Give Our League a Chance......

When You are your only hope,

(picture by Ko Po Hui)

The season drew to an official close yesterday as the awards were given out to deserving candidates. In fact, the fact that champions Tampines Rovers did not claim any individual awards just proves that the S-League has indeed quality, yet not seen and blind to those who don't watch and just critic from the outside.

Karoglan is reportedly staying to fight for the Warriors for another season and truly, he has been the star of the S-League season. Claiming that he was surprised to have won the biggest award of the night, beating the likes of Aleksandar Duric and Frederic Mendy, he welcomed the challenge of playing against teams that now will be aware of his style of play.

Albirex too were the big winners and some of their players are reportedly joining Karoglan as the Warriors again look set to be devastating next season, at least on paper.

Quality of the S-League is not like the leagues you see elsewhere on your TV and even those like in the Far East. At best, the league can strive to be one of the best in Asia but quite possibly, realistically speaking, it is far too difficult to match the level that of Europe where they literally live, eat and breathe football where their entire life is truly dependent on football. Maybe , if our society's mentality changes, then we can dream of that.

But now, you've got to be realistic.

Quite frequently, when there are reports of dismal attendances, people have claimed that it is never like the Malaysia Cup days. Many yearn (not all though) want a return to the Malaysia Cup. Now that the FAS have given these group of fans what they want, these group better turn up to support your Singapore Lions.

Well, for the rest and quite typically, the believers and followers of the S-League, they will stick by their teams here, fighting for every opportunity to make sure the league succeeds. That is not to say that these groups of people are shunning the Singapore Lions across the causeway but given a choice, they will have to stick by their S-League clubs first.

Having a mass exodus to the M-League team will not be entirely bad. New youngsters will definitely have to be blood in and it will give them an opportunity to shine and an even bigger pool of talent to choose from and hence, will make the reason or some might call it, the excuse of having to naturalize foreign talent an even a questionable one.

But those who are looking forward to the M-League, please do give your S-League a chance because the stars you see in our Singapore Lions team are all players developed in the S-League.

Julian Turner of the Straits Times wrote yesterday that there is no other feeling like watching your football live. He claims that while televised European football is a good product, a live S-League match has different qualities that simply can't be reproduced on the screen.

He then added " While the seductive allure of a faraway rival is understandable, why be tempted completely away from a genuine, worthy and willing option at home?"

This sums up the point.

When there is the London, Manchester or the Liverpool derbies, fans here will be excited throughout the week. The papers will be featuring news running up to the game days before the game. And before, during and after the game, facebook.sg  will be bombarded with "live feeds", "live scores" and 5th or 6th officials who felt that Graham Poll, Rob styles or Lee Mason made ridiculous decisions.

Why not make that happen when the Eagles visit the Stags? Or when the Home team NSFs become intense rivals with the BMT boys from Tekong? Why not talk about Sukbhir Singh's or Abdul Malek's decision to award an Etoile player a penalty or giving a phantom goal to the Young Lions?

You can make the S-League interesting and you can make it a league that you can proudly call your own.

Amidst all the booing and criticisim, our FAS president valiantly call forward these critics to step forward and let yourselves be heard.  So instead of just writing on facebook or to newspapers giving suggestions, do something more than that. Think of something extraordinary. Contribute something to the S-League in your own unique way.

If you want everyone else in the football fraternity to give you better quality on the pitch and better experience off it, it doesn't hurt if you play a part as well. Football is not just a simple business where whatever you demand, you'll get. It is much more to that and certainly, with Singapore football, it requires patience as well.

Keep the faith, Believe.

Much to learn from the neighbours.....

And it does not stop at the players.....

these boys don't care about silverware. they follow Lions everywhere!

One Berita Harian journalist hit it spot on when he said that the players should learn from the Malaysians when it comes to mental strength.

In fact, it is not just mental strength that Singapore, in general, has to learn. Many aspects can be looked into if we want to improve.

Malaysia has done it again, defying the odds and win yet another SEA Games gold. And with that, they truly deserve it. Not just because of their preparations but simply because they had the "bounce-back-ability" to do it as a nation.

Credit must go to their FAM for sending their youngsters out to training into European leagues and having their faith in their youngsters.

Credit must go to their players for withstanding the pressures of the hostile Indonesian crowd.

And both the FAS and the Singapore players too can learn from this. No two ways about it.

But there is another area where the Malaysians have succeeded and we failed but we fail to acknowledge that. And that is, doing it as a united nation. Our very own mentality!

Firstly, one thing we should learn is the positive attitude of their fans and their media (especially). Recalling back the day we had beaten Malaysia in the World Cup Qualifiers, I remembered that a caller to a Malaysian radio channel proudly said that eventhough the team had lost, she was still proud of her Harimau Malaya! And during the game itself, Malaysian commentators of the game had repeatedly commented that they had the faith that their team will win the tie, even though it was clear that the deficit was too much for them.

One need not think too much if we were the ones on the losing end. Calls for heads to roll and players to be axed would dominate the headlines, surely, especially if the opponents were Malaysia. Here, you are not allowed to have bad games whereas there, bad games or not, the players would be supported. No wonder, their players have "more heart" than the ones we have here. With support like that, obviously, as human beings, they will reciprocate on the pitch to reflect this supposed "heart".

Secondly, look at their proud supporters from Ultras Malaya. Many who have observed the LATW from the beginning would not deny that the Ultras from across the causeway are our inspirations. Truly. Back in 2007 when the Malaysian football themselves were at their bottomless pit, they supported their Harimau Malaya through thick and thin. They had belief.

 Other proud Malaysian supporters also go on to "boo" their own Malaysians who "boo-ed" the Malaysian players for the sake of supporting Liverpool and Chelsea when they were in town! That is how much they protect their players....

Players should not think too much and just play. No pressure lads!

And this year when a massive loss hit them, they did not view it as a "catastrophe" and called for Rajagopal's head. Instead, they carried on supporting and many of their senior players went on to represent their SEA Games team and bring back another gold.

To sum things up simply, the mood is always positive and all about motivation across the causeway. And that mentality rubs on the sponsors who have pumped in millions to support their football. They come not only from corporate sponsors like Telkom Malaysia but also from their rich Sultans and head of states.

Well, Berita Harian has been right to point out that our players should learn from theirs. Well, similarly, the media too has to learn from their Malaysian counterparts on how to drum up support. Their media at best has been biased but so what? When they missed a penalty, the commentators did not lose faith. And look at those  hosting the talk shows! They were singing "INILAH, BARISAN KITA" .....

If you want more things to write or say, why not write and say positive things through your support! Or, at least be fair (which I must say, the journalist of Berita Harian did it, thankfully).

Now that's what I call drumming support!

So instead of looking over in envy across the causeway, why not we learn. Yes, from the top management to the players and coaches, to the media and to us fans.

That is how you progress in football. You do it as a nation, you don't leave your countrymen behind. Or worst, you don't attack your players using the strongest weapon of all, your keyboard.

And to all who gleefully commented that you have given up hope on Singapore football, without putting in a little bit of effort in at least attending S-League games, then please, leave and never ever come back.

Testing Times . But only the brave will prevail.

Nobody wants to lose, not me, not you, not the president, not the coach and certainly not the
players.

Deep down, the players don't want to disappoint us as well...

Bill Shankly, a name synonymous to many of Singaporeans due to the affection towards the English game, once said,

" If you can't support us when we lose or draw, don't support when we win..."

Of course it is painful to see your team that you root for loses. And especially, at your home ground heavily. In fact, this has been a truly testing time for many Singapore fans out there when the performances haven't yet been "up to expectations".

Many are right to point out the flaws in our football system. But then again, a line should be drawn between insulting the character of the people involved in Singapore football and also the performances on the pitch.

Even the many members of the LATW Crew knows this. We too may not agree in many things. We too may not support every decision by the FAS. We too may not be happy with the performances of the players. And we too certainly are disappointed at the state of OUR football.

Although it may seem as though we are happy with everything and things are all very rosy, deep down, we too are disappointed.

But if you think that as fans we are disappointed, how do you think the players and those involved in the football actually feel? This IS their ricebowl after all and it will not be surprising that they are also cursing their luck.

Sure, you are right that as a "paying supporter" you have the right to vent your frustrations. You as a Singaporean have the right to be able to give your feedback and suggestions. You as an important stakeholder of football have the right to curse, scold and swear at these people.

But things shouldn't be taken out of hand.

No player or official deserves to be called names and insults. Negative descriptions of their performances, maybe but not words that truly attack one's character.

Footballers are often labelled as the ones that unite the country, a multi-racial one like us. Footballers carry the flag and represent each and every one of us. But sadly, they do not get the respect that they deserve. Of course, if a player swears at fans, refuses to play, fakes injuries, does not train and goes AWOL have no right to be respected. But looking at the players we have now (especially the ones on our national team), do you think they are all that?

Certainly not.

Remember, we are not world beaters. Our budget, in relative to other football associations around the world is considered pathetic. Our society frowns upon or discourages our children to play sports as a career.

Yes, expectations should be high. But expectations too should be pegged with context.

In spite of all these defeats and failures, we should continue to support our national teams, our league and our own football. Even if it was 10-0 against China, you will definitely see the LATW Crew still singing their hearts out because even more so the team needs our support.

People may call us blind supporters but we are in fact unconditional supporters. Unconditional supporters support the team because they know they just have to and have put the faith and trust in the team that they will try their very best. Of course, their very best may not be good enough but so what?

So if you want to stop the rot, take a good look at yourselves. Are you proud to don the Lions jersey? Do you attend S-League matches? Do you know who your players are? Do you motivate or cheer your team on even when they are losing? Do you complain that your home ground is filled with away fans when you at home decided that it is not worth going down to the stadium to see your team lose?

It starts with you, the fans.

If you lose that faith and belief, then truly, ultimately, Singapore football is dead.

And when that happens, the complaining will stop. Or will it?

FIGHTING FOR PRIDE!

We fight for pride, we fight for honour. We'll avenge our loss in Kunming!

Join the LATW Crew as we support the Lions in our final home game of the World Cup Qualifiers. We are already out of the running but there is still pride to play for. Remember the robbery in Kunming? This is our chance for revenge.

VENUE: JALAN BESAR STADIUM
MEETING POINT: WENDY'S AT LAVENDER STATION
ATTIRE: LATW CREW TSHIRT, RED, SINGAPORE JERSEYS
MEETING TIME: 4.45PM
KICK OFF: 7.30 PM

This IS NOT RIGHT!

You have the power to influence but to you it means nothing!

They have famously labelled Singaporeans as "semi-final fans".

They have blasted the team after every single defeat thinking we are world beaters that have the right to win every game.

They have more often than not being the most ultimate KPO in the private lives of our footballers.

They have regularly painted a bleak ( usually wrong) picture of our league and football.

Yet, they fail to see that they are the ones that are a disgrace to the country and to this nation. 

On Saturday, it was an expectation for the team to be criticized by the papers and the media. In fact, even the most optimistic and loyal of fans would agree that the Under 23 boys did not deserve to win the game against Indonesia. Certainly no excuses for that. But they went a step further. Just a little bit too much and too uncalled for.

Saturday's contradicting reports

Instead of focusing on how to improve on performances and highlight the weakness, they allowed a totally redundant commentary to be published, uncalled for if you asked many readers.

First, the commentary went " Don't expect anyone from the Singapore camp to say that (apology), though".

And ironically, to the next of that was a quote by the captain who acknowledged that the team "messed things up."

The commentary took on angry and sarcastic tones before concluding that he was being " my honest self after another all-too-predictable defeat for our Singapore team ".

Well, honestly you want honesty? 

Honestly, you and the many other members of the media have been nothing but a shame to us and the country.

Of course, not all journalist are bad. They have been those who are good. And I know many who have been good, been supportive but most importantly, they have been, FAIR!

You need not be biased and defend the team like the most ardent of fans do. You need not be  patriots like the Malaysian media who have done brilliantly to boost up support for their sportsmen regardless of the sport they play.

All you have to do is be fair.

3 games in 5 days. Just over 1 full day of rest before meeting undoubtedly the strongest team in the group. Tales of food poisoning. And all you can come up are just points to whack the FAS and the character of the team.

Do you, really think the team wants to lose, on purpose? Everyone certainly knows they did their best, especially in the second half. 

It is also funny how amidst all the criticizing of the players and the fans, the people running the media and make the decisions  ironically have shown that they are indeed "semi-final in mentality".

Check out the telecasts of European games below in the papers.

European qualifiers featuring Bosnia can be shown live. International friendlies that are meaningless too.

But wait, where was the telecast of World Cup Qualifier game between Singapore and Jordan the previous night? 

And funny, how Singapore fans are the ones being labelled as "semi-final fans".....

Just so you know, if you have the power to influence, then do it positively. Or at least, paint a fair picture. And if you earn millions, why not just pay up to have the right to broadcast matches of your own team.

But this just proves that it is all business, and local football, to you (those making decisions in the media) means absolutely nothing. 

And Mr S. Murali, what do you have to say now that both the coach and the team have claimed responsibility and apologized to the nation over the disappointment? Will you, Mr S. Murali, take back your words?

Honestly, it will be, an all-too-predictable NO. Ooops, was that your quote? :)

Match day 3: Live Gathering!

Support Singapore as they take on hosts, Indonesia in a must-win clash!

Join the LATW Crew at Durty Nelly's tomorrow.

Kick off at 3pm!
Venue: DUrty Nelly's (MARINA SQUARE #01-01)

LIVE GATHERING : SINGAPORE vs CAMBODIA

Decent result against the defending champions, now's our time to get the win!

Join the LATW Crew as we gather to support the Young Lions from home.

DATE: 9/11/2011, WEDNESDAY
VENUE: DURTY NELLY'S IRISH PUB , MARINA SQUARE #01-01
KICK OFF TIME: 8PM
MEETING TIME AND PLACE: 7PM, CITY HALL MRT (LETS MARCH ON AS A GROUP TO DURTY NELLY'S!)


See you there!

LATW Crew LIVE GATHERING FOR SEA GAMES OPENER!

LATW CREW LIVE GATHERING AT DURTY NELLY'S

LATW CREW is behind the Young Lions!

LATW Crew will be holding a live gathering for us to catch the SEA Games opener against arch-rivals Malaysia at Durty Nelly's.

The match will kick off at 5pm.

See you there!

VENUE: Durty Nelly's Irish Pub

Marina Square #01-01 to 03, 6 Raffles Boulevard, S039594

Singapore, Singapore

TIME: KICK OFF AT 5PM

ATTIRE: SINGAPORE JERSEYS, RED, SCARFS, LATW CREW T-SHIRT

Anak Singa Saya, BERJUANG DI JAKARTA!

LATW CREW and the rest of Singapore is behind you!

For some of them, including goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, this will be their second Hari Raya in a year that they will be away from their families.

It is part and parcel of being a footballer; the sacrifices you have to make can which can certainly affect your performance, psychologically.

But fret and fear not because Singaporeans are behind you in this.

When they turned around from their check in counters on Saturday morning, they were greeted by songs sung by members of the LATW Crew who could do nothing more but just sing a song or two for them.

Alongside their families and some other Singapore fans who were present, we applauded the group of boys who  will fight for the Gold medal that is possibly the one that many other Singaporeans would love to finally get their hands on.

So what if it is the "group of death"? So what if you will miss Hari Raya?

We just thank you for the sacrifices and effort you have put in to represent the country.

Thank you, Young Lions.

Do us proud and we are behind you all the way.

berjuang di Jakarta = to compete in Jakarta (in Malay)


* THE LATW CREW will hold a live gathering for the live telecast game against Malaysia on Monday*
venue and details will be out soon

TIME FOR REVENGE! THE LIONS WILL SHOW US 'HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON'

Below are the ticketing details for the 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP BRAZIL™ ASIAN QUALIFIERS ROUND THREE match between Singapore and China PR, that will be played at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Tuesday, the 15^th of November 2011.

Match Details

Match : Singapore vs China PR

Date : Tuesday, 15 November 2011

Time : 7.30 pm

Venue : Jalan Besar Stadium

Ticketing Details

The details of ticket sales for the match are as follow:

Early Bird Special 

In order to show appreciation to Singaporeans and permanent residents for their unwavering support for local football, only Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents will be entitled to purchase the early bird tickets. Each person is entitled to purchase four tickets upon showing your NRIC card at the sales counter.

Date    : 8th to 11th November 2011

Time   : 12pm to 8pm

Venue : Jalan Besar Stadium, South Gate

Price : Adult - S$17.00 (Grandstand), S$7.00 (Gallery)

          *Concession - Child, Primary, Secondary, ITE, JC Students Only/ Senior Citizen 60 years old and above - S$3.00 (Gallery seating only)

*Students and Senior Citizens have to produce their concession passes at the sales counter. Concession tickets are also applicable to children aged 7 and below whom require a seat in the stadium.

**Pre- Match Sales (subject to ticket availability)

Date    : Monday, 14 November 2011

Time   : 12pm to 8pm

Venue : Jalan Besar Stadium, South Gate

Price : Adult - S$20.00 (Grandstand), S$10.00 (Gallery)

          *Concession - Child, Primary, Secondary, ITE, JC Students Only/ Senior Citizen 60 years old and above - S$3.00 (Gallery seating only)

*Students and Senior Citizens have to produce their concession passes at the sales counter. Concession tickets are also applicable to children aged 7 and below whom require a seat in the stadium.

**Open to Public

***Match Day Sales (subject to ticket availability)

Date    : Tuesday, 15 November 2011

Time   : 5pm onwards

Venue : Jalan Besar Stadium, North and South Gate

Price : Adult - S$20.00 (Grandstand), S$10.00 (Gallery)

          *Concession - Child, Primary, Secondary, ITE, JC Students Only/ Senior Citizen 60 years old and above - S$3.00 (Gallery seating only)

*Students and Senior Citizens have to produce their concession passes at the sales counter. Concession tickets are also applicable to children aged 7 and below whom require a seat in the stadium.

***Open to Public

* information taken from FAS website*