AFC Champions League play-off : Singapore Armed Forces FC 3-0 Sriwijaya FC

SHORT SCRIBE
Indeed, SAFFC shown why they are dead serious about making to the lucrative Asian Champions League (ACL) group stages, by bulldozed the woes-besieged Sriwijaya 3-0 at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

While there are some gelling works to be done in the Warriors camp, what their opponents in the S.League can foresee is that if the defending champions can get their act fast, then it's not hard to see why they are still THE team to beat.

THE FANS

Some Sriwijaya supporters (pictured above) spotted at the stand, whom I believe (in personal opinion) are local-based Indonesian students.

Unfortunately, these fans are relatively small in numbers and were being silenced for large part of the game after their team were overrun by their hosts.

While the SAFFC supporters (pictured above) were in their usual boisterous self with their drumming and singing routine, without the aid from the rest.

MATCH PICTURES

Sriwijaya's custodian Feri Rotin Sulu (pictured above) sunk to the ground helplessly, after an unmarked Akiyoshi Taisuke opened the account of the night in just seven minutes into play.

SAFFC's new signing Taisuke (pictured above in blue jersey) impressed those at the game with his exploits on the left flank and was singled out coach Richard Bok as the player most impressed on the field (P.S: this picture was picked up by SingaporeSports.sg).

Former international Ahmad Latiff Khamarudin (pictured above in blue jersey), who terrorized the Sumatran's defence with his running on and off the ball on the middle of the park and right flank, was credited with the assist that led to the first goal of the game in the seventh minute.

Fans might have seen a different Indra Sahdan Daud (pictured above right in foreground) in the SAFFC's jersey with the national frontman getting more involved in the attacking play, which coach Richard Bok's game plan this year is to see a more mobile style of football.

While his national team-mate Precious Emuejeraye (pictured above left in foreground) did not really stamped his presence on his position, judging the number of the offences launched at Sriwijaya's defensive third.

Another close-shave moment in the Sriwijaya's box.

Indra Sahdan made it 3-0 in the 89th minute from the spot, after second attempt when the first attempt was deemed illegal due to an infringement by 'keeper Feri Sulu.

The Warriors showing their appreciation to their supporters after the match.

POST-MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE

“In this game, we had six opportunities to score, but we failed to do so.” lamented Sriwijaya coach Rachmat Darmawan (pictured above) in the post-match media conference.

“During the second half, we were reduced to ten men (Marthen Worabai's expulsion in the 62nd minute) and resulted us facing some difficulties in play the ball in the box, despite wining some possessions.” he added

“With the experience we gained from playing the ACL, I feel we can do well in the AFC Cup.” concluded coach Rachmat when asked about the Palembang-based club's chance the continental second-tier club competition.

“This being our competitive match, as compared to Sriwijaya who are already in the mid of their season.” said SAFFC's coach Richard Bok (pictured above) in his address to the media after the game.

“There are still some rooms for improvement, especially at the top of the box in our defence.

“But given that this is a new team we are fielding, definitely there are plenty of gelling to be done, nonetheless, this win (tonight) is morale boaster that gives the team the much-needed confidence.” said coach Bok.

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[Feature] THE EMIRATES TO TURN (RED) TO ‘LACE UP. SAVE LIVES’

(The content of this entry is obtained via the transcript provided by Integrated Marketing Solutions Group [IMSG] - the PR agency for Nike Singapore)

(P.S: The copyright of the images depicted in this blog entry belong to Nike.)

Singapore (January 30th, 2010) The Emirates Stadium will turn (RED) this Sunday as Arsenal play host to Manchester United, in a game which sees both clubs show their support for the NIKE (PRODUCT) RED ‘Lace Up. Save Lives’ partnership that generates funds to help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Arsenal and Russia star striker - Andrei Arshavin

(RED) goal-nets – a first in the Barclays Premier League, will sit between the posts for the match and a giant (NIKE)RED lace will be hung around the middle tier of the stadium to ‘tie the stadium together’.

Players from both clubs, including Cesc Fabregas, Andrei Arshavin, Theo Walcott, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand, will wear (NIKE)RED laces in their boots during the game and both sides will run out onto the pitch wearing (NIKE)RED track jackets to show their commitment to the partnership.

Arshavin will be one of the players having their boots laced up with (NIKE) RED laces on the Sunday at the Emirates stadium.

And fans too can show their support for the initiative by raising (NIKE)RED ‘Lace Up. Save Lives’ cards as the players take to the pitch before kick-off, uniting both sets of supporters and the global TV audience to raise awareness of the partnership through the power of football.

The Nike and (PRODUCT)RED™ partnership invites people to ‘Lace Up. Save Lives’ by purchasing a pair of (NIKE) RED laces. One hundred percent of its Nike’s profits from the sales of (NIKE)RED laces goes to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which funds AIDS programs that provide medicine for those living with HIV, and football-based community initiatives that deliver education and understanding around HIV/AIDS prevention.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s match Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: “Arsenal Football Club understands the importance of the HIV/AIDS issue globally and with the world’s fans focusing on Africa in this World Cup year there is a great opportunity to make a real difference through the power of football in 2010. Arsenal Football Club is proud to support the (NIKE) RED ‘Lace Up. Save Lives’ partnership.”

(RED) goal-nets – a first in the Barclays Premier League, will be used to create awareness for this initiative.

On the (NIKE) RED partnership Arsenal’s Andrei Arshavin says: “If life gives you a little bit more than it does other people, then you must give something back. Football is the most popular sport in the world. It shows that everyone can help, regardless of where they are from.”

Leo Sandino-Taylor, Nike UK Head of PR & Communications said, “Nike has a proven history of elevating global causes through sport. With the continued support of our athletes and clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester United we can play a major role in amplifying this important issue.”

The Russian star striker with his fellow players will run out onto the pitch wearing (NIKE)RED track jackets to show their commitment to the partnership on Sunday.

On 30th November 2009 Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Andrei Arshavin (Arsenal), Denilson (Arsenal), Marco Materazzi (Inter Milan), Lucas Neill (Everton), Clint Dempsey (Fulham) and Seol Ki-Hyeon (Fulham) joined U2 front man Bono at Niketown to announce the partnership between NIKE, Inc. and (RED).

(NIKE)RED laces can be purchased at the Nike Flagship Store at Wisma Atria.

(NIKE)RED laces are available to buy now at Nike Store locations, key retailers and www.nikefootball.com/RED at a cost of £4.00 per pair. Here in Singapore, the laces can be purchased at the Nike Flagship Store in Wisma Atria at SGD$7.00 per pair.

BoLASEPaKO.com - now on Facebook as well

Prt-Scr of the Blog's Facebook group

Out of spontaneous, I had created a FACEBOOK group for this blog.

"just created for future necessity" is the reason why this group is created, this group will served primarily as an online archive of those photos I snapped since I decided to get down to the ground level to capture those "easily-forgotten" moments of Singapore football.

Other than that, there are no other plan for the time being until further notification via this blog or on the group page itself.

To access to the page, please click on the URL below (one must be a FACEBOOK user to access to the page)

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AFC Champions League play-off : Singapore Armed Forces FC vs Sriwijaya FC

(Media Information from Football Association of Singapore)

SINGAPORE, 26 January 2010: S.League Champions Singapore Armed Forces FC (pictured above) and the Copa Indonesia holders, Sriwijaya FC will contest the 2010 AFC Champions League East Zone play-off match to be played in Singapore on Saturday, 30 January at the Jalan Besar Stadium. Kick off is at 7.30pm.

Match Information

• Match : 2010 AFC Champions League East Zone play-off – Singapore Armed Forces FC vs Sriwijaya FC
• Date : Saturday, 30 January 2010
• Time : 7.30pm
• Venue : Jalan Besar Stadium
  

Ticketing Information
Pre-sale

• Dates : 26 January till 29 January
• Time/Venue :
  
  • 10.00am to 5.00pm - Singapore Pools Outlet, Choa Chu Kang Stadium, 1 Choa Chu Kang Street 53 #02-06
  • 5.00pm to 9.00pm - SAF Football Club Clubhouse, Choa Chu Kang Stadium, 1 Choa Chu Kang Street 53 #02-06

Match-day sale

• Date : 30 January 2010
• Time/Venue : From 6pm / Jalan Besar Stadium, North and South Entrance
  

Ticket Prices

• Adult : $8 (Grandstand), $5 (Gallery)
• Child : $8 (Grandstand), $2 (Gallery)
• Senior Citizen : $8 (Grandstand), $2 (Gallery)
  

For more information on ticketing details, please contact the SAFFC Warriors Office at 6892 5811.

[Countdown to Season2010] Geylang United 2-3 Woodlands Wellington [edited]

(P.S: I think I made a blooper out of this fixture, must be the heat of the 5pm that heat-stroked me.. I'm sorry for the mistake made earlier with necessary amendment made accordingly.)

SHORT SCRIBE
For the record, the match concluded with a 3-2 victory for the Rams over the Eagles - the two glamour teams way back in the founding year of the league (remember 28,000 paying fans witnessed a top-of-table clash between perennial powerhouse Geylang United and "New Kids On the Block" Woodlands Wellington at the National Stadium in 1996's Tiger Beer Series?).

Anyway, managed to rush from Hougang to Bedok for this friendly fixture under the scorching sun is by no mean an easy feat.

It's not because the journey involved, rather the fact that heat was unbearable as the sunlight was so bright that it's rather difficult to snap some shots using my S2000, due to its setting limitations.

PICTURES FROM THE MATCH

Former Eagles skipper Noor Ali (pictured left) now with Woodlands in the customary coin-toss with his counterpart Miroslav Latiak (only few months ago they lifted the Singapore Cup together).

As the new season is yet to kick-off, it's common to see swapped jerseys during the friendlies (eg: the number 20 wore by Noor Ali last season was "recycled" as depicted above)

While Geylang's new signing Itimi Dickson (above) was spotted wearing Farhan Farook's number 14

Of course, for those retained like Adrian Danaraj gets to wear his last season's kit (his number - 12).

Laakkad Abdelhadi (in front) in action - having taken a break from football for a year for his recuperating from his injury, the Moroccan marksman is eager to lit up the fire like he did before.

Winston Yap (the player in yellow jersey) is a journey man in Singapore football, whose career saw he played for SAFFC, Gombak United and Sengkang Punggol, he actually owns a title medal which he won with Geylang in 2001.

A close-up shot of the action in second half.

While a young fan was spotted watching the game from behind the net.

Geylang's head coach Mike Wong (pictured left) chats with Technical Director Seak Poh Leong, after the game.

Pre-season media conference - Sengkang Punggol

The main men in the Dolphins administrative set-up (Pictured above L-R): Team manager Mr Bruce Tan, Assistant General Manager Mr Edwin Tan and Head Coach Aide Iskandar.

It's not very often clubs address issues pertaining their finances in their pre-season media conference, but Sengkang Punggol's assistant general manager Mr Edwin Tan buckled that trend by proclaimed the Dolphins hope to achieve the financial sustainability in "six months time".

The press-conference was held at the Hougang Stadium - the home ground of Sengkang Punggol.

While not going into much details, Mr Tan believes with the vision of a forward-looking club committee, that took over the running of the Hougang-based club during mid last year, Sengkang can achieve not only its financial ambitions and also that of improving their league standings.

Head coach Aide Iskandar in his address to the media outlines the target of the club.

"We're targetting a mid-table positioning." said the former Lions skipper.

"With hard work and the confidence we hope to achieve that, which is something I hope to do as a coach, after I had achieved so much as a player." he added.

While he'll be focusing on his coaching duties, Aide did not rule himself out for comeback as a player, should there's a need to do so.

Mr Bruce Tan (no relation to Edwin), who replaces Richard Wong as the team manager for the upcoming season, served as the Head of Technical (Football) of the club last year.

After the Q and A session, some of the players and management posed for this photo-shoot.

New signings of the club (L-R): Shahir Hamzah (recruited from Young Lions), Moussa Keita (Perseman Manakwari FC of Indonesia), Jordan Webb (Toronto Lynx FC of Canada), Fadhil Salim (Gombak United)

"Up and away" as Webb lifted the ball off the ground, which the club hopes to do so for the upcoming season.

Had a brief chat with Mr Edwin Tan on the club's community outreach program during the reception, he said the main priority is to see improvement in the team's performance on the field, before moving on to things such as community outreach, etc.

But at the end of the day, Mr Tan reiterated that they're in this line to promote the sport and the industry as a whole to help the development of the game in Singapore.

[Charity Shield] SAFFC 1-1 AIK Solna [edited]

SHORT SCRIBE
This match I was informed that it was already scheduled as part of the AIK Solna's Far East Tour, and the FAS decided to make it into a charity match (based on my assumption) to raise fund for former national player Mr Dollah Kassim, who has been in a coma since collapsing during the 2009 Sultan of Selangor’s Cup veterans match between Singapore and Selangor last October.

The banner that depicted the event of the night.

The match ended with one goal a piece with SAFFC taken the lead as early as 10th minute, before the Swedish league champions levelled the scores in the 67th minute.

Personally, I thought Ahmad Latiff was making his presence throughout the game until he was replaced in the 87th minute, new signing Noh Rahman seems comfortable in the middle of the defensive pack when Daniel Bennett was not starting the game at all and happy to see Indra Sahdan back to his striking position.

While the visitors must had difficulties in acclimatised in the first place, got their act together in the second half and put up an end-to-end game with the Warriors for the 2,352 folks who were at the ground.

PICTURES FROM THE MATCH

Referee Abdul Malik briefed the skippers before the coin-toss.

The moment before the ball was deflected off the Shaiful Esah's free-kick from the Warriors' right in the 10th minute.

AIK's coach Mikael Stahre (on the foreground) shouting instructions to his charges after trailing by a goal in the first half, while Warriors coach Richard Bok looks on.

This was the moment, that saw Ahmad Latiff (no. 7) took a knock from the ball, before AIK levelled the scores in the 67th minute.

Hafiz Osman, who came on in the second half, gave a credible performance in his defensive role.

The only grey moment that marred the night - the sending off of Nils-Eric Johansson (pictured above middle) in the 80th minute for an infringment committed on Indra.

Mr Ezaad Abdullah (middle), son of Mr Dollah, receiving a mock cheque of $82,000 from FAS president, Mr Zainudin Nordin (left) and Mr Pär Ahlberger (right), the Swedish Ambassador to Singapore

A booth was set up at the entrance of the stadium to sell the FAS 2010 calenders with all proceeds from the sale goes to Mr Dollah and his family.

VIDEO CLIP OF THE MATCH (from AIK's blog)

Managed to see myself-in-action behind the goalpost and the customary handshake (try to spot me :P)

INTERESTING PICTURE OF THE NIGHT
Take a look at the boy's reaction when he was offered a handshake by another boy.

Football unites to raise funds for Dollah Kassim at 2010 S.League Charity Shield [edited]

(Media Information by Football Association of Singapore)

SINGAPORE, 15 January 2010: The local football fraternity will come together for a good cause at the 2010 S.League Charity Shield next Thursday as the Football Association of Singapore seeks to raise funds for Singapore football legend Dollah Kassim, who has been in a coma since collapsing during the 2009 Sultan of Selangor’s Cup veterans match between Singapore and Selangor last October.

Dollah, who represented Singapore from 1968 to 1979, was well-known for his extraordinary dribbling skills. Famously known as the ‘Gelek King’, a nickname referring to his superior ball control, one of his most memorable moments in a Lions jersey was to help Singapore win the Malaysia Cup in 1977.

In appreciation for the services rendered to Singapore football and to acknowledge Dollah for his many contributions in promoting Singapore football, the FAS has pledged all proceeds and donations received for the above-mentioned 2010 S.League Charity Shield to Dollah’s family in order to assist his family to pay his current and future medical bills.

Mr Zainudin Nordin, FAS President and Mayor for the Central Singapore District, hopes that the football community will show strong support towards this fund-raising event.

“Dollah is our very beloved football legend who has contributed a lot to Singapore football. We hope that the football fraternity can rally together and show their kind and generous support towards this very worthy cause. I am sure any contribution, big or small, will go a long way towards supporting Dollah’s family in their times of need.”

The curtain-raiser to the 2010 S.League season will pit the reigning S.League Champions Singapore Armed Forces FC against 2009 Swedish Champions AIK Solna on Thursday 21 January at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.30pm.

On sale during the match will be the limited issue FAS 2010 Calendar at $5 with all sales proceeds to be contributed to the fund for Mr Dollah. The sale of the FAS 2010 Calendar will continue during office hours at the FAS main reception at Jalan Besar Stadium from 22 to 29 January (weekdays only) with all sales proceeds going into the fund for Mr Dollah.

Match Details

• Event : S.League Charity Shield – Singapore Armed Forces FC vs AIK Solna
• Date : Thursday 21 January 2010
• Venue : Choa Chu Kang Stadium
• Time : 7.30pm
  

Ticketing Details

• S$10.00 - Adult
• S$5.00 - Senior Citizen* (60-year-old and above)
• S$5.00 - Student* (Primary / Secondary / ITE / JC)
• S$2.00 - Child* (6-year-old and below)
  

*Only valid with proof of identification

Tickets will be on sale from next Monday onwards:

• 18 – 20 January Jalan Besar Stadium (12pm - 7pm) Choa Chu Kang Stadium (10am - 6pm)
• 21 January (Match-day) Jalan Besar Stadium (10am - 2pm) Choa Chu Kang Stadium (10am - 8.45pm)