Use them wisely... what not...

Not that long ago, I tweet something like this: "Instead of 'sponsor', should we be looking for 'strategic partners' for #sleague and clubs?"

And many of those replied said there ain't much different between the two, since both are the so-called financial providers or whatsoever.

However, months back while attended the "Soccerex Asia" (pictured above where I met Romario there - see I was behind the legend!!), one of the panellists of one discussion group have this to say (if I remember correctly).

"It is about finding the right partner in marketing your product and one can't simply blame everything on English Premiership for the inability for not able to do that." he said.

I think the key word here he used was the word "partner" and not merely refer them as "sponsor".

Having a brief thought about it from someone who is not trained as a marketing person, I come to this conclusion that to me a "sponsor" is some corporate entities just pay a certain figure to have its logo pasted on the team's jersey front or any "A-sign" billboard, whereas a "strategic partnership" is having a two partners, on a level term, working hand in hand for the benefit of two parties.

The fact that how many clubs in the S.League and their financial backers actually work together to maximize the potential of their partnership?

Just take a look at the example below which I "screen-grab" from the Albirex Niigata (Singapore) website.

(Picture courtesy of Albirex Niigata [Singapore])

During October, Albirex Niigata and one of their sponsors, Paris Miki ran an event at one of the branches of the renowned optical chain which featured midfielder Takaya Sugasawa as "shop manager" for that day event (pictured above).

Now, think about it what is impact would it have for the White Swans and Paris Miki in such partnership?

First of all, the involved player got himself some exposure by making himself and his team known to anyone who might walk into shop to get a pair of glasses made, whereas Paris Miki themselves are keen to leverage the team's popularity among the Japanese expatriate community (after all, Albirex won the 2010's Fan Club of the Year Award, right?) to boast their sales.

However, having said that how many times do we see such thing taken place? I think the one such event ever took place was somewhere two years ago at a RHB branch in Jalan Besar area where Tampines Rovers and national striker Aleksandar Duric made his appearance at the branch to promote the Singapore Cup (pictured above).

Just to repeat what I mentioned in the entry which I blogged about Duric's appearance then -

It's a win-win situation in a sense that player(s) can get to meet up and close with the fans and the unaware public at places like these, while the corporate entity would see this as an opportunity to publicize their product using alternative means like this (other than print advertisements and TV commercials ads).

In the end, it's all about maximize the mileage.. Isn't it?

Yeah, we know what are the problems... So stop whining eh...

I think many of you read what was written on The Straits Times today, eh?

Nothing short of the usual woes we are facing in today's local football - the lack of quality players and standard, the lack of bonding between fans and clubs, the lack of familiarity of the teams and players, etc.

So nothing new and this tells us we know what are the problems that we are all talking about here.

And I think it's high time we should stop whine about these issues and get down to business to fix it, rather than talk over and over again.

Now, do YOU know WHO YOU ARE in WHAT ROLE you are PLAYING?

Perhaps, at a start one should log on to my fellow blogger Arief's blog, "Lions All The Way" which recently had he posted a series of entries titled "10 Things YOU Can do to Help Local Football!" as a guide on how you can help.

Just to quote a line which caught my attention among the posts.

"The day that Singapore football dies, is the day that the fans stop believing in the Lions and our league."

Of course, I believe people who voiced out are because they are concern over the state of the local game and not for mere sake of it (except for some ignorance jokers out there).

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all...

S.League to sit for 'O' level exam in 2011

My spotlight-shy friend, who brought us his yearly review mentioned in "point-form" the other day, came back with another SMS which he texted me days ago... (P.S: Those in GREEN are what he texted, while whatever mentioned in the brackets are my take of the events)

Next year will be GCE 'O' level for S.League.

• 1st yr-Many fans came to visit & showered baby with gifts.
  (Remember those days at the start of the S.League when the fans flocked in see what's in store for us?)
  
  

• End of 2nd,3rd, Parents Pay cut due to recession.
  (The economic crisis that made all to tighten their belt with the 20% pay cut across the board)

• 4th&5th coming up.
  (Things are starting coming up as suggested.)
  
  
• 6th K2 in 2001,started to have extra rounds to prepare for Primary,teachers from Manchester & Liverpool came to teach us.
  (The league begun the three-round format and have that ever since, Kallang was filled with crowds with Michael Owen and David Beckham came to town)

• 7th yr Pri1 end of 2002,mix with wrong companies,Young Lions, an early marriage Balestier & Clementi, China parents sent their kids to S'pore.
  (Three players were banned for several months for their involvement in betting; Balestier Central and Clementi Khalsa merged to form Balestier Khalsa; with Chinese-based Sinchi FC joined as the league's first foreign club.)
  
  
  After they left S.League in 2005, the name "Sinchi" appeared in Vivocity (pictured above)
  

• 2004 japanese came
  (Albirex Niigata made an impressive start to their debut season)

• 2006 Africans came.
  (Sporting Afrique - a team of Africans also came in to join the S.League but the contractual disagreement had put them under some bad publicity and faded away after a year.)
  
  

• 2009 & 2010 Sec2, Sec3 some felt too stressed,went to study in Indonesia,Thailand,some caught playing cards,smoking & report late.
  (The supposedly cash-rich Indonesian clubs came and raided the top players from our league for the last two years. Some bad publicity saw some national players misbehaved while on duty)
  
  

ISL-based Baihakki Khaizan (pictured above) cheekily poke the ear of Khairul Amri

• 2011 let's see 0 Level
  (Unless we really buck up, if not we got to retake the exam)

** Views expressed in GREEN may not necessary be that of the blog owner, thanks**

SCREWED UP!!!

Introduction
The TODAY's exclusive on the 16th December ('S-League needs major surgery') seems to have triggered a wide range of discussions on the flaws on the local football.

A break from past template of reviewing the events of the past year, I selected a few topics that caught my attention and blogged my thoughts on them instead...

Screwed1
Did Home United messed up itself at the end of the day by allowing Shahril Ishak (pictured below) to leave at the most critical juncture of the season?

(Pictured above) Shahril Ishak's crowning as the "Player of the Year" is not without any controversy.

While every effort had been made to offer its former skipper a much-improved contract that would have seen the inspiring midfielder being the highest paid at the club, the Protectors' management were helpless, but to see its prized possession left for Indonesia.

The absence of the national midfielder was in evidence as Home United's form took a beating following his departure.

And after a few scary moments only to see their best title hopes in recent years faltered away after a one-all draw with Gombak United at the JBS.

Sorry HU fans, it's not yours this time round.

Therefore, it's not hard to see why question be asked why would the club took such a big decision to let go such a key player at that point of time?

It also highlighted the flaws in the contractual obligation of players to their clubs that allow to players to join other clubs, so long the desire of the particular player is determined.

It doesn't matter if transfer fees are being paid in those recent transfer involve Khairul Amri (from Tampines Rovers) or Goran Subara (Gombak United), the point is that not matter how many dollars were being paid it would never compensate for the lost title hopes thrown away by their own doing.

Screwed2
In a match that did not have any deciding factor to determine the outcome of the title race, but had both the Young Lions and Beijing Guoan Talent thrust to the limelight for the wrong reason.

The mass brawl was followed by some manageable skirmishes that took place during this hotly-contested fixture between the two sides had catapulted the league into an undesirable worldwide fame at the end of the day.

Young Lions' skipper Hariss Harun and his Beijing counterpart, Zhang Zhaohui in a luncheon at "Carousel".

Not just that unwelcome fame, but it was regrettable that this undesired event had blown out of proportion that it was not just a fight that took place on the field.

But mainly because one of the involved parties was a foreign team, which has long been the bone of contention for the fans who by large loathe their existence in the league and to larger extend in this country.

Screwed3
Okay, so what they had won the S.League title on their debut year?

The reality struck them hard as fast they got their hands onto the championship trophy with chairman-cum-CEO Johan Gouttefangeas was quick to admit the "dismantle" of this championship-winning team is inevitable with some local clubs already shown keen interest in roping some of these French players.

Need to have a bigger platform to ensure Etoile's sustainability must be Gouttefangeas's (pictured above) concern

But perhaps the harshest reality would be the fact that with the pre-existing rules stipulated the “S.League Rules Book 2010”, Etoile will not be featured as Singapore's representative in any of continental tournament (hope they still remember that).

“The S.League Champions and the Singapore Cup Champions shall participate in the competitions organised by AFC (Asian Football Confederation) and AFF (Asean Football Federation).

…. if the S.League Champion is a foreign-based team (namely Albirex Niigata Singapore FC, Beijing Guoan Talent FC and Etoile FC), then the next highest-placed local team in the S.League shall represent the S.League in the AFC and AFF competitions.” Rule 11.5 of S.League Rules 2010.

Therefore, for this group of French players, unless they are lucky enough to be spotted by clubs from bigger regional leagues randomly, they will never get a chance to parade their capability on a bigger stage.

How sad...

Screwed4
When I first met Aliff Shafaein in person that was in 2006 Singapore Cup Final at the old National Stadium.

It was his moment of glory as he stabbed home the late winner to see Tampines Rovers beat Chonburi FC to win the Cup and I said this to him, "Hope to see you in the national team."

Unfortunately, the diminutive midfielder affectionately known as the "Little Master" was constantly overlooked by coach Raddy and I never shy away to say Aliff should be in the national team for his ability to shackle any tightest defence on his day.

I repeated my belief on Aliff prior to the Cup Final weeks ago over a meal with a friend from the media and eventually witnessed what could be his final game (pictured above against Bangkok Glass) for the time being when it was reported he was caught for some driving offences before the game the following day.

Could you image the jaw drop expression when I got a SMS (pictured above) from a friend who texted me?

Screwed5
I once asked a visibly upset member of the blog facebook group what solution he would have for us to remedy the shortcomings Singapore football is facing.

Having reiterated all the shortcomings in his previous postings, that was only one thing that I caught and worth attention.

He said,"to be honest.. like you, I have no idea how to change it..."

Sentiments like this is not uncommon after any kind of situation when things went wrong.

It range from calling for the drop of unperformed players, sack the coach to the revamp of the league and the whole football system, but in the end what has been done and change?

Other than the launch of the "Strategic Plan", the implementing of the new football syllabus and the spark provided by the Little Cubs during the YOG, nothing significant had done.

Although, we fans and some media are equally guilty for finger-pointing too much while hesitant in times to roll up sleeves to fix the woes besieged the league.

Like mentioned, all parties have a role to play in lifting up the league profile, but sometimes we are just clueless as problems are too massive

Conclusion
I'm sure all of us had been through those "problem solving" course, right?

As whining is never the solution and I know a lot of people had already thrown the towel and walked away, but this is not going to solve the problem.

A fresh injection of ideas and finding the bit of motivation to get thing going is the priority now, so how do get start?

Start from the "Fishbone" technique we learnt from those courses and we should able to get a thing or two from it...

Local football could be saved by a "Fishbone", who knows?
(Picture Credit: Opera Chic)

To say I am not disappointed of what happened the past year in local football is something would be against my conscience.

Having involved in the scene for more than a decade and seen much of the things remain status-quo or getting worse is something really frustrating.

I would say others would have quit and wash their hands completely to stay clear of local football.

Yet there is a small core group of loyalists that still undeterred by those scorns or sarcastic remarks by their family, peers and strangers.

Kudos to these folks for their undying belief to the local football and for me to walk away now would deemed something irresponsible of me too.

Just like a fellow peer of my who said, "It's no longer just passion to keep us going, but it's now more of a responsibility to keep us going."

Indeed...

Nothing to worry as fine-tuning still going for both Hougang and Sabah

The 3-0 scoreline of this friendly fixture played on the field at the Meridian Junior College in Pasir Ris shouldn't be raised too much a concern for both visiting Sabah FA (in white jersey) and newly-named Hougang United (in red-black striped outfit).

After all, both teams are in the midst of their preparation for their upcoming season, but the only difference is the Malaysians are already several levels ahead of their Singapore counterparts in getting themselves ready.

"We started our training session on 1st November and we had undergone some solid training for the past six to seven weeks." said the SabaHawks' Australian coach Gary Phillips after the match.

"And I'm pleased with my team performance and would be glad if we can continue to play like this.

"But it's still early days ahead with some fine-tuning to be going as this team will be facing a tougher challenge against big teams like Selangor, Kelantan."added the coach who guided the North Borneo side back to the top flight of the Malaysian football after a five-year absence.

Meanwhile, Philips's counterpart Aide Iskandar wasn't too worried by the one-sided scoreline as he revealed that his squad just begun their pre-season training on Monday.

"As compared to Sabah's preparation, who are ahead of ours for four to five weeks, we only assembled our squad not that long ago and it's still too early to gauge anything out of it, as our fitness level are not there." explained the former Lions' skipper.

"There may be some plenty of works for us to do, but I believe this season we are having some quality individual players, while I'm still on the look out for a centerback." said coach Aide.

Looking to fill up the void left back by Japanese star Kenji Arai and ex-skipper Nor Azli Yusoff (both signed for Home United) is understandable as the team, formerly known as Sengkang Punggol, was guilty of leaking in goals in barrow-load, until the recruitment of Arai in the mid-season helped to stabilize the shaky defence.

Which is why Lebanese international Mounier Raychouni was spotted in the Cheetahs' colours as he is currently in Singapore for a trial with Hougang United.

According to the 24 year-old's curriculum vitae forwarded by his agent Marco Guimaraes of Trebol Sports International, the former Lebanese powerhouse Al Nejmeh star not only fit in perfectly as a center defender, but equally comfortable in positions such as being a right-sided defender or midfielder in both defensive and attacking roles.

When asked his preferred position, Raychouni (pictured above wearing the "29" shorts) said: "It's up to the coach to decide where he think is the best position for me in the game and I will respect his decision."

"So far, it's been alright for me in terms of the weather as it's comparable to Lebanon where I used to play and I think it will get better for me to perform better once I get used to it." added the German-born twice capped Lebanese defender.

The visiting Sabah FA will be taking on eight-timed S.League champions, SAFFC on 20th December at the Jalan Besar Stadium before wrapping up their preparation tour in Singapore.

FOR MORE PICTURES OF THIS MATCH, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Book Review: "Football Planet: from Brazil to Afghan"

Today, this blog is featuring a new book - "Planeta do Futebol: do Brasil a fronteira afega"("Football Planet: from Brazil to Afghan" in English, pictured above) written Brazilian football journalist Renato Andreão

Renato, as you can remember, was the kind gentleman who conducted my email interview with S.League legend Egmar Goncalves on my behalf, way back in January 2009.

In this book, Renato had written 12 pages on Singapore football (pictured above) with transcripts from interviews he conducted with national coach Raddy Avramovic, SAFFC coach Richard Bok and players such as Ahmad Latiff Khamarudin, Noh Alam Shah, as well as input from former players such as S Subramani and ex-Home United coach Steve Darby.

Wide range of topics were discussed in the Singapore section with topics such as players' views on the Lions' performance in the international tournaments, such as the Asian Cup qualifiers, the Suzuki Cup and what coach Darby demanded from Egmar in the dressing room prior to a match with both were at Home United.

(Pictured above) The book also contains some details of renowned Italian coaches

This book is the result of Renato's hard work over the past five years, having talk to 200 coaches, players from 38 nationalities on various issues concerning the beautiful game around the globe.

Click here to see an article on the book written by Renato for an Indian website, as this book is being marketed as well to Indian football.

The author, Renato (pictured above right) promoting his book on Brazilian TV

Unfortunately, this book is only released in Brazil in Portuguese language. If anyone knows any editor who wants to translate the original text and publish anywhere in the world, please feel free to contact Renato at "renato.andreao@hotmail.com".

One step backward? Probably? [edited]

The New Paper gave a damning assessment on ISL-based Lions following Suzuki Cup exit.

So it just don't really help much to go south, except for the bit of fake glamour, adulation, etc.

Just as I mentioned a few months back, if all this is worth the while? And below are some replies when I posted this snap on this blog's FB group.

"I cant help but agree with their (TNP) assessment this time round... the defence pairing of Bai (Baihakki Khaizan) n Precious (Emuejeraye) was bad... Ridhuan (Muhamad) and NAS (Noh Alam Shah).... they really think that they are the "STAR" players...but their performance is nothing close to "star" quality....." Ong QZ, who seems to agree with what TNP mentioned

"I think the media is going on a witch-hunt when they indirectly, should partake part of the blame. I think its boils down to the maturity of the Singapore players, we cant just blame the ISL for all the woes...example, look at the Indonesian team..they played much better even though they got majority of players in the ISL. same thing for even Vietnam and even Myanmar. their league set up might not be a 'professional' as Singapore's but their hunger kills everything!" B Khoo, who suggest there are other factors as while

"Football only gets their free coverage when the media feels like criticizing. I see little efforts in local media covering our players' performance at ISL - which I believe that will help in publicizing how the S.League's exported players are doing. The Thai media had a full time reporter here many years back when there were many Thai players plying trade in S.League." - D Lim

What's your view??

Since Day One

Not that long ago, I got a SMS (in green font) from a friend of my that he shared with me his rating of the S.League since the inauguration in 1996...

Attendances based on my memory

• 96 Tiger high,
• 96 Pioneer low,
• 97 average,
• 98 recession,
• 99 good,
• 00 average,
• 01 good but media coverage totally destroyed during SEA Games,
• 02 starting to have unusual results
  
• 03 penalty shootouts average N later died off
• 04 league reduced in teams, gd with jap albirex in,
• 05 gd with paya lebar in, young lions N balestier performed well,
  
• 06 young lions did well in FA Cup, sporting afrique some interest but fade away after payment issues,
  
• 07 tiger cup success, but liaoning destroyed it
• 08 poor
• 09 bad
• 10 worst
  

I asked my friend if he would like to be quoted and acknowledged, he politely declined, but I thought this is something rather interesting and it's not those-kind-of-thesis-type of article as it's simple and hit the nail kind of review.

Just a simple run through of what the whole SMS was about .

In 1996, the league started off with "Tiger Beer" series which was an astonishing success, however the "Pioneer" series that followed was largely a dull affair, due to fact that the first season was modelled after the J-League format, which is something to new the local fans that they had to watch the inaugural eight teams played against each other FOUR times in the league over the two "series"(not forgetting the Cup as well!).

I think 1998's recession was probably the start of the hiccups we are facing ever since, it was then the league announced the 20% pay-cut across the board from the league's CEO to the players and the staff (if I did not recall wrongly) and one of the people to throw the towel was the league's founding CEO Douglas Moore who step down as the Geylang United coach because of those tough measures imposed by his successor Chris Chan.

2004 saw J-League club Albirex Niigata's feeder squad firing up the league with an impressive debut by beating Tanjong Pagar United at the Queenstown Stadium and mark their first home appearance with a come-from-behind win against Geylang United.

Not so fortunate for another foreigner-based club as Sporting Afrique embroiled themselves in some negative publicity over the wages issue and saw they faltered away in their only season in 2006.

*** The content of this entry is based on my recollection of the events from the past, please feel free to point out any mistake I had made and views expressed in green font may not necessary be that of the blog owner's ***

So is the tag of "Asia's top ten leagues" a justifiable one?

Today, we have Mr Neo Chee Seong who describe himself as a "long time S.League fan" pen his thoughts on the S.League since its inauguration in 1996.

Many thanks to Mr Neo for sharing his views on the league.

So is the tag of "Asia's top ten leagues" a justifiable one?
Neo Chee Seong

Ever since the inception of the S-League in 1996, I have been to countless of matches. However, as the years goes by, what I can say is the league is becoming a dead league.

In the past, an average S-League game between Marine Castle and Clementi Khalsa will draw you about 2500 spectators. But in recent years, attendance dipped below 1000, sponsors going away, and all we depended on were rich daddies like Mr Teo Hock Seng, and Mr John Yap (just to name a few) who came out with their own money to support the club.

The teams we brought into the league are getting worst by the day - less Etoile FC who were crowned champions on their maiden attempt.

But that's with 25 foreigners. How can they not win it? In Sporting Afrique, Sinchi, Dalian, Beijing, and Liaoning? Its either poor management or match fixing or violence overcoming these teams.

I would say Brunei DPMM (pictured above after their 2009 League Cup win) and Yishun Super Reds are 2 other quality teams but they too had their on set of problems. FAS rather creates "employment" for 5th grades "ang mohs", and not save their own local players' rice bowls. Simply unacceptable.

After the end of this year, we would see FAS strategic plan of GOAL 2010 not being achieve and isn't it time for the management team to sit down and do something?

Players in Singapore usually get into trouble unnecessarily and waste their careers just like this. Is it worth it?

I believe it is partly due to the character of each and every player but if the S-League is of a higher standard where they can portrait themselves as "professional" footballers, they will be able to present themselves well. This may be a fallacy but I feel in some way or another, it is true.

This season serves as a superb wake up call for FAS. It doesn't show anything when the team you recently brought in wins the S-League and it means you are successful.

(Pictured above) 2010 S.League champions - Etoile FC

To me, I feel the humiliation of being a mockery. After winning the S-League, they are intending to go "on sale" for all the players. Is that the right way to do? So what do you reckon they feel about the S-League? Do they really bother?

All they want, is to come showcase their talents, in order to get some better offers from abroad. I go into a Singapore pools outlet and heard an uncle say,"Singapore football, sia suay(disgrace) la, give French win everything."

Being one of Asia's top ten league. I do not know what the hype is about for this. let me name you some.

• Japan (A regular World cup team)
• Korea (A regular world cp team)
• Saudi Arabia (A world cup team)
• Uzbekistan (A team that reach the last stage of the world cup qualifying asian zone)
• Qatar (Asian Champions)
• Australia (A regular world cup team)
• China (A former world cup team)
• UAE (A team doing well in asia)
• Iran(A former world cup team)
• SINGAPORE? (its domestic league and cup competition all won by invitational teams )
  

So is the tag of "Asia's top ten leagues" a justifiable one?

• One A Class Stadium
• Average attendance of only about 1000.
• Never been in the AFC Champions League (ACL) without getting trashed
  

What else?

The media is also another source that cause our downfall. I bought a copy of the newspaper which is known for its extensive football coverage and hoping that there'll be some write up on the Singapore Cup Final (on 14th November).

To my horror surprise, ZERO coverage and that is a paper that is famous among youths, football fans and sports enthusiasts. But none of the information were pass down to the correct channel The entire sports team ought to be SACKED. its either they don't bother, or they simply don't bother. no difference.

Players going abroad has been an on going trend. I assure you, during the off season, you will bound to see some more.

I can't write any more, because it will be never ending.

** Views expressed may not necessary be that of the blog owner, thanks**

[Instant Reaction] We are OUT.... Vietnam 1-0 Singapore

The public anger is widely expected after the final whistle was blown (as pictured above - a screen grab after the match from "Kallangroar.com" ).

Who could blame the fans for feeling that way, after all, in what it seen as the last hope to preserve that sense of "national prestige" after the loss of the three domestic titles to the foreign clubs, the Lions were knocked out of the biennial regional tournament by Vietnam and saw them qualified together with the unfancied Filipinos.

From what I gathered according to SMSes I received from friends back home, the decisive strike was due to a quick counter off our corner and caught Hassan Sunny on "no man land" before the end of the first half.

I felt I should not comment on the performance when I was not able to catch the game, due to pre-arranged circumstances.

Nonetheless, the exit from the Suzuki Cup should probably seen as the BIGGEST setback for local football this year.

And taking this opportunity, I would like to say THANK YOU to Ruiliang, Yusof Ibrahim and Paul Green for their SMS updates on the match.

WE SHALL BOUNCE BACK FROM THIS SETBACK, IF WE STILL BELIEVE WE CAN DO SO, UNLESS YOU GUYS HAVE GIVE HOPE ALREADY...

Good Luck, Lions...

Dear Lions,

All I would say is best of luck against the Vietnamese tonight at Hanoi.

I know it's gonna be tough in front a full capacity My Dinh crowd, but I'm always a firm believer in raising to the occasion to silence those critics back home.

Good Luck to you...

From a follower of you guys - Po Hui

(P.S: Due to some pre-arranged commitments, I'm not able to catch the game against Vietnam and I would be deeply appreciated if anyone of you guys who saw the match can update me the scores by leaving a comment below, thank you very much)

Appeal to Mediacorp to LIVE telecast the Suzuki Cup match between Singapore and Vietnam [edited]

INTRODUCTION
Ever since we are made known that Mediacorp Channel 5 decided to DELAY telecast, instead of LIVE telecast the crucial AFF Suzuki Cup tie between Singapore and Vietnam on the 8th of December, there are fans voiced their disappointment over the broadcaster's decision.

While it was made known that the time-slot for "NEWS 5 TONIGHT" program being the reason for not being able to live telecast of the match. However, as avid Singapore football supporters, we sincerely hope the broadcaster can reconsider their decision and allow the thousands of fans out there to catch the game LIVE on the terrestrial channel.

The desire of we, the fans, can be strongly felt on various feedback channels such as: "Twitter", "Facebook", etc. (as illustrated below)

ON "FACEBOOK"

Fans having posting appealing message on Mediacorp Channel 5's Facebook page to plead the broadcast to reconsider the decision.

ON "TWITTER"


As illustrated above, some fans get their act together to make their voice heard in hoping the broadcaster would reconsider the decision over the telecast of the Singapore-Vietnam on the 8th December.

(P.S: Like-mind fans would like to log on to "http://twitition.com/q7sqy" - the "Twitition" page (pictured above) to gather support from the fans from the "twitter" platform)

While we understand the difficulties involved in the process, but we sincerely hope to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Thank you for your kind attention.

THE FINAL DECISION THE FOLLOWING DAY...
To my surprise and gratification to see the appeal had generated much interest and response. Unfortunately, at around 1830hrs (Singapore time), Mediacorp announced a short statement on its FACEBOOK page (as illustrated below).

"It is a regrettable and disappointing decision, but nonetheless I'm glad that in a space of a day the appeal had generated much interest and support from like-minded individuals and local football supporters. Thank you" - Ko Po Hui (7th Dec 2010 at 1918hrs - Singapore Time)

[Instant Reaction] Agu saves the day!!!!

Blogger Arief of "Lions All The Way"'s (pictured right holding the flag) screen grab on livestream as he and his friend celebrate the Lions' victory.

Really don't know what to say as much as I hate say this Precious ineffectiveness was exposed right in the first minute.

The failure to close down the cross from the flank came back to haunt the Lions again with the cheeky ball eluded the center defense and paid the price, of course

Nothing really threatening up from Noh Alam Shah and Aleksandar Duric, as both of them failed to gather much support from those suppose to.

So much so coach Raddy threw in Agu Casmir and Khairul Amri in the second half, by taking the Arema Malang duo of Alam Shah and Ridhuan Muhamad.

The changes that made proved to be a master stroke from the Serbian tactician which many fans back home asking why both Agu and Amri were not started in the first place together with Shahdan Sulaiman?

Agu repaid his faith by setting up the equalizer for Duric in 61st minute before stabbing home the killer blow in the 93rd minute to seal the win.

[Event] "King of the Streets" by Ministry of Football (MOF)

(The message is brought to you by Ministry of Football, the company that is powered by Singapore’s only freestyle crew Urban Street Team)

The Ministry of Football (MOF) are organising an indoor under 16 street soccer tournament involving 32 teams at *Scape on 19 December 2010.

This will be the first of its kind in Singapore. which the organizers will be looking at these 5 main factors namely Fairplay, Sportsmanship, Skills, Technique & Goals in the game and the rules will be explained clearly before the tournament.

The event will also include performances and we aim to have a carnival atmosphere.

CLICK ON THESE FOLLOWING IMAGES FOR TOURNAMENT INFORMATION, REGISTRATION & WAIVER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY FORMS (Print out if necessary and contact details are listed on the images)

TOURNAMENT INFORMATION

REGISTRATION FORM

WAIVER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY FORM

About "Ministry of Football"
The formation of the company was primarily to cater for the expansions of services provision to the football and performing arts community.

MOF are powered by Singapore’s only freestyle crew Urban Street Team (UST), which is the performing and sports education group of the company.


A clip of UST in action...

UST comprises of three football freestylers namely Terry Lee, Terence Ong & Singapore Freestyle Champion, Mohd Azri and it is the ONLY freestyle football crew in Singapore and has the largest following in South East Asia. Its brand is fast growing in Asia and around the world.

The UST have been actively engaging themselves by conducting a number of workshops, enrichment classes of their trade with organizations such as SINDA, MENDAKI, BEYOND, CDAC, BOYS HOME, etc.

[Instant Reaction] AFF Suzuki Cup : The first match jittery as always

Catch the match on livestreaming instead on Channel 5

Singapore 1-1 The Philippines
So "first match jittery" does happen whenever we play our first game in any major tournament.

Clearly labelled by many as the clear favourites against the Filipinos, who prior to the opener was thrashed 8-0 by Thai club side Nakhon Pathom, thus it's no wonder the expectation back at home is high as the mood can be sensed in the recent days on the social media platforms.

The lack of the killer-touch upfront is the cause of concern and had to wait until approximately 60th minute to take the lead through Aleksandar Duric, despite having our chances for large part of the game.

While the acres of space that left behind for the Filipinos to graze in their counters should be noted down as well, with perhaps to the killing punch was the lack of marshalling on the right that eventually led to the equalizer.. Damn...