is just a distant memory as what we have are just jerseys sold in shops and located at one small corner or section of it.

So what went wrong?

Maybe it is due to the lack of marketing, Maybe it is just due to the lack of interest and support from the people.

So what can we, as local football fans do?

Perhaps, you can go down to queensway, peninsular shopping centre or goal 313@ somerset to grab one jersey for the 2011 S-League season. At the same time, grab the new Lions' jersey as well to show your support for the national team. If all of us start to show interest, then maybe the clubs and the FAS would step up their marketing plans and advertise these products more.

It does not take a genius to conclude that merchandising can help in the club's finances. A quick check on the websites of Indonesian clubs show that they are even making personalised t-shirts of every player they have! Our very own Alam Shah and Ridhuan Muhammad have t-shirts of their own, made and sold by the Aremania fans!

It is not just about the finances that merchandising can help. An important thing to note about merchandising is that it gives the fans a sense of identity and belonging to the club that they support. And thus it can create an atmosphere in the stadium with rival fans trying to outdo each other, just like in the early days of the S-League.

So what are you waiting for? GRAB THOSE JERSEYS NOW!
(above are just some of my many local football jerseys that I have)

8 more suggestions to go......

10 Things YOU Can do to Help Local Football! - No 1: Support a local club!

Time for You to Walk the Talk!
Over the past few days, fans have done nothing but complain. So here are my suggestions so that you can see the results you want to see. Strangely, you, everyone of you, can do your part. Trust me, no matter who you are, you can make the difference!

So here is a countdown of the ten things that you can do to help Local football!

1: Start to support a local club!

Me and my friends showing our support for Tampines Rovers players

It does not matter where you live. My club of choice is of course Tampines Rovers. Honestly, it would be better if you start loving your "hometown" club. Here are some suggestions:

Albirex Niigata - for the Japanese expatriates and those who love Japanese culture. Preferebly those staying around Jurong East, Lakeside and Chinese Garden areas.

Balestier Khalsa - for those who used to support Clementi Khalsa and love the underdogs. Also, those who love underdogs and those staying at Toa Payoh, Balestier and Potong Pasir areas.

Geylang United - Catered for the old-timers and those who love tradition. Geylang United is also a club that is similar to Liverpool that had a great past but is just taking a break. People who stay in Bedok, Tanah Merah, Kembangan, Geylang and Paya Lebar should head down to Bedok Stadium!

Gombak United - A club that takes pride and joy in having a good defence. Also a club for those who love giant-killing sprees. If you used to support Gombak United in the days of Ballamadou Conde should also head down to Jurong West Stadium. Those living in Boon Lay, Jurong West should support the Bulls. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) students are also welcomed to join the Bulls after your lessons!

Home United - If you are serving your N.S for the police or C.D. , please head down to the Bishan Stadium to support your representatives. Also for those who love to support a title challenging team. Back the Protectors  if you stay in Bishan, Braddell, Newton, Yio Chu Kang and Ang Mo Kio.

SAFFC - if the Protectors are backed by the Home team, then head down to the Choa Chu Kang Stadium if you are a man in green. Request for nights off from camp if you have to! Otherwise, those that stay in Choa Chu Kang, Teck Whye, Yew Tee and Bukit Panjang will be the only ones supporting this S-League powerhouse!

Sengkang Punggol - Back them if you are a Man Utd fan because you will be joined by U4U, the best unofficial fan club in Singapore! Also for those that love an underdog and those staying in Hougang, Serangoon and yes, Punggol and Sengkang!

Tampines Rovers - A family-oriented club! It is also one of the best supported clubs in Singapore. Head down if you love a good atmosphere at a stadium. People that stay in Tampines, Bedok Reservoir, Pasir Ris and Simei are usually seen flocking to the Tampines Stadium.

Woodlands Wellington - Like Geylang United, Woodlands have a great tradition. Join them if you stay in Woodlands, Marsiling and Admiralty areas.

Young Lions -  for those that would not mind a constantly changing team. Young Lions is also for those that like to see hunger, passion and determination in their team. Jalan Besar stadium as their homeground means that those staying in Kallang, Jalan Besar and Little India areas can head down to back our under 23 national team!

Etoile FC - for those that love a European Style of play in an Asian setting, Etoile is a club for you. Taking over Queenstown Stadium, it is also for those staying in Redhill, Tanjong Pagar, Queenstown and Buona Vista.

So there you go! If you had once supported the S-league and now you don't, we want to see you back in the 2011 S-League! If you have yet to support a club, adopt one Now!

Imagine this, if u start paying 5 dollars for the 33 fixtures for your club, it means you are contributing $165 dollars to your club and the league! If each club has at least 1000 supporters for each game, the gate receipts will increase and help keep the club alive, even without those jackpot machines! When you come down to the stadium, the sponsors would naturally be keen to invest and a multiplier effect will take place. Sounds far fetched but every big project starts with a crazy idea anyway!

Tampines Rovers are lucky to have a core group of supporters

9 more suggestions to come.....

No point Blaming - Lets forget this and move on

Pointing fingers will not solve anything!

Captain Shahril- interviewed at the airport

                                   
Everyone, especially the media and the know-it-all "fans" are having a field day pointing fingers for the lions' premature exit in the AFF Suzuki Cup. But the most annoying of it all is the fact that there are many Singaporeans that are having fun laughing at Singapore football. It is funny that if the Lions had succeeded, these "fans" will be the first to stake a claim in their glory!

Example would be on 9th December at the Changi Airport. Myself, alongside the usual suspects in Daniel lau, Izwan and Kak Yana's family, were there to welcome back our heroes, or should I say, our brothers, from Hanoi. Touching down just around 2 hours earlier from Hanoi myself, I was there to show that I am truly behind these boys. I was dead tired and certainly not in the mood for jokers.

And there he was, this "joker", turned up at the Airport calling us "blind supporters" and asking why we are still supporting Singapore football. Thank god for us, Izwan was there to calm things down as the argument was heating up. Honestly, if I was much younger and more hot blooded than I am right now, things would be different but I thought it was pointless to start fighting. And so, I choose to ignore this guy who claims to have been watching and supporting Singapore football.

People have been telling me of the tactics Raddy could have used and about which player should or should not play so on and so forth. But my question is this. Why should we amateurs bother about the tactics? If football coaching and strategies are so simple, then anyone can manage any club or in this case, a national team!

Why are we normal civillians so bothered about what is going on in the dressing room when we are not doing our part in supporting them? Yes, Supporting! Thats what we all ought to do and leave the technical parts to the experts and the professionals.

Instead, we talk as though we are "coaches-of-the-year" or we have been international footballers before. We talk as though we brush shoulders with the likes of Mourinho, Guardiola and Alex Ferguson. We mock the team as though we can play better than any of those 21 lions in the team.

Sometimes, we ought to better shut up because talk is certainly cheap. Where were we all to support and invest in local football? By just paying a 5 dollar ticket for an S-League game, a person is helping Singapore football. Imagine if you turn up for 33 games for your club, it means you are investing $165 dollars in local football. And if 1000 people do that every week, then is'nt that $165,000? That, in Singapore footballing terms is alot of money! And if stadiums are consistently packed, more sponsors would be willing to invest and there you go, your talent comes in!

Then again, talk is cheap. Let us all do the action and pray that something happens. And as for now, please do leave the Lions alone. I beg all of you to instead console them and tell them it is ok to fail, as long as they did their best.

Fallen soldiers are respected and honoured even if they lose a war. Let us all respect and honour these Lions that are returning home wounded after their battles. Lets not inflict more damage to our football because it certainly will not do any good!

These guys are my Heroes. Leave them alone!

Thank You to the 21 Lions and the F.A.S officials...

Bow out With Heads Held High....

This blogpost is dedicated to:

Hassan Sunny             Juma'at Jantan                Khairul Amri                     Eugene Loo (manager)
Lionel Lewis              Rosman Sulaiman          Shahril Ishak                      Raddy Avramovic
Afiq Yunos                 Daniel Bennett               Agu Casmir                       the kitman, the physios
Safuwan Baharudin    Isa Halim                       Masrezwan Masturi           and all other FAS officials
Precious E.                 Shahdan Sulaiman         Noh Alam Shah (along)
Baihakki Khaizan       Ridhuan Muhammad      Fazrul Nawaz
Noh Rahman               Mustafic Fahrudin         Aleksandar Duric

Thank you for the effort and hardwork
Thank you for trying your best in every game
Thank you for acknowledging my support in Hanoi
Thank you for being so brave when the chips are down
Thank you for keeping the faith and making us believe (especially in the Myanmmar game)
Thank you for representing the country with pride
Thank you for just being the Lions.....

The Lions will  be back and stronger. Untuk Bangsa dan Negara, Majulah!

this is for you guys......



to the Lions - from arief (lionsdiehard)



My AFF Suzuki Cup Experience ( HANOI 2010) - In Pictures

Awesome scenes in the city of Hanoi (selected scenes)