Join us in doing our part for Singapore Football...

Unprecedented event for Singapore football fans........

In conjunction with the upcoming Lion City Cup, LATW crew is collaborating with Redcard.com to do our part in promoting football in Singapore on the 11th of June, Saturday.

The event will take place in the eastern parts of Singapore which will see the crew travel via public transport al the way to City Hall.

We will be giving out flyers, carrying banners and spread the good word of Singapore football to garner support for our Singapore teams taking part in the Lion City Cup, as well as garnering support for the S.League and the National Team.

Join us. Do your part. Here is your chance to make a difference!

Click on the link below for more details!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=229632697049385



do leave your contact details for LATW to contact you!

Untuk Bangsa dan Negara, Majulah!

Lion City Cup Run Up : NIKE'S interview with HANAFI AKBAR (part ii)

IMSG - NIKE's collaboration with LATW proudly brings you the exclusive interview with YOG star....

1. How do you feel about being signed and sponsored by Nike?

A: It’s very precious to me. I’ve never dreamt of getting this sponsorship. When I first found out about it, I was shocked, speechless and delighted. Nike first called my dad, and my dad was the one who broke the good news to me. Our whole family went out for a celebratory dinner that day. My dad was very proud of me.

2. Why did you decide to sign this sponsorship?

A: I’ve been using Nike for 4 years and the Mercurial Superfly is very comfortable for me. My family used to buy boots for me, and now they are happy that they can save a lot of money!

3. Why did you select the Mercurial Vapor as your boot of choice?

A: It’s comfortable, lightweight and helps me to accelerate faster. I can run off the ball faster as the boots are light enough. Quick dribbling and speed are very important qualities of my game as a striker, so it helps to have the lightweight boots.

4. How does it feel to be wearing the same boot as Cristiano Ronaldo?

A: It’s an honour. I really like his style of play, as he is a very fast player.

5. Do you have extra pressure to perform since wearing the Mercurial Vapor?

A: The pressure is always there, especially after YOG. It’s pressurizing but I try my best in every game I play. Sometimes I talk to my dad about it, and he asks me to block out all distractions and focus on doing my best.

6. Have you been approached by any other brands?

A: I was approached by Adidas after AYG 2009. I didn’t accept the sponsorship because their boots are not comfortable for me.

7. What do your friends and family think about your sponsorship by Nike?

A: They didn’t know about it till they read the articles about it. They congratulated me when they found out.

- interview and photos courtesy of IMSG.....

Lion City Cup Run up: NIKE'S interview with HANAFI AKBAR (part i)

IMSG - NIKE's collaboration with LATW proudly brings you the exclusive interview with YOG star....

1. How old were you when you first got into the game?

A: I started playing when I was 5 years old, and joined my first football club when I was 6 years old. My dad bought me my first football when I was 5 years old, and I accidentally broke the fan while playing with the ball inside my house. My dad laughed. He didn’t expect me to kick the ball that hard. That was when he told me I had talent for football.

My dad Mohammed Akbar is my biggest inspiration. Since young, we have always spent a lot of time playing and watching football together. He was the first person in my life to tell me I have potential for football. My dad used to play football competitively for clubs in his younger days, and was good enough to be selected for the Singapore national team. However, because he was a Permanent Resident from Malaysia, he couldn’t represent Singapore. I hope to fulfill that dream on his behalf, and it is my greatest wish to one day be able to represent Singapore.

2. What have you been busy with since the YOG? How has your life changed?

A: I’ve been busy with my studies, and training with my school team. Life hasn’t really changed much, but it’s nice to have more friends, and a fan page on Facebook. There was a girl who sent me a message saying she was obsessed with me. (laughs shyly) The pressure during YOG was quite overwhelming, but we always tried to keep things cool. I would always reflect on my own game performance, and think about the things I needed to do to improve.

3. Is it difficult to balance studies and football at the same time?

A: After YOG, it was quite difficult as I had to spend a lot of time catching up on my studies. My teachers helped me greatly by giving me extra lessons for 3 hours every day after school. I’m in Sec 4 this year, preparing for my ‘N’ levels. I hope to be able to study sports management in future. Sometimes you have to sacrifice your social life for training. When my friends ask me to join them for movies or go to the arcade, I can’t because of training, but it’s a sacrifice that is worth making for my dream.

4. Tell us what a day in the life of Hanafi Akbar is like.

A: I usually wake up at 6am for school. I’ll walk to school for training at 630am, and it’s usually a 1-hour session, before going for lessons. Lessons end at 330pm, and I’ll have a 2-hour break before a second training session at 530pm. After training, I’ll head home to relax, chat with friends on Facebook, before doing my homework. When I have time, I usually play street football in my neighbourhood with my primary school friends too. Sometimes I even practise with the ball during the night at the quiet multi-storey car park near my home.

5. Wow, looks like your life’s really all about football. How does your family support you?

A: My whole family is very supportive. My dad constantly gives me advice and support, and even gives me technical advice on my game as a striker. He plays as a striker too, so sometimes he gives me advice on how to turn and get past defenders. It really helps me a lot in my game. My older brother, sister and mother have also been very supportive. They bought me football boots and supported me at my games.

6. What are your personal football goals?

A: To become a professional player and perhaps play overseas eventually. It would be a dream come true to play for my favourite club in England, Manchester United!

7. Which players in the game inspire you?

A: Nani is my favourite player, he is very smooth with the ball on the field. Local players like Sundram and Fandi are also very inspirational, as they have done Singapore proud by playing overseas.

8. Which is your favourite football team?

A: Manchester United! My dad and I have been supporting them since I was young.

9. Who else inspires you?

A: My dad. He told me I have the potential to go far in football, and that gave me the confidence and belief in myself to pursue my dream. He always bought boots for me, and bought me my first pair when I was 6. We have always played football together since I was young.

10. How different do you think your life would be if you weren’t in football?

A: I don’t know what I would be doing if I’m not playing football. This is what I’ve always wanted to do since young.

11. Is football something you want to do as a career?

A: Yes, it is my dream to represent Singapore, and play overseas.

end of part I (to be continued......)

- interview and photos courtesy of IMSG.....

Why bother about the brawl when you got games to cover?

Controversial news sells but what is the motive?

No hard feelings to the many journalists I have gotten to know. Your work assignment is not necessarily controlled by you and in fact, many journalists I've known happen to be ardent fans of Singapore football themselves and it pains them as well to see our own football in this state.

So you know and I know how mainstream media is run. It banks on what people love to read. Twisted truth and controversy.

Well, I am not saying the articles in the mainstream media are all lies and twisted truth but the recent brawling saga and all has got me thinking.

Granted, these kind of news invoke discussion and all but then again, what you have missed out on is the news coverage of the other matches that are going on at the same time and also the other positive side of things.

Pages and pages and pages of the infamous Hougang Brawl have been published at the expense of the space for match reports. Why?

Who is it are you trying to please? What is it that you are trying to sell?

One thing is certain. It is KILLING OUR FOOTBALL that WE OURSELVES WANT TO SAVE.

Of course, most of the blame and responsibility should be  shouldered by the parties involved in the incident. But then again, the media is not helping the whole situation either.

This was a key talking point between representatives of LATW and Mayor Zai last week about how important it is for the presense of an alternative media form for local football.

Meeting with Mayor Zai(published on TODAY)

Too much have been said about the negative aspects that many people tend to forget the good parts of it.

You might say that this is a fact of life. An unwanted and unnecessary fact of life.

But let me ask you, SO WHAT IF IT IS A FACT OF LIFE? Why can't people change this fact and say that we should be fair when it comes to spreading word of a particular something.

What about the good aspects of the S.League? Have they forgotten?

How many people can remember the story of Eugene Luo's success in school and his football career published in the NewPaper? 

These are the kind of stories that we need more of apart from those controversies. Kudos to the writer of that story about Eugene Luo.

It is hard I know to change this system but we have to  be positive about the whole issue.

We are the ambassadors of local football and if we are drawn to only such negative stories like brawling incidents or about players discipline problems, then I must say, we will lose eventually.

Telling the truth and being realistic doesn't mean disregarding the good aspects about Singapore football.

Yes, the quality may not be the highest. Yes, it is sometimes embarassing. But how many times have we highighted or choose to highlight to others about the good things about the S.League.

If you don't know of any good aspects, then I must say, you haven't watch the S.League enough!

Again, these are just my own thoughts and personal opinions. You can agree or disagree but then again, this is a fact of life!

National Team Lineup .... my thoughts!

Surprises and Regulars...

On a ersonal note, I will certainly miss a couple of my favourites. Baihakki Khaizan was not picked and so was Noh Rahman and Alam Shah.

I thought that of the three, Baihkki and Along deserve to at least be in the provisional squad because I feel, they still have something to offer to the team.

But, unfortunately, I have no say in the team.

Same goes to a player like Ahmad Latiff. By merit, I feel he deserves to be shortlisted at least. And Hougang's Fazli Jaffar is no different. Jeremy Chiang too I felt was a better option than some of the players we have.

But nevertheless, at the end of the day, as a proud and loyal supporter of team, it is not the players but what the team actually represents.

Whoever dons the national colours will defeinitely get my support.

I just hope that they will be able to play their hearts out and prove that they will not take this opportunity to represent us for granted.

Special congratulations on my part will go to the first timers as well as those who have tried long and hard to be noticed.

To Ismail Yunos, well done for not giving up and continuing to try your best especially after your horrific injury.

To Shukor Zailan, all the best. This is your chance and prove that you are worthy to be a national team player.

And to all the 33 hopefuls, BELIEVE.

You have the chance to be instant national heroes. Do take it seriously.

And to all Singaporeans, like it or not, lets put our faith in this team to carry our hopes and dreams.

There is no point in saying who should be in and who should be out.

Circumstances may not actually favour us in Singapore football but if we change our attitude to a more positive one, then I am sure one day, we will find that our Singapore football as something that we can really be proud off.

Untuk Bangsa dan Negara, Majulah!

Lion City Cup FAN CONTEST!

Are you the biggest fan?

We are looking for Lion City’s Biggest Fan! Send in your most creative photos of yourself in the colours of either Flamengo, Juventus, Everton, Newcastle or Singapore to admin@lioncitycup.com and stand a chance to win 4 season passes and a fully autographed jersey. Submission is from 20th May - 5th June and the voting period is from 6 to 11 June 2011. What are you waiting for? Start sending in your photos now!!!

They look promising.... the under-15s that is!

Jon Tan

Leading up to the Lion City Cup 2011!

 In what was to be a friendly game between the under-15 and the under-16 national teams turned out to be just a regular warm up kick about as lightning alert forced the game to be abandoned at the Singapore Sports School on Sunday afternoon.

Nevertheless, I was impressed with whatever little glimpses I've seen from the Under-15 boys.

Of course, the YOG team needs no introduction but they were missing key players in the team and the most notable one was definitely Jeffrey Lightfoot, the captain.

The under-16 team played in a slightly different formation as Jonathan Tan shifted from the left midfield role he played in the YOG tournament to a position just behind the main striker. Brandon Koh was shifted to the left while pacy forward, Hanafi Akbar went on the right.

Dhukilan took over Lightfoot's position in the centre of defence while Irfan was in the starting lineup, playing at the left back position.

In terms of play, the under-16 team looked more matured and calm and were looking to exploit any opportunity they had. Nothing fancy and outstanding though and maybe it was unfair for me to expect anything magical since this is just a friendly game and one that only lasted about 30 minutes. Nevertheless, they looked assured and I am confident they will come good when the tournament starts.

Goalkeeper Fashah has become bigger (in a good way) and he looked more steady than he was last year while left back Irfan looked more and more solid.

Steady Fashah!

Apart from that, it was actually the under-15 team that impressed me with their determination to prove something to the bigger boys.

They did not cower from any challenge and was always quick to get on to the second ball.

In fact, they reminded me of the YOG team more than the YOG team themselves!

The most outstanding of the lot is their No.7 player.

Who is this kid???

 I do not know his name but I am already a fan.

He terrorized the midfield with his skills and bravery and in my opinion, he is the player to watch in the upcoming Lion City Cup.

Alas, this is all just a friendly and a warm up kick a bout but then again, we've what I have seen so far, the future of Singapore football is bright.

Do head on down to the Lion City Cup to watch these boys in action. You will not regret it!

Interesting week in the S.League!

What a week this has been for Singapore football!
This round of S.League matches just shows you why there is entertainment and joy in watching the S.League!

1. Hougang's victory over Tampines!
As much as I hate to mention it,my Rovers were finally defeated this week. No disrespect to Hougang but I thought that this game was a given for the Stags. That's why you should not count your chickens before they hatch! Credit has to be given to the Hougang United players who have impressed me with their team work and their attacking style of play. There may not be many outstanding individuals but they certainly work as a unit. And it helps if you have a good and enthusiastic bunch of supporters!

2. Courts Young Lions finally wins!
Finally, after falling short in many matches, they got the victory they truly deserve. It may have been against Balestier Khalsa (only), no disrespect again, take nothing away from the victory and the performance. Another dazzling display by their wingers and Robin should be proud of his team this month. Have been unlucky with national service call ups, red cards and injuries, the Courts Young Lions team have shown true grit and determination. Well done boys!

3. Tanjong Pagar's first victory of the season!
What a goal by who else but Kawanabe. Impressive throughout the season and who knows how good he can actually be if he is in a better team. Again, given the opponents, they should not get carried away with the victory. But then again, the re-debutants can still be proud because they have put in tremendous amount of effort throughout the season. The road is still long but I am praying that the S.League can be more competitive in the seasons to come. Carry on fighting, jaguars!

4. Albirex defeats the Protectors!
Just when you thought that this week could be the week the Protectors take pole position, they disappointed many again. Albirex is a different team this season but then again, they have shown that they can be beaten. Home United missed the opportunity to go top with the Stags' defeat but nevertheless, take nothing away from the White Swans as well. Better luck next time!

Thank You for the Opportunity, Mayor Zai!

Us & the President of FAS, Mayor Zainudin. Presented him with an LATW tshirt !

Collaboration with fans and the FAS is key to the future of Singapore football


First and foremost, we would like to convey our thanks to the people at FAS and Mayor Zainudin himself, for taking the time and effort to meet up with some of the members of the LATW Crew.

The 2 hour long meeting is another milestone for the people at Lions All The Way and those present in the meeting, myself, Ali, Herdi and Chee Seong all felt that this was a good initiative and is a start for many collaboration between the fans of Singapore football and the FAS.

In that discussion, the topic on hand was of course on Singapore football, its state, the quality of the S.League but most importantly, was how we can move it forward.

We presented FAS and the Mayor a copy of the proposals the LATW Crew came up with along with some voices from the ground and we were glad that both the FAS and the Mayor had taken their time to take a look at our proposals and stating what is feasible, what is difficult to implement and some of the suggestions are seriously being considered for implementation.

This is a great step and amidst all the criticism in the past towards the FAS, we applaud them for their efforts and initiatives this time around.

Topics such as players who are outstanding in our eyes, fixture schedules as well as what is it that the FAS did not do it right previously were discussed and we are happy that no party was being defensive regarding any issue and in fact, I personally came out happy with all the debates and discussions.

One plea that was made was for the fans to give some time and be involved themselves as unofficial ambassadors to the S.League and Singapore football.

Do spread the word of the local game, do create a buzz and most importantly, do stick by the team through thick and thin.

Support from fans is definitely key to the future.

We at Lions All The Way also presented the Mayor with a token of appreciation in the form of our very own LATW Hard Core t-shirt.

He was obviously touched by our efforts and hope we will continue to support Singapore Football.

So our plea is this, lets support Singapore football in whatever way we can. May it be big or small, each and every one of us have a part to play in Singapore football.

Now that the FAS has taken steps to collaborate with us, lets reciprocate by showing them our support. Lets not all be focusing on the negative aspect of things.

We can be critical but make sure our criticisms are constructive. There is absolutely no point in complaining and yet not give suggestions on how to improve.

Remember, BELIEVE........

Untuk Bangsa dan Negara, Majulah!

Who are the 14?

Whoever gets selected wins my support but who are the 14? Lets make a guess!

1. Hassan Sunny

Need I say why? 

2. Lionel Lewis

Overshadowed by Hassan in recent years but totally at no fault during our Suzuki Cup disaster! Able back up as well!

3. Daniel Bennett

His experience and composure still needed

4. Baihakki Khaizan

Love him or hate him, with insider reports of his work rate and his humility, he should still be in. Plus, he has proven to be a defensive stalwart and unlike what the papers say, he is not that bad! I personally want him in the team to provide the experience as well

5. Mustafic Fahrudin

Mustafic has been a pillar of strength in midfield and was one of the better performers in the Suzuki Cup.

6. Shi Jia Yi

You will need him to pull the strings and at Home United, he is the architect of many goals!

7. Shahril Ishak

Brilliant, simply amazing!

8. Khairul Amri

The most skillful and pacy striker of the lot.

9. Aleksandar Duric

Current top scorer in the S.League, good role model, legend.

10. Shahdan Sulaiman

Even at just 23 years of age, I have already considered him to be a senior member. 

11. Noh Alam Shah

Banging in the goals at his club. Had a bad tournament but I believe that that was a one-off. When on form and on song, he is an inspiration. Forget those reports that he was "saving himself" for his Indonesian club. I have had it with negative rumours and speculation!

12. Qiu Li

Unlucky with injuries but should be selected this time around.

13. Isa Halim

Reliable when called upon. May not be in the first XI but he has always given his all when donning the red jersey. Unfair to take him out. His work rate at Home United is also second to none!

14. Ridhuan Muhammad

Based on merit, he should be in the squad. Just look at his form at Arema. But then again, I don't know what Raddy will be thinking.

Again, I do not know which category players like Hariss Harun and Saiful Esah fall under.....but if I have to coin the term senior member, then I guess they do not fall under that.

*My selections above are purely of my own opinion. 

The Singapore Cup Draw :

The RHB Singapore Cup draw produced some interesting clashes that are worth mentioning. Here are some of them:

Tough draw for Tampines, Home United and Etoile FC

Etoile FC vs Tanjong Pagar United
The battle between the former occupants and the current occupants of the Queenstown stadium is a very interesting and tricky tie. The Singapore Cup sees a one-off game and a winner takes all format. Anything can happen in this clash. On paper, it looks to be an easy game for the Stars but then again, it could yet be one of those giant-killing upsets. Just ask any Warriors fans who would have already thought that three points were already in the bag when they took on the Jaguars. As it turned out, Tanjong Pagar produced a spirited display and yet another contender for goal-of-the-season. Certainly one to watch, especially because it will take place at Queenstown Stadium.

Geylang United vs Tampines Rovers
Also known as the Great Eastern Derby, it will see another tight clash between the former eastern giants and the current ones. Matches between these two have always been close, especially in recent times. With so much at stake, you'll never know what Mike Wong's team can produce. Also, with Tampines Rovers pre-occupied with continental competition, it could work in the Eagles favour. Geylang United have performed magic in this tournament before while the Stags just fell short last year. Whoever wins this clash is set to face another tough battle with Home United (if they make it through past the Rams). No disrespect to Woodlands though but I just feel the Protectors will be too strong. I hope to be proven otherwise!

Hougang United vs Young Tigers
If Hougang truly wants to become one of the best and live up to its ambitions, they better get it right against a very talented Harimau Muda. It may not be easy for either teams. Hougang have been enigmatic all season, winning matches for fun and at times, losing them for one either! But one thing is for sure, this is no ordinary season for the Cheetahs. So long have they been occupying the bottom half, they now find themselves in an unfamiliar position in mid-table which goes to show how much they have improved. The Harimau Muda is an unknown opponent but if they field a team that consists of the national under-23 Malaysia side that demolished our under 23 Singapore team, then the Cheetahs could be in for a long night!

Overall draw:

Left hand Draw -
1. Geylang Utd vs Tampines Rovers
2. Home United vs Woodlands Wellington
3.Etoile Fc vs Tanjong Pagar Utd
4. Gombak Utd vs Balestier Khalsa


Right hand Draw - 
5.SAFFC vs Phnom Penh Crown
6. South Melbourne vs Albirex Niigata
7. Hougang vs Harimau Muda
8. Pattaya Utd vs Okkthar Utd

Our songs, Our chants... let them hear US ROAR!

We recorded these songs, learn them and we will sing in games!
( credit to Daniel, Herdy, Ali, Izwan, Eddie and myself for singing and especially Herdy who did the video!)

We love you! :




Foreign Talent Song:



We're behind you :



Singapore Majulah :

The Singapore Spirit

Watch this video from TEAM SINGAPORE...


This is just pure, born and bred talent with no money involved. Just football at its purest innocence.




THIS IS ALSO WHAT YOU WILL BE SUPPORTING AT THE LION CITY CUP!
(the video is not mine and can be found in youtube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKT5QscHXfk&feature=player_embedded )

Dear Mayor Zai....

Hope you can take a look at this Sir,

Your position is not easy. I have to admit that. Juggling your job as the Mayor of Central District and as the President of the Football Association of Singapore is not easy. Lets keep politics out of this and lets just talk football.

 Humans make mistakes and I may not necessarily agree with the policies you have implemented. I believe that you are helming this position because you are the best man for the job. Someone, somewhere, something out there has decided that this is your destiny and as a man who believes in fate, I guess I cannot dispute that.

But I do hope that you can at least give the opportunity for us fans to have our say in Singapore football. It is up to you to decide whether our suggestions are good enough and realistic enough but please, do hear our grievances as well as our suggestions. We, the fans, are the stakeholders in our football. We pay for the tickets. We pay for the jerseys and we pay and we pay and we pay. We may not be the rich businessmen that can provide sponsors but collectively, we contribute alot!

The interest in local football is there, unlike what many people think. Whether or not people are fully commited to it is a totally different thing. Sometimes, people are just shy to say that they love local football because of the crisis we are in right now.

So here is a list of suggestions or a "manifesto" like some would want to call it about the things I feel could be done.

1. Please devote more time and effort and make people see that you do care..
Sometimes, what people do not see, it does not mean it did not happen. Singapore football probably means dearly to you. You love football. Some people who have known you personally have told me how supportive you are of students playing football. That is good BUT people in general do not know that. We hardly see you in S.League games and sometimes, you are not there to respond to our suggestions.

Sir, presence is key and important most of the time. I am not trying to give a lesson on leadership because I believe you are an able one. But coming from someone from the ground, I hope to see you more often. The presence of a leader can do a whole lot of difference.

2. Saturday evening fixtures not working...
The opening fixture for the Courts Young Lions game against SAFFC was promising as there was a substantial number at the stands. However, I have never believed in it. The game pitting Gombak and Courts Young Lions on the 23rd of April not only supports my stand but confirms it all together. My initial hypothesis that there is little correlation between having to choose between watching an S.League fixture and an English Premier League fixture is slowly becoming a correct prediction.

The crowd in that game was an abysmal one that numbered 646. For one, the timing of the match takes the atmosphere and sting out of the game as well as produces a slower pace kind of football due to the heat. I do hope you can review this as well.

3. S.League fixtures are totally ridiculous.
This is the biggest point I have. Why can't we have all the matches in one or two days like the European Leagues? Arguments have being made regarding the need for revenue from the Singapore Pools but I believe that this is just taking the easy way out.

Revenue money should be from gate receipts, sponsors and merchandising and not from betting or dirty money. That is my own humble opinion which I feel is very ideal.

Do you know what has been happening day in and day out at the S.League games? I see the same fans day in and day out turning up at games!

I support and follow Tampines almost everywhere they go and each time we play a different opponent, somehow, the opposing fans are the same each time!

This confirms the fact that there is no strong loyalty to the club by alot of fans. By only having the fixtures on one day, fans have no choice but to choose to watch only their favourite club. This develops the sense of loyalty to the club which generates that support.

Owh, and one more thing, the fixture schedule is killing our teams' chances at the continental front. Just ask my beloved club, Tampines Rovers!

4. Bring back the S.League merchandise truck!
Singaporeans are known to spend for the sake of spending, especially when it comes to memorabilia and souvenirs. The recent rallies of opposition parties certainly showed that. To show their support and also collect souvenirs, people are willing to fork out to buy flags, books and what have you.

Bring back the S.League merchandising truck! Kids will definitely get their parents to buy t-shirts, jerseys, key chains and posters while the ardent fans will buy almost everything!

By doing this, money will be generated. By doing this, a sense of identity amongst club's fans can be forged. This is what you want. Football is a sport that is in a league of their own. Our players are not race-horses!

5. Return teams where teams are supposed to be.
Get the Jaguars back in Queenstown. Get Gombak back to the Bukit Gombak Stadium. And please do not move Tampines from the east (even if you have to). We are fast becoming a joke. This is not about GRCs in elections that we are talking about. This is football and teams ought to be based where their teams should be based!

Mr Zainudin, I have nothing personal against you. Trust me. Like you, I and the rest of the local football fraternity just wants the best for OUR FOOTBALL.

I Love the S.League....... 

Untuk Bangsa dan Negara......

LCC Cup Tickets

Exchange your AXS Receipts to the actual Lion City Cup tickets at any TICKETBOOTH outlets islandwide!

Heads up Courts Young Lions.....

Coach Robin's job is not an easy one.....

Stay brave Robin....

Besides Terry Pathmanathan, Robin Chitrakar is another coach that I can really sympathise with. His job is not easy. And given the stick that his team and himself have been receiving on all fronts this season, it will not be fair to blame him or his team entirely for the poor results they have been achieving.

Mind you, it is not as if to say that they have been playing poorly all season round. They have at times alight the crowd with brilliant passage of play and neat passing and movement. However, the lack of killer instinct has proven too costly for the young team.

With that being said, observers and critics come to their conclusion based on what they see and hence, sometimes, misleading information from the media has worsen the image on the otherwise a good Courts Young Lions team.

I am not going to mention which papers or tv or whoever for the misleading information but my purpose of this blogpost is to give my own point of view of what has been happening.

Having gotten myself more exposed in the local football industry, I do understand a little bit more on the going-ons and behind the scenes that some people might not know. Just to let you know, I am no expert, but I have to give my own fair share of assessment based on my own judgement.

To criticise the Courts Young Lions as lousy is certainly unfair. Their performances against title contenders like Home and Tampines were commendable and they put in valiant efforts in spite being tipped to lose heavily.

Here is why I have my own conclusion on why we should not be too harsh on them:
1. Losing key players (to national service, injuries and what have you....)
They have lost several key players not only to injury but to National Service. Other clubs too have lost their players due to injuries but are free from having multiple number of players called up for National Service and not being allowed to train or play for the team. They say this is part and parcel of the Singaporean society but I say, we too have to consider this point. Star striker is still out with the lengthy suspension as well.

2. No foreigners
This is probably the first time that the Courts Young Lions have not included any foreigners in the squad. Well, rightfully so since they should form the core of the future national team. But when they compete against other clubs with 4 foreigners in the playing squad, the difference is telling. Yes, the foreigners from other teams may not exactly be world class, the gap is still definitely there.

3. Players who are full time students...
This, I feel, is the reason why they may not perform as well as many expect they would. Imagine having spent your whole day in school, attend football trainings in the evening and in one of those days, you will play a competitive match. Compare this with full time players that other clubs are fielding. They have ample time to rest and longer time to train. Who will have the upper hand?

Pardon me those who have been strong critics of the Courts Young Lions but I feel that we should not be too harsh on these boys. However, I am not saying that we should be soft on them either.

We have to look at their circumstances and the tough assignment Robin Chitrakar has been given.

What is important is for us to carry on motivating them and give them credit where credit is due and not slam them without taking into consideration the task they have at hand.

Ultimately, the Courts Young Lions mission is to develop young players to have brighter future and give them more playing time to one day capture the holy grail that is the SEA GAMES gold and other international honours.

I rest my case.

The Players who make the S.League...

Without them, the league is Nothing!

As long as they try their hardest, every player should be given credit where it is due....

When there was a mass exodus of star players leaving the S.League, many feared that the league will crumble, the attendances will dip and the quality of football will drop.

In some respect, it definitely did. But, did the league ceased to exist?

I thought it certainly did not!

And when the Malaysian League opens up to foreign players in which each team will have to take in one player from  Asean, I suspect that many of our remaining top national players will make that switch  across the causeway.

No arguments since the pay will definitely be better and the crowd is certainly bigger and more supportive.

That leaves us with the pool of talent that will shoulder the existence of this S.League. In fact, this group of players make up the bulk of players and have been important throughout the 16 years of our very own professional league.

Yet, their salary can be ridiculously absurd at times and that they have to take up part time jobs just to survive  here in this country.

However, they are the workhorses of each and every S.League club. They turn up for trainings and play their hearts out in every match. They yearn for support but hardly gets the recognition that they deserve. They may not bang in as many goals or provide as many assists but without them, the stars can never be stars.

If you are wondering which group of players I am talking about, it further confirms my point about them.

They, my fellow football fans, are the forgotten men of the S.League.

They are the so called "fringe players" that without them, no club in Singapore will survive.

Let me give you an example.

In Tampines Rovers, who will players like Aleksandar Duric be without the services and workhorses of Ismadi Mukhtar, Imran Sahib and Shukor Zailan?

At the Warriors camp, without Roshan Rai and Mustaqim Manzur, who will fuel the engine room?

At Home, will they be as solid without Nor Azli Yusoff?

Further down the table, we have teams like Woodlands, Balestier and Geylang literally surviving on unknown players to the general public and yet without them, there would not be any of these clubs! Just think Amos Boon, Jalal, K.Sathiaraj, Poh Yi Feng, Syed Thaha, Syed Fadhil and Shah Hirul.

So, to the forgotten men of the S.League that are earning less and have less recognition, you ARE OUR HEROES as well. You turn up for training like the Stars but yet are unsung and are not recognised.

You may not necessarily be deemed good enough to don the national colours but let me tell you this. DO NOT let anyone else tell you that you are not important.

You deserve the credit and I salute you AS LONG AS YOU KNOW YOU HAVE GIVEN YOUR ALL.

You may not be the most talented or the most skillfull or the fittest of all players but AS LONG AS YOU GIVE YOUR ALL, YOU HAVE NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OFF!

Forgive me if at times, as a fan, I have been critical of some of these players. But my intentions are clear. I believe everyone deserves scrutiny and scrutiny means that I do care about your performances.

And to end it all, let me just thank you all once again for ensuring that our S.League carries on, with or without the star players. To the forgotten men, you know who you are.....

I salute each and everyone of you!

You are our backbone, you are the ones that make up the S.League and you are the ones that are guaranteeing our existence....