The papers may not be interested in the S-League (well at least the juicier issues). Less than 2 weeks to kick off, let’s talk of the more practical things you need to know about the new season (if you have yet to know them already by now)!
This series is also for those who are new in supporting the league we can proudly call our own :
S-LEAGUE
S-LEAGUE
They are the Fabregas, the Gerrards, the Vidics, the Lampards and the Barrys of the S-League!
Albirex Niigata : Tatsuro Inui
A midfielder that regularly scores. Thats what every coach wants in his team. The Albirex Number 10. was their top scorer in the league last season and is hoping that this season will be no different. Already scored 2 goals in Albirex's impressive pre-season friendlies, it looks like the rest of the S-League have to beware of the White Swans this season, especially if this man is on song!
A midfielder that regularly scores. Thats what every coach wants in his team. The Albirex Number 10. was their top scorer in the league last season and is hoping that this season will be no different. Already scored 2 goals in Albirex's impressive pre-season friendlies, it looks like the rest of the S-League have to beware of the White Swans this season, especially if this man is on song!
Balestier Khalsa : Paul Cunningham
The departure of Daniel Hammond means that Paul Cunningham shoulders a big responsibility to lead the Tigers to a better finish this year. Already gunning for a New Zealand callup, Cunningham is definitely motivated to perform even better this season and be a model of an example to his teammates around him. Met this guy once and what a great and friendly chap he is!
Geylang United : Syed Fadhil Not only the captain but also the heart of the Geylang team. His abilities are undoubted and his versatility was obvious as he went to an unfamiliar role of a right wing back last season but yet played impressively against Tampines Rovers. Has a good long shot amongst his arsenal of abilities.
Gombak United : Obadin Aikhena
Like Cunningham, Obadin lost his defensive partner in Bah Mamadou to the Warriors. Like Cunningham as well, Obadin is as solid as a rock and have a knack of scoring on important occasions. Definitely one of the best foreigners around in the league, his Gombak teammates are hoping that he can inspire them to a strong finish this season.
Home United : Shi Jiayi Captain of the Protectors and a classy playmaker. Alongside Isa Halim, their midfield partnership is the ideal pairing of a hardman-playmaker combination. With Shahril Ishak gone, the responsibility of threading accurate and laser-guided passes will rest on this naturalised Singaporean. The Protectors' fans will be hoping that he will stay injury-free this season.
Hougang United : Noor AliIt is not so much of what he can do but it is his influence and experience that will help the Hougang United team this season. At 36, he is surely past his best but is still regarded by many to have a few years left in him.
May not be the best player in
the Hougang team but surely one of their most important.
SAFFC : Ivan Jerkovic
The former DPMM Brunei man is , in my opinion, the best player in the SAFFC team this season. He has the eye for goal, a good set piece taker and a hardman as well. Without Ahmad Latiff this season, alot will be on the shoulders of Jerkovic as he looks set to partner either Roshan Rai or Luka Savic in the engine room of the Warriors this season.
At 23 years old, Shahdan Sulaiman is already regarded as one of the best and talented players in the Singapore national squad. And at Tampines Rovers, his support of the strikers through his intelligent runs and accurate passing have proved to be invaluable last season. Definitely the key man if the Stags are to mount a strong challenge in both the league and in the AFC Cup.
Tanjong Pagar United : Kim Seong Kyu
Not much is known about this defender who spent most of his time with the Young Lions being injured. Nevertheless, he has the S-League experience that many of his teammates are lacking. Definitely someone that coach Terry will have to count on this season if they are to finish above the position in which many obeservers think they would at the end of the season.
Not much is known about this defender who spent most of his time with the Young Lions being injured. Nevertheless, he has the S-League experience that many of his teammates are lacking. Definitely someone that coach Terry will have to count on this season if they are to finish above the position in which many obeservers think they would at the end of the season.
Woodlands Wellington : Ali Imran Lomri Like Noor Ali, the man who holds the nickname of "Stone Cold" is surely past his best. The former national player was signed by the Rams after an impressive season with the Singapore Recreation Club last year, winning the FA Cup along the way. The Rams too hopes that he can turn on the style and use his experience to inject that much needed flair in the Woodlands team.
Courts Young Lions : Hariss Harun
If there is any player in the league that any team would want as a first choice draft pick, it would surely be Hariss Harun. A phenomenal player that combines skill and flair in attack with a strong and hard approach when it comes to defensive work. Not only is he the key man for the Courts Young Lions, he is also the future of Singapore football.
Etoile FC: Do they even have a squad?
Hahahahaha nice one Arief!!
ReplyDeleteHey, I agree with you about Noor Ali. An experienced hand to calm the team down when the chips are down, that's one quality no skills can teach.