Just mainly pictures from DPMM-TTM 1st leg QF...

(P.S1: Just mainly pictures, with the main text being those "tweets" I posted by mobile earlier and also to try out some photo-taking using some new methods which I'm still working on it.)

be visit an old fren at JBS later which I hope can materialize,work been piling up & already snapped, can't keep my cool? or hit roof liao?

Been hanging since their League Cup win months ago...

Former Balestier and Sengkang striker Paul Bekombo fulfilled his promise by scoring two goals.

A close-up shot of DPMM defending a TTM corner.

With his follow African Aly Camara, Bekombo terrorized the Bruneians' defence.

Bekombo missed his chance in this one-on-one.

So here's the "old fren" I referring to as he made his way to the dressing room, not before having greeted his admirers.

TTM definitely d better side with their much composed play as compared to DPMM's robust style, 1-0 to d Thai side at HT

TTM's coach Prajak Weangsong and Aly Camara at the post-match press conference.

DPMM's coach Vjeran Simunic said the loss of key players affected his team.

TTM ended their day deservingly with a 3-1, 2 goals advantage win over DPMM, composed play was d call of d day - out

(P.S2: You can't blame me for using poor grammar in my tweets at the 140 characters restriction means I have to squeeze as much details as possible and the action photos were actually "blown-up" shots.)

How woeful are the Young Lions?

Coach Terry Pathmanathan (first from left) demands improvement from his Young Lions.

While much of the focus been centered on their seniors - the Lions, the current form of this team that are going to be the core of this year's SEA Games football squad is also a major cause of concern.

Until this day, the performance by the Young Lions are far from satisfactory.

Been gathering negative feedback of this team since I last saw them played in their loss against Albirex Niigata weeks ago.

"They can't keep the possession after three passes!" said one.

"These boys are being complacent, just because they think they're the YOUNG LIONS" said another, implying that being part of this team guarantee a spot in coach Raddy's squad for the year end's sporting fiesta.

"We can't expect much from these boys as they're still not up to the mark yet." said coach Terry Pathmanathan after their goal-less draw against Woodlands Wellington.

"They're pushing (themselves) but overnight you can't expect them to turn around to play more decisively." added the former national team captain.

Coach Terry also cited that it's all down to each and individual on how fast they can develop and mature as a player.

When highlighted there's a cause of concern as the squad is going to be the core of the SEA Games squad, coach Terry reasoned, "Let's get real, the S.League is a level higher as compared to the SEA Games."

"And they (Young Lions) are not playing against their own age group, but much experienced, much matured teams."

"So they're now preparing themselves at a higher level, and when playing against the same age group, they're expected to excel themselves on certain levels" he added.

Although the coach nicknamed as "Captain Marvel" in his playing days was frank to admit "Where's our talents?" when told some of the outstanding players the neighbouring teams are churning out for the SEA Games.

However, coach Terry remains defiant despite all the odds, "We don't want to throw in the towel (just yet), as they need to know why they are in the S.League, you get hammer, but you learn the hard way."

"Since the core (of the SEA Games squad) is to come from this team, then they better show us they have done something." he concluded.

Indeed, for those who were at the game at Woodlands were wondering as well as they saw for themselves right in front of all (and coach Raddy) how possession was lost after less than five passes, how the ball was fed to front without any precision, etc.

I rest my case...

Guest Opinion - Refereeing Woes : What Rugby can teach its cousin a thing or two on how to resolve it...

(P.S: This entry will kick start a new column in this blog with readers are welcome to submit their article on various issues pertaining to local football scene as "guest columnist")

Mr Paul Kung, someone who has been very active in the rugby community as a player, coach and administrator shares his thoughts with us, from the rugby perspective, after he read some of the recent blog entries regarding the man-in-the-middle.

I have read that there is some debate in football about how much 'power' the Assistant referees have. I know that in the BPL and other professional leagues they are all miked up with communications equipment - "walkie talkies" so that all three referees can speak to each other and flag up any infractions.

The model most commonly used here is T5500 (above) and is fairly inexpensive - about $150 for a set if I remember correctly. They are powered by normal batteries as well.

As far as I know, this radio and throat vibration set (above) is used in the army as well and works rather well.

In Rugby (Union) particularly, the Assistant referees have recently been given more power to help the man in the middle manage the game. They can tell the ref of infringements of any kind.

In Singapore - local rugby referees for the big games (finals and Premier league games) actually use a communication system. This is not expensive - regular "Motorola" walkie talkies with earpieces and mikes which gives all three referees communication with each other.

These are the same radios that I used in my school coaching, and is still in use now by a lot of school's sports teams to communicate between coaches.

(Picture credit: Static.guim.co.uk) A referee with this comms equipment is a common feature in European Leagues.

I wonder if this could be done in Singapore - for then S.League - this is already being done for the BPL - why not the S.League? The technology is not that expensive , and as other sports have shown, while not as good as the expensive equipment, just as serviceable and good.

I personally think that this would help all three referees on the field look out for each other.

Another thing - and this might be more of a personal thing - but it always seems that the most arguments and on field displays of disagreement with the referee occurs most in football.

Look at all codes of rugby - Rugby League, Union and even AFL (Aussie Rules football) - there are fewer instances where players argue with the referee after a call is made. Most professional players will walk away and keep quiet. Even at basketball, you do get the occasional confrontation, but nothing major.

(Picture credit: ABC- The Sports Desk) In Rugby, there are fewer instances where players argue with the ref after a call is made, why?

Is on field behaviour towards refs the issue? Does football players let passion get the best of them?

One would think that being professional S.League players will bring some form of professionalism. That being said, all one has to do is look at how the game is paid at the top level in England and Europe and you will know that that is not the case - a sport specific culture thing?

Many thanks to Mr Kung for his opinions on this much-debated issue, let's sincerely hope his views would eventually pick up the league authority soon.

Club merchandise (Oz experience)

(Picture) Clay figurines of several top NRL players on display inside "Fan Central - Football Jersey"

During my recent Down Under trip, I got an opportunity to see how thriving the industry of club merchandise is.

"This is colourful!" I said to the store owner behind the counter, having overwhelmed by the colours and designs of those clubs' jerseys, balls, etc. displayed inside this shop specialized on such merchandise.

"It's not too good or not too bad." said the boss who is from Sydney when asked how well is this industry doing at this moment.

(Picture) A family of St. George Illawarra Dragons supporters travelled to Gold Coast to catch their team in action against the local side Titans in a NRL clash.

He went on revealed that it's the strong support towards their local sports teams that it's a common sight to see folks around Australia wearing the shirts, apparels of their local sports teams, particularly those of the AFL (Aussie Rules) and the NRL (Rugby League), the two more dominant footballing codes.

"But "soccer" is catching up with the ongoing success of the Socceroos." added this friendly big-sized proprietor.

(Picture) The unforgettable and eye-catching colours of the jerseys, merchandise inside "Fan Central - Football Jersey"

Thanks to his permission, I snapped some pictures of the items he is selling at his shop ("Fan Central - Football Jersey" located in "Harbour Town" - Gold Coast), which is located inside the "Harbour Town" shopping complex in Gold Coast, Queensland.

Actually, some of our clubs do have some merchandise on sale, in case some of you aren't aware, but the level of support is not as enthusiastic as compared to those Aussies'.

(PrtSc) Some of the HUFC's merchandise on display on sleague.com

I can't blame or chide those clubs for not doing much to generate awareness or making an effort to venture into as at this instance, it just not worth the effort and most important - the money.

(Picture) Kellogg's "NUTRI GRAIN" had its name imprinted on the official NRL ball was a success during their sponsorship stint of this premier sporting event in Australia

So let's tweak a bit of our approach.

No point of asking the clubs to mass produce on these replica jerseys, T-shirts, cap and so on and so for, then push them to the masses to collect dust because who is going to buy it?

(Picture) Part of the official AFL and NRL merchandise - Mugs and Water bottles

So what I would like to suggest the idea of forming of strategic partnership (I stressed it's not sponsorship) between the clubs, the league authority and various goods manufacturers which I defined as sport apparel providers, lifestyle clothing firms and other stuff which daily consumers like you and I need to use every day.

(Picture) This boy wore the "Dragons" cap out of necessity, definitely right?

In short, the idea goes like this: all we need to do is to "paste" the emblem/logo of the clubs, league authority (S.League) on whatever branded daily necessities we can think of (i.e.: food, bags, electronic gadgets, etc.) and through the established sale network and sell to the masses.

Picture these scenarios in your mind:

• You need a brand new iPhone, but you are being given two choices - a default design and another a flashier design based on the emblem or mascot of any of the S.League or any of the clubs.
  

• Through the establishment of such partnership, these emblem or mascots of the clubs are being featured prominently display on the package of something like Lay's or Doritos Potatoes chips.
  
  
• You need to buy an umbrella urgently because of a last minute heavy downpour that left you stranded and saw a range of umbrella on sale that bear the design of S.League clubs, so you grab it without a single thought.
  

As we concluded from the above-mentioned scenarios, it is all about how to blend those daily necessities in to form of club merchandise to generate a source of revenue to the club.

(Picture) I wouldn't mind buying one of these AFL-theme teddy as a gift.

Badges like these aren't ready for this "tie-up" as they aren't deemed not necessity

Perhaps, at this stage it is not likely for the clubs to take the larger pie of the income from the sale as they are "merely conveniently" pasting their logo on any existing products and "tag along".

However, if we look it from another angle this should be a way to break into this untapped market.

(Picture) some idea here - a calendar using models for each month?

Saw the replica of this ball at Mustafa, wonder if the FAS and the league itself gain anything financially when someone buy this Mikasa ball that bears the logos of these two?

Exclusively for the national team's players, but isn't water bottle a necessity to all as well?

So don't feel weird one day you see people sipping a Woodlands-theme coffee out of a cup with a Rhino (symbolized SAFFC) motif and have a garlic toast from package of that bearing an Eagle (Geylang United's mascot).

National Day Challenge 09: Singapore 1-1 China (China beat Singapore on penalties)

Before the KICK-OFF

Spoke to some of the crowds at the stadium before the kick-off.

• "I first came to know this game from a China-based website and after verified it with local sources, I gathered some of my classmates here to watch the game" said 19 year-old Hu Qiang, a NUS student who was at the match with some of his classmates (above).
  
  

• "It was from the advertisement and internet I came to know this match" said Liu, a private school student who has been in Singapore since last year (above).
  


• "I think it would be approximately 10, 15,000 for tonight match, as it's weekday with fans might have difficulties coming down" commented local soccer fan Haslan, who attended the match with his friend (above).

Some pictures before the kick-off

Wonder anyone of these folks got the ultimate prize?

This guy (above) was instrumental in drumming up the fans' support for China before and during the match (Perhaps some local clubs would like to engage him as a consultant )

The Singapore national team warming up before the kick-off.

The Chinese team warming up before the kick-off.

The short take of the game.

The teams lining up before the match.

It doesn't matter Singapore took the lead in the seventh minute through skipper Noh Alam Shah, after he headed home from a Rosman Sulaiman's cross with a Shahril Ishak's short one from the corner, it was the Chinese who were dominating much of the ball play in the first half.

The Lions midfield seems unable to cope with the Chinese attacks

While the visiting side may not look as potent as they appeared to be, but their slick ball passing and movements had caused some headaches for the Lions' backline, they were lucky to able to hold the visitors untill the 27th minute when Yang Hao levelled the scores from close range.

And contented themselves being an "absorber" large part of the game.

Still not much improvement for the Lions as the hosts struggling to string up a decent performance upfront by losing possession unnecessarily, while the defence contented themselves as an absorber for the never-ending Chinese attacks which were guilty on several occasions not to seize opportunities when given.

Some pictures from the post-match press conference

Gao Hong Bo, China coach (pictured middle, above)
"I think we prepared well, but the game itself could have been more exciting." said coach Gao.

"And I told my players before the start of the game, regardless who are the opponents we must take our game seriously." he said

"However, I shouldn't take it too seriously about this result, as the most important thing is to provide entertainment to the crowds."

"Although tactically, I'm not pleased with several aspects of it." added the former Tiong Bahru striker.

Radojko "Raddy" Avramovic, Singapore coach (pictured left, above)
"I did not have the best players due to injuries, but that's something we have to cope with it and generally, I'm satisfy with the team's performance" said the 59 year-old Serbian coach of the Singapore national team since 2003.

"We could have done better in keep possession, which is generally our weakness and we missed a few opportunities in the second half when we would have scored the second goal." he added.

"I'm happy with their attitude."said Coach Raddy when asked if he was pleased with the new players (ie: Itimi Dickson, Fazrul Nawaz etc.) he brought into this match.

"They had tried their best and that was what I asked them to do like Itimi, who was out for a long while and for Fazrul who is still not fully fit for international level." commented Coach Raddy.

The post-match press conference

R Sasikumar, the match organizer- RedCard Pte Ltd
"I'm disappointed with the turnout today as we targeted a crowd of 25,000 for today's match." said the former national defender whose company recently organized the A-League's new boys, North Queensland Fury match against Tampines Rovers in late May.

Match organizer - R Sasikumar (file picture)

"Probably, factors like the infrastructure-wise and the scheduling of the match might have some fans unable to turn out, which proved to be a challenge for us in organizing such games in the future."

"But at the end of the day, it's all depend on what we want to achieve from these events as the whole idea to get local clubs and the national team to play against top quality opponents." said "Sasi" as he's commonly called in the local football fraternity.

When asked if the recent publication of a newspaper article questioned the "steep" ticketing pricing which could have determined the poor turn-out.

"I rather disappointed with that article as they seem to contradict with another that appeared on the day before." he lamented.

AFTERTHOUGHTS

It all depend on how we look at it if this event is a success or still a long way to go.

Like what I mentioned in the letter (above) I wrote to the "mainstreamer", this event has the potential of become a marquee event for the month of August, and we just need some time to see it grows.

While we may not expect the European sides to come down at this point of time each year due to the start of their domestic season, however, this doesn't mean there's not other quality teams we can invite.

Also, factors like the availability of the teams, the venue are some of the factors being highlighted are the problems the organizers be facing when staging this event in future, so at the end of it we cannot please everybody.

One of the big turn-offs was the performance of the emcees of the game were rather mundane and failed to hype up the atmosphere that was supposed to fun and merry-making, no thanks to their read-from-the-script way of presenting (what happened here?).

Just being honest on this point as blasting the national day songs through the PA system wasn't enough to get the fans involved (Where were the cheers or are they too soft that I can't heard from my end?).

Many thanks and appreciations to Mr Jonathan Leow, Ms Carolyn Soh and Ms Fadilah Amir Hamzah of SPRG Pte Ltd for making this blog entry possible.

Behind the scene - Prep for the China showdown

(Picture) Coach Raddy (with cap) put his players through the pace.

Good thing was I managed to make it to the national team training session at Geylang Field after work, when initially I thought some stupid accidents along the PIE would derail my plan to catch the session.

(Picture) Fahrudin Mustafic doing some stretching on the sideline.

(Picture) The Lions taking a breather.

The team were going through some passing practices in the pitch, with both Gombak United's Agu Casmir and Sevki Sha'ban doing some light jogging on the sideline (as the duo were featured on last match's Gombak-Super Reds clash) when I reached the ground with team manager Eugene Loo and ST's reporter Wang Meng Meng watching from far.

(Picture) Baihaikki Khaizan and Isa Halim in passing practice.

Evergreen striker Aleksandar Duric cordially said "Hi" to me as the team were having their break between the drills.

(Picture) Noh Alam Shah (foreground) just recovered from fever but not so lucky for his buddy Khairul Amri.

(Picture) Shaiful Esah's left foot could be the key.

Small sides games and sprinting drills were some parts of the one-and-half hour session before coach Raddy called it a day at approximately 7pm.

(Picture) Home United's Itimi Dickson established quite a following in Hong Kong after the AFC Cup match against South China AA.

Making his return to the national team is Home United's Itimi Dickson (above).

"I'm surprise to be back in the national team" said the 26 year-old former Young Lions winger.

"Having failed my beep test last year, I said to myself I must pass in order to able to play again.

"Now that I'm able to play, I must work hard to fight for my place in the team" he added when asked what was his biggest challenge since out of the local scene for seven months last year.

Indeed the inclusion of Dickson was not a surprise as according to some of the fans I seek opinion with.

"Wasn't surprising since he has proven himself, despite the lack of playing opportunities & playing under some questionable tactics occasionally." said Bryan Lim, a long-time avid S.League watcher.

"Shown enough form since League Cup to be in contention, though not 1st choice maybe." added Home United's fan Wang JY.

"His pace on the flanks is a threat to the opponents. Maybe (coach) Raddy choose him to replace (Khairul) Amri for the pace and speed that Amri have too." commented Jason, the blogger behind "UnOffical HUFC's Blog".

(Picture) The Lions after the training session.

"Our intention is to bring him (Khairul) back as early as possible." Coach Raddy said after the end of the training session on having to drop Khairul Amri for the National Day Challenge.

(Picture) Mustafic listen attentively to trainer Aleksandar Bozenko's pointers

"But it's not the right moment now, he's not physical ready for this kind of match and it's more tougher now to play in the international so next time when he's back, he must start from the beginning." added the Serbian coach.