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2012 AFF Suzuki Cup Semi-final (2nd Leg) match tickets go on sale this Friday

2012-12-05T20:48:00.000+08:00

The Football Association of Singapore is pleased to announce the ticketing details for the upcoming AFF Suzuki Cup 2012, Semi-Final match (2^nd Leg) between Singapore and Philippines, scheduled to be played at Jalan Besar Stadium on 12 December 2012, 8pm.

Singapore topped Group B on goal difference after they secured wins over Malaysia (3-0) and Laos (4-3) and will now look forward to meeting Philippines in the semi-finals which will be played in a Home and Away format.

The 1st Leg match will be played at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila on 9 December and the 2nd Leg match on 12 December at Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore. Both matches will kick off at 8pm.
As part of the pre-match sales initiative, the match tickets for the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012, Semi-Final match (2nd Leg) between Singapore and Philippines will go on sale, on Friday, the 7th December, from 10 am to 8 pm and on Saturday and Sunday, the 8^th and 9^th of December, from 12 pm to 6 pm. Ticket sales for this period will be open to HOME (Singapore) fans only.

For fans of the AWAY team (Philippines), the sale of tickets allocated to Philippines fans will be on Monday and Tuesday, the 10^th and 11^th of December, from 12pm to 8 pm.

We would like to advise fans to adhere to all security measures set in place for the match and purchase tickets only allocated for the team that you are supporting as there will be designated seating arrangements at the stadium on match-day. We seek your kind cooperation and understanding on this matter.

The ticketing details are as follow:
Pre-Match Sales for HOME (Singapore) fans only
Each person is entitled to purchase only up to four (4) tickets upon showing your NRIC at the sales counter.
Date & Time: Friday, 7 December – 10am to 8pm
Saturday, 8 December & Sunday, 9December – 12pm to 6pm
Venue: Jalan Besar Stadium, North Gate (next to the swimming pool) (For HOME Fans - Singapore)

Prices are as follow:

AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 – Semi-Final Match (2^nd Leg)	Category	Price
Singapore vs Philippines Wednesday, 12 December 2012, 8pm	Grandstand	S$18
	Gallery	S$10
	King George’s Stand (KGS)	S$10
	*Concession (Gallery & KGS)	S$3

*Students (Primary, Secondary, ITE, JC Students Only) and Senior Citizens have to produce their concession passes upon entry into the stadium. Concession tickets are also applicable to children aged 7 and below whom require a seat in the stadium.

Pre-Match Sales for AWAY (Philippines) fans only
Each person is entitled to purchase only up to four (4) tickets at the sales counter.
Date & Time: Monday, 10 December & Tuesday, 11December – 12pm to 8pm
Venue: Jalan Besar Stadium, North Gate (For AWAY Fans** - Philippines)
Prices are as follow:

AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 – Semi-Final Match (2^nd Leg)	Category	Price
Singapore vs Philippines Wednesday, 12 December 2012, 8pm	Gallery	S$10

**Away (Philippines) fans travelling on their own and/or with travel groups are advised to look out for the designated seating area at the match venue for Philippines fans. FAS urges all fans to stay safe and to be on their best sporting behaviour at all times. Kindly ensure that all security and safety measures set in place by the Tournament Organisers at the match venues are strictly followed at all times so as to facilitate the smooth running of the match-day operations. We seek your kind cooperation and understanding on this matter.

Taken From Football Association of Singapore Website

AFF Suzuki Cup 2012: Singapore vs Laos [FULL MATCH][4-3]

2012-12-05T19:33:00.001+08:00

AFF Suzuki Cup 2012: Singapore vs Laos [4-3][Goals]

2012-12-05T19:32:00.001+08:00

LionsXII experiment coming good: Team spirit and familiarity from Malaysia competitions serving them well in Suzuki Cup

2012-12-05T18:48:00.001+08:00

SINGAPORE - He started the first two group matches with eight LionsXII players and, when Singapore walked off the Shah Alam Stadium pitch last Saturday after securing their place in the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup with a 4-3 victory over Laos, there were again eight players in the line-up who had spent the entire season playing in Malaysian competitions.

Indeed, the presence of so many LionsXII players in Radojko Avramovic's first XI in Kuala Lumpur suggests that the Football Association of Singapore's decision to send a team to compete in the Malaysian league and cup competitions - which was initially criticised as a step backwards for Singapore football - is starting to look like a shrewd tactical move.

On Saturday, the Lions play the Philippines in Manila, in the first leg of their semi-final tie.

Apart from captain Shahril Ishak, who was the LionsXII's top scorer during the Malaysian Super League and now heads the Suzuki Cup Golden Boot chart with four goals, centre-backs Baihakki and Safuwan Baharudin have also been putting in solid performances so far.

Indeed, Baihakki admitted that he was glad to see 12 LionsXII players winning their place in Avramovic's squad of 22.

"It's like we've built a family while playing in the LionsXII, and the players got to know each other so much better," he said.

Midfielder Isa Halim agreed.

"It has been beneficial because we are comfortable with each other, having played week in, week out together," he said. "The advantage is the understanding and telepathy of knowing where to run and where our team-mates will be."

However, even though he was an automatic pick for the LionsXII, Isa has found himself warming the bench for all three group matches, and he admits it has been tough.

"But it's not about me," he said. "It's about the team and the coach will choose his best players for every game. I'm just making sure I am always ready when I'm called upon."

The Lions lost both their friendlies against the Philippines this year - 2-0 at home in September and 1-0 in Cebu last month - and will want revenge in Saturday's opening leg at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila and the return leg at Jalan Besar next Wednesday.

"We've watched videos of our two defeats against them and have analysed our mistakes," said Shahril. "I know coach Raddy has a plan for us and we will play to his instructions."

Apart from playing to Avramovic's instructions, Baihakki, who was part of the winning squads for the 2004 and 2007 AFF Championships with Shahril, said there is currently a good vibe in the squad.

"It's another two hard games coming up. But this team has character, with players who have won this tournament before and a good mix of experienced and young players," he said. "There is a similar feeling this year to the winning campaigns of 2007 and 2004, and hopefully we will end up with the same result."

However, the Lions will be without midfielder Shi Jiayi for the semis. The China-born midfielder has flown to Shanghai to attend to a family emergency and will not be available for Saturday's match. He is also a doubt for the return leg.

The Lions fly to Manila at 10am tomorrow.

Taken from Today Online

Sufian Anuar takes a day off from football for Jamiyah Children's Home

2012-12-05T18:46:00.002+08:00

Football playmaker, Sufian Anuar, spent his last day of holiday with 15 kids from Jamiyah Children's Home at Singapore Flyer. Aboard world's largest giant observation wheel, Sufian gave out his early presents for the kids.

"The kids are very happy and I can see that they have enjoyed the day, especially for those first-timers at the Flyer. We are very grateful to Singapore Flyer for giving this opportunity to the kids, for inviting them down and making them feel special and loved. Jamiyah Children's Home is looking forward to more meaningful collaborations with them", said Nur Farhanah Binte Raman, Education Officer at Jamiyah Children's Home.

Children from Darul Ma'Wa (Jamiyah Children's Home) were very happy to see their big brother whom they fondly call Abang Sufian. Aside from the Flyer, the kids got to do fun activities like being thrown 8-meters midair by MegaBounce, the first ever bungee assisted trampoline in the city and got to visit the Christmas Village in the Tropics.

"I'm very happy to be invited by Singapore Flyer. This is my first time to ride the wheel and spending it with the kids from Darul Ma'wa made it more special. It's also the last day of my holiday before the pre-season training and I'm very glad that I got to spend it with people who are very close to my heart", Sufian says.

Taken from Football Association of Singapore Website

Shi to miss Manila trip

2012-12-05T18:42:00.002+08:00

Singapore – Singapore winger Shi Jiayi will not be available for the first leg of the Lions’ AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final against the Philippines due to a family emergency that has forced him out of this weekend’s match in Manila.

The 29-year-old started in all three of Singapore’s matches during the group stage but he has now travelled to his native Shanghai to deal with an undisclosed personal issue which could also cause him to miss the return match in Singapore next Wednesday.

It is the second time that a family matter has affected Shi’s participation in the AFF Suzuki Cup as he missed the tournament two years ago after he returned to Shanghai to be with his gravely ill grandfather, who later passed away.

Singapore coach Radojko Avramovic will miss the versatility of Shi, who usually starts on the right of midfield but filled in as a makeshift defender in the matches against Indonesia and Laos.

The Lions are already missing midfielder Hariss Harun, who is out for the tournament after suffering a fractured shin bone, while forward Fazrul Nawaz has been in light training since taking a knock in the match against Laos.

However, there is some good news on the injury front for the Lions with left-back Shaiful Esah back to fitness after he recovered from a sprained ankle that forced him out of the Indonesia match and kept him on the bench for almost the whole of the first half against Laos.

The Singapore squad are scheduled to leave for the Philippines on Thursday for their match against the Azkals, which will kick off at the Rizal Memorial Stadium at 8.00pm local time on Saturday.

Taken from AFFSUZUKICUP.COM

AFF Suzuki Cup 2012: FULL MATCH: Malaysia vs Singapore (0-3)

2012-11-27T21:31:00.002+08:00

Singapore kicked off their AFF Suzuki Cup in impressive fashion as a brace by captain Shahril Ishak helped them to a 3-0 win over defending champions Malaysia in their Group B opener at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium

AFF Suzuki Cup 2012: Malaysia vs Singapore (0-3) Match Highlights and Goals

2012-11-27T21:29:00.002+08:00

AFF Suzuki Cup 2012: Lions Off To A Winning Start

2012-11-27T21:28:00.000+08:00

Indonesia 'will not take S'pore lightly': Lions coach wary of backlash after rivals' shock draw with minnows Laos

2012-11-27T20:50:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR - Indonesia may have been held to a shock 2-2 draw by minnows Laos in their Group B opening fixture on Sunday.

But instead of drawing confidence from that result, Singapore coach Radojko Avramovic is bracing himself for a backlash from the 2010 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup finalists when the Lions play against Indonesia at Bukit Jalil Stadium tomorrow evening.

While there were many who were impressed with how Laos took the lead twice against Indonesia, Avramovic saw positives in the way the Merah Putih came back from the brink of defeat to salvage a draw.

"I am impressed by their attitude," said Avramovic yesterday.

"They showed so much fighting spirit in coming back against Laos. Twice they were behind but they equalised and could have snatched victory. That's the right kind of attitude to have. Also, they have a few outstanding individuals in their side.

"It will be another tough match for us. Nothing is guaranteed yet. There are two matches to play and anything can still happen."

As expected, the Indonesians have been kicking themselves for taking Laos too lightly, and for almost crashing to a shock defeat.

They have promised it will be a different side on display against the Lions.

"I watched Singapore play Malaysia on television and I thought Singapore had two outstanding players in Mustafic Fahrudin and Hariss Harun, who kept the midfield under control," said Indonesia coach Nil Maizar.

"They were instrumental in Singapore's victory and we must not allow them to dictate the pace against us.

"Singapore were very patient too. They waited and waited ... and when they saw an opening, they went for it."

Indonesia will have a problem in goal, however, being forced to field reserve keeper Wayhu Tri Nugroho after first choice Endra Suprapto was sent off against the Laotians.

Wayhu is also one of only two keepers in the squad, and the Indonesians are hoping he will stay injury-free until Endra returns.

Singapore currently lead Group B with three points after their 3-0 win over Malaysia, and victory over the Indonesians will see them through to the semi-finals, while the Indonesians also need a result to put themselves in a strong position to qualify.

Indonesia team manager Abel Marathi admitted that the result against Laos has done the team a great favour.

"Many of my players thought Laos would be easy. After all, their soccer development isn't that impressive," he said. "And because we took them lightly, we paid a price. We will take Singapore very seriously and nothing less than a wholehearted effort will be enough to beat them."

Meanwhile, Shaiful Esah, the man whose left foot set up Singapore's opening goal in their win over Malaysia, is set to miss the match.

The left-back was sent to hospital for an X-ray after landing awkwardly midway through Sunday's clash.

Although he did not fracture his ankle as had been feared, Avramovic is not prepared to risk the 26-year-old tomorrow. Instead, Irwan Shah is set to be drafted in as cover.

Source from Today Online

Dream start for Lions: Singapore look good for semi-final spot after mauling Malaysia on their home ground

2012-11-27T20:48:00.000+08:00

Source from Today Online

KUALA LUMPUR - If Singapore can continue to play the rest of their Group B matches like how they did against Malaysia last night, then surely they must be a good bet to reach the final of the ASEAN Football Federation Championship.

To be sure, one swallow does not a summer make.

But the way in which Radojko Avramovic's Lions - much maligned by their critics before the start of the tournament - mauled Malaysia at the Tigers' den in Bukit Jalil Stadium last night, despite the hosts being cheered on by 50,000 fans decked out in black and yellow, must inject them with much-needed confidence and give them the momentum that should carry them past the group stage and within sight of a fourth AFF title.

Ironically, there was little to suggest, at least in the first 15 minutes of the game, that Singapore would even find the net in the first place. Instead, the Tigers always looked as though they would score first.

The Republic even had to resort to two blatant fouls on lethal Kelantan striker Norsharul Idlan Talaha to prevent the Malaysian hitman from inflicting any damage.

There were also flashes of danger down the left flank as speedy Malaysian winger S Kunanlan kept tormenting Singapore right-back Daniel Bennett, making it clear that the 34-year-old is fast losing the speed to take on pacey opponents.

Indeed, the Tigers did not look like the side that suffered a poor string of results in their preparations for the tournament.

But the Lions held firm and weathered the early storm with the central defensive pair of Baihakki Khaizan and Safuwan Baharuddin ensuring that Singapore's defence was never breached despite Malaysia's constant pummelling.

And then the tide turned in the 32nd minute. All it took to stun the Malaysians was the sweet left foot of Shaiful Esah, who swung a beautiful cross from the left during a rare Singapore attacking foray.

Skipper Shahril Ishak, who had been quiet all evening, saw the opportunity, raced through the heart of the Malaysian 18-yard box and shrugged off the challenge of Mohammad Fadhli Shas before slamming his shot into the roof of Khairul Fahmi's goal.

The effect of that goal on the Lions was clear to see. As Singapore were buoyed by the opening goal, they found the courage and self belief to push forward and take the game to the Malaysians.

And they were rewarded again in the 37th min when Khairul Fahmi, dubbed the safest hands in Malaysian football, fumbled his punch following Shahdan Sulaiman's free-kick. Shahril was there again to pounce on the blunder and head the ball into an empty net.

In fact, Shahril could have made it a hat-trick if not for a wonderful late tackle by a Malaysian defender just when he was about to pull the trigger. But what he could not do, his replacement Aleksandar Duric did in the 75th minute.

Yet the fact that the 42-year-old Duric was completely unmarked when he nodded a cross past the Malaysian keeper to become the oldest goal scorer ever in the history of the Suzuki Cup showed just how dishevelled Malaysia had become by then.

As the minutes ticked away,the Lions grew in strength and stature. Although they failed to satisfy the Singapore netizens' wish for a fourth goal to avenge Singapore's 4-0 thrashing by Malaysia during the 2002 AFF Championships at the National Stadium, this result can only bode well for Avramovic's men as they prepare to take on Indonesia, who were hardly impressive in their 2-2 draw with minnows Laos on Wednesday.

Terengganu, Negeri enquire about Sundram

2012-10-15T20:11:00.002+08:00

Source

by Dan Guen Chin

04:45 AM Oct 15, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR - His LionsXII may have exited the Malaysia Cup, but V Sundramoorthy is now in demand.

TODAY has learnt that Negeri Sembilan and Terengganu - last year's champions and finalist, respectively - have made contact with the former Singapore international to enquire about his availability for the 2013 season.

Terengganu are looking for a replacement for Englishman Peter Butler, while Negeri Sembilan are scouting for a successor to Azraai Khor Abdullah, who has decided not to renew his contract after their quarter-final exit to Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM).

Recent media reports have also linked Sundram with Perak FA. The 46-year-old, however, declined to discuss the matter when contacted, insisting that any talk of moving to another side is premature and he remains committed to his two-year deal with the FAS to coach the LionsXII.

However, Sundram reportedly has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave as long as he serves a two-month notice period.

Regardless, the reports show that Sundram's stock has risen in the past 10 months, after taking the Singaporean side to a runners-up finish in the top-tier Malaysian Super League behind champions Kelantan, as well as into the two-legged semi-finals of the Malaysia Cup, where they lost 5-4 on penalties to ATM after the two sides were tied 2-2 on aggregate.

One observer who is not surprised by the interest in Sundram is Malaysia national football coach K Rajagobal. He said: "It's will be no surprise if Sundramoorthy is being offered a job with teams who are looking for someone new.

"He has an 'A' (coaching) licence which is a requirement for the MSL teams, he is young and above all he has proved his worth with the LionsXII. And he has played with so many Malaysian teams during his Malaysia Cup days. So people in the football management knows him."

Sundram, who turned out for Kedah, Kelantan and Pahang during his playing days, is not the only coach being wooed by last year's Malaysia Cup finalists.

ATM coach B Sathianathan is understood to have also been shortlisted by Terengganu. Dan Guen Chin

Singapore Football Site Maintenance

2012-06-04T23:52:00.002+08:00

Due to the lack of Manpower(as the staff for Singapore Football is not paid), this website will be not in service until further notice as we are now planning to create a brand new interactive site.
Once it is back we will announce it on out twitter account and our Facebook page account.
For now please follow us on twitter and Like us on Facebook for the updates on Singapore Football.
Singapore Football Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SGfootball
Singapore Football Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Singapore-Football/141413965905471

In order of activeness: 1. Facebook. 2. Twitter. 3. Website(Dead until further notice)

Thank You for your time, and lets Support Singapore Football All The Way!
MAJULAH!

4-star DPMM FC go top

2012-03-17T14:41:00.000+08:00

From DPMM FC

DPMM FC moved to the summit of the S-League after a seemingly convincing 4-1 win over Geylang last night, jumping five places and becoming the first team to break the 10-point barrier.

Though on paper the match agaunst the basement dwellers wasn't meant to trouble the team, it proved to be a different story - especially the visitors promisingly powered forward after pulling back to 2-1 with a Josef Kaplan penalty on the hour mark.

But weathering the storm, DPMM wouls add to their advantage with season-first goals from centreback Tales Ricarte dos Santos and substitute Helmi Zambin, the latter's 90th minute ensuring all three points at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.

Their third win in four games, the ever-confident Vjeran Simunic was in a buoyant mood after the match.

"Absolutely! I feel we deserve to be on top," said the DPMM coach.

"Its like in Formula 1- we are now in pole position.I'm happy that we could one day be leading the league.

"The game is nothing surprising for me.I said it would be dangerous at 2-0 and a little mistake made it 2-1 ... But thats football," shrugged the Croatian.

With a 2-0 lead at the break, complacency started to creep into DPMM FC's game in the second half - with the "little mistake" coming when dos Santoas gave the ball away to an onrushing Michael King and brought the former Burnlwy player down on the box.

The Eagles would soar forward bolstered by the well-taken penalty, but King's 71st shot with his back to goal was the best opportunity they would get to even the scores - with Geylang failing to trouble goalkeeper Wardun Yusof for the rest of the match.

Sharazen opened the scoring in the 23rd minute but Ghanaian striker Osman Bashiru did all the hard work.

Dribbling past three defenders on the left, he smashed a shot that bounced off the left post but was met with a half-volley from Shahrazen - the fan favouritepicking up his second goal of the season.

Capping off an encouraging combination on attacks from all three of DPMM forwards, the free-flowing second goalwas bound to pun on a smile to Simunic's face - where once again the team were able to exploit space on the left.

Shahrazen evaded his markers and squared the ball to Brazilain Rodrigo Grahl - who wisely laid it off to Bashiru.

Riffling the ball to the top of the net,his third in four games has now made him the team's top-scorer.

"I was confident I would score," grinned Basiru after the game."I think I have been getting better every game...I need to help the club," added the 23-year old hitman.

Dos Santos brought the team back from their second halfwhen the Brazilian headed home a pin-point freekick from Croatian midfielder Ivan Jerkovic in the 78th minute, and Simunic's decision to replace the ineffective Grahl for Helmi in the 84th minute paid off when the dimunitive 25-year old headed in his own rebound after searching a cross-field pass from midfielder Azwan Salleh.

DPMM FC wary of Geylang.

2012-03-16T17:36:00.000+08:00

Source: DPMM FC NEWS

DPMM FC will be taking nothing for granted in tonight's game against geylang Utd, despite the latter's 7-1 thumping at the hands of Home Utd, after DPMM head coach Vjeran Simunic labelled the Bedok-based club as 'dark horses'

Speaking during a press conference yesterday the DPMM FC head coach yesterday was wary of the threat opposed by Geylang, despite their poor start to the league.

"I respect Geylang very very much.Geylang is a team who won many many trophies.I have watched their last three games,and they have a very nice team.I don't understand what has happened inside their dressing roon."

Simunic was quick to highlight the situation DPMM find themselves in,having been absent from football scene for almost three years.Whilst DPMM's start to the league has been impressive, the head coach still feels there is room for improvement.

"We are in a special situation.We missed three years of football,so we can still improve ourselves.We will take it game by game,and we, as coaches are very happy.With each gamewe improve our game by 5% or 10%, so I hope my team will play better again this game."

V.Kana, the head coach of Geylang, returned the praise Simunic had for his team, with both coaches sharing an apparent mutual respect for one another,but was quick to dismiss any doubts his team had.

"As you know, we had lost our last three games,and now we are meeting DPMM FC, who are quite a good side.Their last three games, they have beat tough opponents SAF FC and Albirex.Playing them at their home stadium, infront of a big crowd,it will not be easy for us,nevertheless I think we won't give it to them easy.We will work hard and do our best to get something from Brunei,"said the Geylang coach.

When the possibility of DPMM leapfrogging Hougang United,Balestier Khalsa and Albirex to topthe S-League standingswith a win over Geylang tonightwas brought to his attention, Simunic refused to get drawn in on the matter.

"What is more important than points is that my team play a good game.Points never come without hard work and determination, so any resukt I can accept and respect, if my players play as they did against Albirex,or maybe better."The DPMM coach was confident in the team he has and the football they play, with no significant injuriesahead of tonight's game.

"I cannit say DPMM FCwill eb champions, but of course I am not afraid of any teams in this area.My DPMM team can play against any team but also can lose against any team."

Simunic was not satisfied with the turnout last Sunday's encounter against Albirex, adn expecting a better turnout tonight, when DPMM lockhorns against Geylang.

"Last time I told you I am not happy with 10,000, because it is very team for this team because this team deserves more.How can 30,000 watching kids play when big teams like Geylang or Albirex come to Brunei.Tomorrow there must be 20,000 people." exclaimed Simunic.

DPMM FC set to take on Geylang United FC on Friday

2012-03-16T17:20:00.002+08:00

Source From Brunei

FOOTBALL is at its peak in the Sultanate.

The national under-21 football team made history by lifting the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) last Friday with a 2-0 victory over Indonesia.

But it doesn't just stop there for local football fanatics as Brunei's only professional football team, DPMM FC, will see its fourth game of the Singapore League season tomorrow by hosting basement dwellers, Geylang United FC at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.

The club currently hold a two win and one draw record and are fourth in the 13-team table.

The fans are advised to purchase tickets early with booths opened from 9am onwards on gameday at the match venue.

Early birds can also get their tickets from the NFABD (National Football Association Brunei Darussalam) House in Berakas and the club's head office in Gadong today during office hours.

The match kicks off at 8.15pm.The Brunei Times

Wong leaves Geylang United

2012-03-16T17:10:00.002+08:00

Source From Today

SINGAPORE - Mike Wong, who led Geylang United to their only trophy over the last decade, has decided to leave the club.

After three straight defeats so far in the 2012 Great Eastern-Yeo's S-League, Geylang announced on Tuesday that Wong, 47, would switch roles with Geylang's Prime League (under-23) coach V Kanan.

After speaking with Geylang chairman Leong Kok Fann yesterday, Wong, who guided the club to victory in the 2009 RHB Singapore Cup, has decided to reject the new role.

Said Geylang general manager Lim Tong Hai: "Mike has informed us that he won't be taking up our offer of coaching the Prime League side, but we are parting on amicable terms.

"We've yet to iron out the details of compensation and exactly when he will leave, that will be done when the team returns from Brunei."

Kanan will take full charge of the team for the first time in the S-League this evening when they take on DPMM in Bandar Sri Begawan.

Korean system 'will improve S-League standards'

2012-03-16T17:09:00.002+08:00

Source From Today

SINGAPORE - The 2012 Great Eastern-Yeo's S-League has already lost one potential star in former Trinidad and Tobago youth international Akil DeFreitas and now the fate of another, Tampines Rovers cult hero Ahmad Latiff, hangs in the balance.

Tanjong Pagar had hoped to sign DeFreitas but he failed the Beep Test. Latiff has been unable to meet the fitness standard set seven times already and has two more chances to do so.

A number of players have been turned away from the S-League since the Beep Test was made a mandatory requirement in 2005.

A number of former players and even those currently plying their trade in the league feel it is not an effective means of improving player fitness and deprives Singapore of quality footballers.

Some have suggested scrapping it, others want a team average score used instead of individual results.

Home United coach Lee Lim Saeng suggests Singapore takes a leaf out of his native Korea.

Korean football clubs adopt a remuneration system that sees only between 60 per cent and 70 per cent of players' monthly salary secured, with the remainder dependent on performances in training and matches.

Lee believes that system, along with an overall increase in salary throughout the S-League - a non-national player here earns between S$1,200 and S$3,000 while a Singapore international can receive between S$4,000 and S$8,000 - will bring about a change in attitude, better fitness and a higher level of football.

"This system was already in place when I was a player in Korea, and I know that clubs in Japan and Europe use it too. I think it will make players more professional and will work much better than the Beep Test," said the 41-year-old former Korean international.

Korean footballers are well known for their incessant running on the pitch, and their disciplined lifestyle off it.

This is Lee's third year in the S-League and he acknowledged fitness is a weakness for Singapore players.

"The Football Association of Singapore implemented the Beep Test thinking it can help increase fitness levels throughout the season, but what really happens is that players prepare to pass the test, then fitness drops after that," he said.

"What is really needed is professionalism on the pitch and away from it."

Adam catches coach's eye in Japan Albirex under-18 coach wants Sports School players to return for training stints to check their progress

2012-03-16T17:06:00.002+08:00

Source From Today

NIIGATA (Japan) - Adam Swandi made the headlines at last year's Canon Lion City Cup.

Now, the 16-year-old has been singled out as a potential J-League footballer.

Nobuhiro Ueno, coach of Albirex Niigata's under-18 squad, has been watching Adam and the four other Singapore Sports School youngsters go through their paces on their 10-day training stint here.

Speaking to Today after a training session at the J-League club's Niigata Seiro Sports Centre base yesterday, Ueno said: "He has impressed me. In terms of technical ability Adam is actually better than some of my (youth team) players, especially his control and one-touch passing.

"But he lacks the wider vision. Instead of limiting his play to those nearest to him he needs to open up and use the entire field to spread play, a quality many young Japanese players possess and which makes a big difference."

The Singapore boys were officially introduced to Niigata Mayor Akira Shinoda at the City Hall yesterday and visited the factory of club sponsors Kameda Seika.

They also played football with 50 children at a local multi-sport centre.

The training stint for Adam and fellow Sports School football academy team-mates Muhaimin Suhaimi, 17, Amirul Adli, 16, and 15-year-olds Andin Addie Djayady and Zharfan Rohaizad came through a partnership between Albirex and the Sports School, and was arranged by adidas.

Albirex's youth squad have taken to their Singapore guests, exchanging jokes with them during breaks in training despite the linguistic barrier, although there was no holding back during practice.

Conditions yesterday were made tougher with wet and windy subzero temperatures worsened by a sudden snow storm.

Ueno said talk of even offering Adam a trial right now was too premature.

But, he added: "I wouldn't mind if Adam and the rest returned for a longer stint. I'd like to see how they progress."

While the five Sports School students now hope to eventually play top-flight professional football in Japan, Albirex under-18 midfielder Koki Yoda, who scored once when his side beat Home United 4-2 in a friendly in Singapore last month, is keen to go the other way.

"My aim is to play in a top league like the J-League, but I am open to the idea of testing myself overseas like in the S-League," said the 15-year-old, who is friends with Kota Tamakawa and Musashi Okuyama, who play for current S-League leaders Albirex Niigata (Singapore), the Japanese club's satellite outfit.

"I haven't asked them (Tamakawa and Okuyama) about how it's like in Singapore, but I think it will be good for my football development."

Tan Yo-Hinn's trip to Niigata is courtesy of adidas (Singapore) and Albirex Niigata (Singapore).

Singapore youngsters make a splash in Niigata Sports School players find out how they are different from Japanese peers

2012-03-16T17:04:00.002+08:00

Source From Today

NIIGATA (Japan) - They do not look Japanese nor speak a word of the language.

Yet the students from the Singapore Sports School - goalkeeper Zharfan Rohaizad, midfielders Amirul Adli, Muhaimin Suhaimi and Adam Swandi, and forward Andin Addie Djayady - have attracted plenty of interest from local media in Niigata, where they are on a 10-day training stint with J-League side Albirex Niigata.

The Singapore players were officially introduced yesterday at a media conference at the Japan Soccer College (JSC). Their presence in Niigata has attracted coverage from the likes of NST TV and TV Niigata, which broadcast a two-minute segment on the boys during their prime time evening news slot on Tuesday.

Leading daily Nippon Sports also carried a report and their correspondent Kentaro Nakade said: "We are always interested to find out more about the talented foreign players."

When Today caught up with the teenagers during a training session at the JSC yesterday, the five hardly looked out of place, but Amirul and Adam revealed their first training session on Sunday was quite a "shock".

"I didn't think their standard was different from ours until we started to play," said 16-year-old Adam.

"Their passing was so quick and they made split-second decisions. They already knew what they wanted to do before they got the ball, whereas we decide only after getting the ball. It was quite a shock, but I think we have adapted."

Despite freezing conditions where snow had to be cleared off the JSC's astropitch, the five looked comfortable going through training drills with their Japanese peers from the college - the JSC develop youth players for clubs like Albirex Niigata - and even shared jokes with them at the end of the session despite the language barrier.

"The players here are very serious about their football and take care of themselves off the pitch, and it's something that has impressed me," said 17-year-old Muhaimin, a member of the Singapore national under-16 side that lost last year's Canon Lion City Cup final to Flamengo.

The 10-day stint between Albirex Niigata (Singapore) - Albirex Niigata's satellite club in the S-League - and the Sports School was brokered by leading sports brand adidas, which sponsors both. The stint costs more than S$20,000 but about 80 per cent of it has been borne by the E W Barker Endowment Fund.

Tan Yo-Hinn's trip to Niigata is courtesy of adidas (Singapore) and Albirex Niigata (Singapore).

LionsXII first choice goalkeeper faces six weeks on sidelines

2012-03-16T17:02:00.000+08:00

Source From Today

SINGAPORE - The already crowded LionsXII treatment room has got just a little more congested.

First choice goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud is the latest player to join six others - Khairul Amri, Baihakki Khaizan, Agu Casmir, Juma'at Jantan, Shaiful Esah and Shahir Hamzah - on coach V Sundramoorthy's growing injury list.

The 21-year-old injured his left knee after landing awkwardly in training on Monday, and while scans yesterday revealed that there was no ligament injury, meniscus damage means Izwan could spend up to six weeks on the sidelines.

Izwan will for certain miss Malaysian Super League (MSL) fixtures against Sarawak (Saturday) and Selangor (Tuesday), and while there is hope that he could return in as quickly as three weeks, he is set to miss the two-leg FA Cup quarter-final against Terengganu on March 24 and 27 as well another MSL fixture against T-Team on March 31.

"I'm very disappointed to get injured, but this is part and parcel of football, and I'm just glad there was no ligament damage. There's really nothing to do but focus on my rehabilitation," Izwan told Today.

Hyrulnizam Juma'at will deputise in Izwan's absence over the five-match period, and LionsXII goalkeeper coach Lee Bee Seng is confident the former SAFFC custodian will do well.

"While Izwan kicks better, Hyrulnizam's advantage is that he's a very focused goalkeeper. We are lucky to have two good keepers in the team," said Lee.

"Hyrulnizam told me he was dreaming of playing against Selangor, and was confident enough to ask me to play him. It looks like he will get his wish."

Leong endorses Geylang changes Eagles chairman backs GM Lim's decision but hopes to persuade coach Wong to stay

2012-03-16T17:01:00.000+08:00

Source From Today

SINGAPORE - Geylang United will know today if former head coach Mike Wong will continue at the club, two days after he was relieved of his S-League duties.

The 47-year-old - who took charge of the team in 2009 - was dropped by Eagles general manager Lim Tong Hai, who handed the reins over to the club's Prime League coach V Kanan following their humiliating 7-1 defeat by Home United on Sunday.

It was their third loss in as many games since the start of the 2012 Great Eastern-Yeo's S-League last month and they now prop up the 13-team standings.

In what is seen as a demotion, Wong was offered Kanan's job but he held back from accepting the post, claiming it ran against the terms of his contract and wanted the club to clarify.

Speaking to Today, Geylang chairman Leong Kok Fann said he met with Wong yesterday to try and convince the former head coach to stay on with the club.

Leong said Wong remains integral in Geylang's plans and wanted him to build a solid base of young players that could help return the club to the force they once were in Singapore football.

Leong, a Lions midfielder during the '70s and '80s, took over the chairmanship of Geylang in January from Patrick Ang, who retired after 28 years at the club.

He insisted that while he stayed out of the day-to-day running of the club, Lim had his and the Geylang management committee's full support in appointing Kanan as the new head coach.

"As chairman and committee members, we help steer the club and provide advice to Lim and his management team," said Leong.

"We have our own full-time jobs but they are the executives, and must be given the latitude to manage and make decisions.

"In the coaching staff changes, Lim made his recommendations and sought my advice. I told him what I thought but he was left to make a decision and has my full support."

While the Geylang chairman is confident in the abilities of the 42-year-old Lim, he wants the club to adopt a corporate culture where the performance of everyone at the club can be measured.

Leong said that while he inherited from Ang an infrastructure that is one of the best in the S-League - from the clubhouse to the football programmes - the club needs to be run professionally.

Said Leong: "There will be KPIs for everyone from the management team to the kit man. For players, the coaching panel must review their performance after every match.

"Those who run the club, perhaps every three months because we need to know if we have the right person for each post, there must be a job-fit. But all that I want to put in place takes time, some people will accept them, others may not."

Courts cool over Young Lions exodus LionsXII could sign more players from S-League side; sponsors back player development mission

2012-03-12T17:21:00.002+08:00

Source: Shamir Osman

SINGAPORE - The Courts Young Lions (CYL) 2012 side in the S-League no longer feature Singapore internationals Hariss Harun, Safuwan Baharudin and Izwan Mahbud.

The under-23 side lost 13 of their biggest names when V Sundramoorthy's LionsXII ship sailed into Malaysian football territory.

And with the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announcing on Saturday that Young Lions will be the only S-League club the LionsXII will turn to for reinforcements when the Malaysian Super League mid-season transfer window opens on April 2, the team could lose more key players.

But title sponsors Courts remained unfazed that the Young Lions have effectively been turned into a feeder squad for the LionsXII project and have pledged to continue backing the S-League club.

The two-year title sponsorship deal worth S$1 million - one of the biggest in S-League history - was signed on Jan 27 last year and will run out before the start of the 2013 season.

When asked if recent developments will affect contract renewal talks, Courts Asia chief executive officer Terry O'Connor said: "No, our objective of sponsorship is about supporting local football and raising awareness and its profile.

"With discussions still underway, it is still too premature to comment, (but) our decision will not be based on this announcement."

O'Connor, instead, drew inspiration from the Young Lions exodus, taking it as a sign of the success of the club's vision of player development.

"CYL has always been a team consisting of young upcoming players who have a great potential for bigger things in the football scene. Having players from CYL move into a regional level means they are now ready to step up to their full potential which is a great occasion for the players themselves," he said. "For the team, it now means that it can take on new players who also have the potential which will inject new excitement into the CYL matches."

The Young Lions are currently bottom of the 13-team S-League, having lost both their games. They have yet to find the net and have conceded four goals.

Today understands the LionsXII have their eyes on a few Young Lions, including skipper Hafiz Abu Sujad and Al-Qaasimy Abdul Rahman.

According to O'Connor, the partnership with the Young Lions, which has seen the likes of Pele, Manchester United hero Eric Cantona and Italian World Cup winning skipper Fabio Cannavaro come to Singapore, has been a successful one.

He said: "The primary objective of being a sponsor of CYL is about supporting a sport that is very close to the hearts of our customers and football is a very inclusive sport that many can relate to.

"At the same time, our customers also get the opportunity to see this interaction through in-store promotions, such as the football clinic with Cannavaro, which not only creates awareness for CYL but also enhances our customers' shopping experience at our stores."

When contacted yesterday, the FAS did not shed any light on a contract extension with Courts.

FAS deputy director for marketing and competitions Ridzal Saat said: "We are grateful to have a forward-looking and community driven company like Courts supporting the Young Lions which is our developmental squad in the S-League.

"Besides providing us with the financial muscle, Terry (O'Connor) and his team are constantly looking at fresh and innovative ideas to reach out to the community and engage fans ... We will continue to work closely with them to ensure every cent invested is translated to better fans experience and also makes community sense."

Home United 3-1 Citizen Athletic

2012-03-08T01:38:00.000+08:00

Source from THE-AFC.COM

Singapore: Singapore's Home United recovered from the shock of falling behind just before half-time as they came back to beat Citizen of Hong Kong 3-1 in their AFC Cup Group G opener at Bishan Stadium on Wednesday.

Yuto Nakamura put the visitors ahead in stoppage time at the end of the half but the Singapore Cup holders stormed back after the break with two goals in four minutes by Shotaro Ihata and Frederic Mendy.

Singapore international forward Qiu Li then capped a fine individual performance with a solo effort late on as Home went two points clear at the top of the group, following the 1-1 draw between Yangon United of Myanmar and Chonburi of Thailand earlier in the day.

After watching his side struggle in the opening half, Home coach Lee Lim-saeng changed their attacking strategy at the break in a move that would pay clear dividends.

"I was not happy with our first half performance as I felt that we were attacking too much down the centre and not finding space," the Korean explained.

"I got them to use the flanks more in the second half and that helped us to create more space in which to attack them.

"Once we got the first two goals, it became a lot easier for us. Citizen had to open up in order to level the game and that allowed us even more space to attack."

While they enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening half, the hosts were continually frustrated by the Citizen defence, which stood firm on their AFC Cup debut.

And they found themselves a goal down in stoppage time after lax defending by Shi Jiayi presented the ball to Sham Kwok Keung, who bore down on goal with Nakamura before laying the ball off for the Japanese striker to fire past goalkeeper Lionel Lewis.

The goal deflated the hosts but they came out with renewed energy after the break and got back on level terms in the 62nd minute when Ihata met John Wilkinson's cross with a bullet header into the back of the net.

And four minutes later, French striker Mendy put Home ahead as he steered the ball in from close range after Qiu's shot had been parried by the goalkeeper.

And Qiu wrapped up the win with three minutes left when he received the ball on the left flank and brought it back towards the middle before slamming it into the back of the net.

While disappointed at seeing his side blow their half-time lead, Citizen coach Chu Kwok Kuen felt that they had positives to build on for their upcoming games.

"Whatever the result, I am pleased with the performance of the boys tonight," he said.

"Our team is not used to the conditions that we are going to encounter when playing outside Hong Kong so this match was good exposure for us. We expect the weather to be even more unforgiving for our next two away matches in Myanmar and Thailand.

"Home United play a more physical game and we expect more short passing from the other two teams in the group and less physical contact which might suit us better."

National players back Avramovic for Suzuki Cup mission

2012-03-06T12:12:00.003+08:00

Source

SINGAPORE - The national team players in the LionsXII squad yesterday insisted that coach Radojko Avramovic is still the right man to lead the Lions.

Singapore's football team came in for huge criticism from local fans after their 7-1 drubbing by Iraq in last week's World Cup qualifier in Doha.

Many felt that the Serb, who has been at the helm of the Lions since 2003, had run out of ideas.

Others wondered if Avramovic, 62, still had the respect of the dressing room.

Singapore and LionsXII midfielder Isa Halim, who scored the solitary goal against Iraq, was quick to rubbish talk about Avramovic's ability or the notion that he had lost the dressing room.

Summing up the Iraq performance, the 25-year-old said: "It was one of those days when everything did not work out for us.

"We had a good build up to the game and played well in the 2-2 draw in the friendly match with Azerbaijan (before Iraq).

"Losing 7-1 is unacceptable, but that is football and we have to learn from it.

"Raddy has been introducing young players to inject new blood into the team and the attacks against him are unfair.

"Everyone in the team must share the blame because whatever happens in the field is also up to the players. Raddy is a good coach, has done well in the past years, and hopefully in the Suzuki Cup, he can show us the way again."

Avramovic has guided the Lions to two South-east Asian titles but the Lions failed to even get out of the first round in their last campaign in 2010.

He said recently that this year's Suzuki Cup, scheduled in December, remains the big target for the team, as they bid to at least make the final.

Singapore captain Shahril Ishak, who also wears the armband for the LionsXII, said: "You can talk all day about the national team, but in the end we are out of the World Cup.

"We were playing against a top Asian team and without many important players it was difficult for us.

"The players are 110 per cent behind Raddy but whatever happens now it is up to the Football Association of Singapore because as players we don't have control over this.

"I think Raddy should continue as coach and is still the one to take us to the Suzuki Cup," Shahril added.