Bai and Shahril's Lions career in jeopardy ....

(This entry is formulated based on the media information from the Football Association of Singapore)

The international careers of two Indonesia-based Singapore players Baihakki Khaizan (filed pictured above right) and Shahril Ishak (pictured above left) slipped into uncertainty following a statement issued by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) moments ago.

In the statement, FAS president Mr Zainudin Nordin stated that while he “recognizes that professional footballers have a short career span, coupled with the risk of suffering sudden career-ending injuries. Hence, when the opportunity for more rewarding engagements arises, footballers have to consider them seriously, for their own and their families' well-being.”

However, granted the status of the Indonesian Premier League (LPI) being a non-sanctioned tournament by the Indonesian FA (PSSI), hence, therefore not in-line with the existing FIFA policy, Mr Zainuddin had not ruled out the possibility of having the duo barred from the national team in the near future.

“Depending on Fifa’s ruling on the issue, Shahril and Baihakki may find themselves disqualified from playing for Singapore and possibly Fifa-sanctioned Leagues for a significant period of time” said the FAS president in the release made known to the media this afternoon.

Both players signed for LPI's Medan Chiefs after being released by ISL club Persib Bandung in mid February.

Despite the risk of having their necessary permits being revoked by the Indonesian authorities for taking part in the non-PSSI sanctioned league, the coach of Medan Chiefs Jorg Steinebrunner (file pictured above) earlier claimed “no action are taken against them, despite the media reports” when inquired earlier by this blog.

How to watch S.League "LIVE" matches for non-Starhub subscribers

(Extracted from the joint media release from Football Association of Singapore, Starhub, Mediacorp and World Sport Group)

Local cable broadcaster Starhub is being tasked to provide the "LIVE" coverage of this season's Great Eastern-YEO's S.League's matches on every Friday night at 7.25pm from the Jalan Besar Stadium.

While terrestrial broadcaster MediaCorp's Channel 5 will show a delayed telecast of the matches on Saturdays (the following day).

Asia’s leading sports marketing, media and event management company - World Sport Group has been appointed to produce the weekly ‘live’ broadcast and magazine show with highlights of S.League action from the previous week’s matches.

StarHub TV customers will be able to watch the ‘live’ matches on the complimentary SuperSports Arena (StarHub TV Channel 201) while non-StarHub TV customers can also catch the ‘live’ broadcast even without a StarHub TV set-top box.

Telecast schedules for S.League matches on StarHub TV are available at www.starhub.com/beentertained.


INSTRUCTIONS FOR TUNING FOR NON-STARHUB USERS
For non-StarHub TV subscribers, the generic tuning-in procedures to receive ‘live’ S.League broadcasts are:

• Select an unused channel on the TV unit.
  
  
• Press the TUNING button on the TV remote control or at the front panel of the TV unit, commonly labelled as [PRESET], [INSTALL], [SET], [P/C] or [MENU>TUNE>MANUAL]. If the TV unit does not have any of these buttons, please refer to the TV manual.
  
  
• Start tuning by pressing or selecting the VOLUME +/- button or the CHANNEL UP/DOWN button on the TV remote control until a StarHub slide appears on the screen.
  
  
• Next, press the STORE or MEM button on the TV remote control to store the tuning.
  
  
• Press the MENU or PRESET button to end or exit the tuning procedure.
  

Pelé and Cantona to grace the Courts-New York Cosmos partnership

(The content of this entry is based on the transcript of the media release issued by SPRG-Singapore, one of the coordinating agencies of this event)

In a media release issued by the PR agency coordinating their visit to Singapore, it's confirmed the New York Cosmos contingent that includes footballing legends Pelé and Eric Cantona will be in Singapore as part of their Asian tour that includes a stopover in Hong Kong.

Pelé's presence in the contingent is in his capacity as the honorary president of the legendary NASL club, while the former Manchester United skipper Cantona was recently named as the club's Director of Soccer.

The visit by the two of most famous football names is made possible by retailing giants Courts, who recently dominates the backpages for their ground-breaking naming rights deal with S.League club, Young Lions (now known as Courts Young Lions), in an upcoming event to launch its partnership with the Cosmos.

"I am delighted that our commercial team has secured a prestigious partnership with The New York Cosmos, particularly in bringing legends Pelé and Eric Cantona to Singapore.

"We see this as an early reinforcement of our commitment to the Courts Young Lions and Project Tribe as well as providing world-class in-store experiences for our shoppers,” said Terry O’Connor, CEO of Courts in the release.

While in Singapore, Courts will host a “football fiesta” fan event and press conference on Thursday 3rd March at the Jalan Besar Stadium, with Pelé and Cantona in attendance.

During the event, lucky fans will have the opportunity to win special prizes as well as meet the legends themselves.

The two luminaries will also be making appearance on 5th of March at Courts Megastore where customers can attend an autograph session with the legends.

Qualifying details of these promotions will be announced in Courts press advertisements over the next few days.

It is understand from the release that Courts and The New York Cosmos will further discuss a collaboration opportunity for a potential match to be played in Singapore later this year or early next year – featuring players from around the world invited by Pelé and Cantona to participate in an all-star competition.

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[Media Information] WELCOME TO THE WARRIORS ARENA

(Media Information from Singapore Armed Forces Football Club)

Singapore, 22 February 2011 – Singapore Armed Forces Football Club (SAFFC) welcomes fans to the Warriors Arena (Choa Chu Kang Stadium) with fun-filled activities, goodies and attractive prizes at all their home matches.

Fans can look forward to a carnival atmosphere with free popcorns, cotton candies and balloons for kids. Andersen’s of Denmark Ice Cream will be giving away free premium ice creams to the first 300 season and paid ticket holders at selected matches.

Season and paid ticket holders can try their luck on the pre-match game “Goal In One” kick and they stand a chance to win ipad, PSP, ipod shuffle and other attractive prizes.

A lucky draw will be conducted after every five home matches to reward loyal fans. Prizes include ipad, Xbox Kinetic and etc. Terms and conditions apply. More details will be released on www.safwarriors.com.sg

To promote family bonding, SAFFC will give free admission to one student (7 years and above) for every adult or season ticket purchased.

Fans who come in the 2011 Warriors replica jersey will get free admission to all SAFFC home matches. The replica jersey, which costs $50, will be on sale at the first home match on 23 February 2011.

Ticketing Details

Adult: S$6

Student (Pri/Sec/ITE/JC): S$2

Child (below 7 years): Free

Senior Citizen: Free

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE CLUB OFFICE AT 6892 5811

Paul C as a model of some streetwear products?

Balestier Khalsa apparently made it a priority to hold on to their key man - Paul Cunningham (pictured above) this season.

I think this topic has been discussed for a while yet, up to this stage we only seen a handful of S.League players being used by corporate entities to endorse their products or services.

(Picture courtesy of Vanda Sports Group )

With the ground-breaking deal between Courts and Young Lions (pictured above) had ushered in the partnership between the league and their corporate partners to a new level, so should we be start looking for similar opportunities to get these corporate big wigs to utilize what we have in the league - the players to take up some endorsement offers to supplement their income and more importantly to raise their own and the league profile to largely ignorant masses?

Just like what Puma did last year when they signed 10 S.League players from clubs to front their "LOVE=FOOTBALL" campaign during the World Cup period.

So think about it of getting endorsement deals at this juncture should be a beneficiary to all stakeholders, right?

One such potential candidate - please scroll up and take a look at him again...

Bai and Shahril sign for IPL's Medan Chiefs

Two Indonesian-based Singapore players - Baihakki Khaizan and Shahril Ishak (pictured below) had joined IPL (Indonesia Premier League) club Medan Chiefs following their release from ISL (Indonesia Super League) club Persib Bandung.

The fate of the both Singaporeans were in much speculation with a tweet message posted by Baihakki on 6th February had made it crystal clear for him, at least, that time is up for him in West Java.

The latest development of duo's fate was confirmed by the Sumatran side's German coach Jorg Steinebrunner.

"All I can tell you now is both Baihakki and Shahril had agreed terms with our club management recently." said the former Woodlands Wellington coach.

When asked if would it be a cause of concern for both Singapore stars for signing with Medan Chiefs, given the present status of the Sumatran club playing in a non-PSSI (Indonesian FA) sanctioned tournament, which is not in line with the FIFA regulations.

"So far no action has been taken against those involved in the IPL, despite what was reported the media in recent days" opined Steinebrunner (file pictured above) over reports that FIFA and PSSI would mete out punishments to those involved in the IPL, which is yet to be sanctioned by the football authorities in Indonesia.

With the latest recruitment of the two former Young Lions stalwarts,, the Medan club will see the number of former S.League players on its list increased to five.

Following the path of coach Steinebrunner to the IPL club were the likes of former Rams in Luis Eduardo Hicks, Laakkad Abdelhadi and former Etoile midfielder Kevin Yann.


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[Media Information] FAS JUNIOR COE COMBINE TRIALS (For Age Group Under 8, 10 & 12)

Picture courtesy of FAS's Facebook Group

(The following message was made available via Facebook group of the Football Association of Singapore)

Venue : Jalan Besar Stadium
Date: 19 Feb 2011 (Under 8 & 10) and 20 Feb 2011 (Under 12)

FAS will conduct trials for its 3 JCOE centres Under-8, Under-10 and Under-12 programme on Saturday and Sundays 19 and 20 February.

The Under-8 trials will begin at 8.00am while the Under-10 will begin at 10.00am on Sat, 19 February 2011 while the Under-12 trials will begin at 8.00am on Sun, 20 February 2011. All trials will be held at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

The trials are open only to male Singapore citizens.

All trialists are to report at least 30 minutes before the start of the trials and are also requested to bring along their own training attire (jerseys, shorts, socks, boots and shin pads are compulsory).

Under-8 and Under-10 Trials Date : 19 February 2011 (Saturday)
Under-12 Trials Date : 20 February 2011( Sunday)

Time : Under-8 - 8am to 10am (Reporting time: 7.30am)
Under-10 - 10am to 12am (Reporting time: 9.30am)
Under-12 - 8am to 10am (Reporting time: 7.30am)

Registration start 30min before trials start.

Age group for the trials are:
- U8 (Born in the Year 2003 & 2004)
- U10 (Born in the Year 2002 & 2001)
- U12 (Born in the Year 1999 & 2000)

For trying for the trials, please be informed that it is compulsory to bring the following:

- Jersey
- Boots
- Shorts
- Shin Pads

FAS recommends that all trialist to bring the following as well:
- Water bottle

It wasn't really a good game for...

me, as a photographer shooting match pictures at a sunset timing of 5pm, at least (the constant need to adjust the setting according to the lighting was so taxing).

I need to crop and sharpen the image of the shot above

Honestly speaking, based on where I MUST be positioned (close to the corner flag) during the opening match of this new season, I think I'm not in the right position to pass any rating of this game between Courts Young Lions and SAFFC.

Some of the feedback I gathered after the game went like these, "Quite a poor game, huh?" commented one of them, "Warriors couldn't match the cubs (Young Lions) pace at times and defence is a suspect this year with or without Daniel Bennett (who was suspended for this opener)."

On the contrary, SAFFC's coach Richard Bok felt otherwise as he lauded his defenders' performance after saw his team clinched the victory over their hosts.

"After last year's disappointment, we decided to strengthen our back line by signing guys like Bah Mamadou and Daniel Hammond, and having Shaiful Eash (pictured above right in tussle with Young Lions' Eugene Luo) back (after a lengthy injury) will mean a happy headache for me once Bennett is available."said coach Bok in the post-match press conference.

(Pictured above L-R): Daniel Hammond and Fazrul Nawas joined SAFFC this season

Not just the area of defence was strengthen, coach Bok insisted the attacking department and the team in a whole as well when he explained why ex-Bulls striker Fazrul Nawaz, who scored the first goal in the 25th minute, was picked ahead of Indra Sahdan Daud.

"Fazrul is enjoying a good form that I decided to start him ahead of Indra (pictured above in white jersey), while the decision to start Ivan (Jerkovic) on the bench is because he just recovered from a groin injury."

"Overall, it was a decent performance from my team and credit to the Young Lions for putting up a tough fight against us in this hot weather." he concluded his assessment.

While the climate never seems to be a factor to Robin Chitrakar, the Courts Young Lions coach after his first S.League game in charge.

"I thought the weather was perfect." said the first Young Player of the Year recipient back in 1996 when asked by the media if the heat is a contributing factor to their opening defeat at home.

"It's good learning experience for these boys playing against a team like SAFFC, after a tough pre-season preparation with some of them need to play for their schools, days before today's game." said the 35 year-old coach.

"I think we did well to complete against them (SAFFC) and could have match them if we had more self-belief especially in the final-third (of the field), while I felt a draw would have been a fairer result." he said.

For the record, Croatian striker Mislav Karoglan (pictured above, rising his right hand) was the other scorer in the 68th minute in front of the crowds of 2,534 and I need consistency lighting in my next shot assignment.

PHOTOS FROM THIS MATCH, PLEASE CLICK HERE...

Still early days but here's an appetizer from the Stags

Locals' pride was salvaged in the last 10 minutes of the game as Tampines Rovers came from behind to snatch a dramatic 2-1 win over the recently-revamped defending champions Etoile FC in the season opener - The Charity Shield at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

Things didn't start off too pretty for the Stags as they found themselves with a goal down from a spot-kick from Etoile in less than 20 minutes.

And things just don't looked good when Tampines found themselves struggled upfront with lone striker Aleksandar Duric being deprived the service of Ahmad Latiff Khamaruddin as the ace midfielder was replaced in the 43rd minute due to a slight knock on his left knee.

While due the lack of acclimatization for the defending champions prior this match, it wasn't hard to see the sign of fatigue being reflected on the face of the French as the match progressed.

"The team was formed barely 15 days ago and coupled the fact that we just flew in from France, therefore we just lack the physique to play in this kind of climate." reasoned Etoile's new coach Guglielmo Arena after the match.

With that advantage, Tampines fought right to the end to seal the win in front of the crowd of 2252 with goals from skipper Duric (pictured above embraced chairman Teo Hock Seng after the match) and Korean import Park Yo Seb in dying moments of the match.

"We can see that the sign of fatigue on the Etoile players whenever they went to get a drink whenever the ball went out of play.

And when they (Etoile) started played a compact game in the second half, that's why I put Jamil Ali who is capable in the one-on-one situation to place pressure on them." said Steven Tan, Stags coach after the win.

With this victory over the French tonight, the eastern giants finally claimed their first win after four meet-up between the two.

But then again, it's still early days just yet...

PHOTOS FROM THIS MATCH, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW...

[Media Information] Etoile FC to take on Tampines Rovers in the S.League Charity Shield

(Media Information from the Football Association of Singapore)

SINGAPORE, 7 February 2011: The 2011 S.League Charity Shield will pit the Great Eastern – YEO’S S.League defending champions Etoile FC and RHB Singapore Cup runners-up Tampines Rovers at the Jalan Besar Stadium this Wednesday, 9 February at 7.30pm.

As a curtain raiser to the 2011 S.League season, the two powerhouses will go head to head for a good cause as proceeds from this year’s edition will go to the President’s Challenge 2011.

An initiative started by President S.R. Nathan in 2000, the President’s Challenge is an annual series of community-based activities aimed at helping the less fortunate.

Facts and Figures ahead of the big clash:

• This will be the fourth edition of the S.League Charity Shield. SAFFC clinched the first ever S.League Charity Shield after edging out Home United 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 full-time draw in 2008.
  
  
• To date, the Stags have never beaten the Stars in all domestic competitions.
  
  
• Wednesday’s clash will see the 2010 S.League’s meanest defense in Etoile FC take on the deadliest strike force in Tampines Rovers.
  
  
• This will be both sides’ first ever appearance in the S.League Charity Shield match
  
  
• The match will provide both head coaches with their first taste of S.League action. The Stars have appointed Guglielmo Arena as new head coach while former Singapore International Steven Tan will be leading the Stags for the 2011 S.League season.
  

Match Details
Etoile FC vs. Tampines Rovers FC
Date: Wednesday, 9 February 2011
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Jalan Besar Stadium

Ticketing Information:-
Adult Gallery: $6.00
*Student / Senior Citizen Gallery: $2.00
(*Applicable for Secondary, JC and ITE students with proof of concession pass.)
(*Gallery Senior Citizen is applicable to aged 60 and above with proof of concession pass.)

Tickets will be on sale at the Jalan Besar Stadium South Entrance on matchday from 6.00pm.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
7 February 2011

2011 Pre-season friendlies ...[edited]

GEYLANG UNITED 13-1 REVOLUTION FC (MALAYSIA) on 9th Jan 2011
Geylang Utd beat Revolution FC from Malaysia 13-1 in friendly fixture at the Bedok Stadium.

By the first half of the game, the Eagles were already 7-0 up against the amateur outfit from the other side of the Causeway.

With a comfortable margin, Geylang altered much of their original first XI in the second half to wrap the game with six more goals with two from a trialist known as "Mikey" (Mihailo Dutina - pictured above "floating in the air") with the visitors pulled one consolation along the process.


TAMPINES ROVERS 4-1 BALESTIER KHALSA on 15th Jan 2011
Balestier (pictured above red jersey outfit) coach Salim Moin, "I'm not too worry about the scoreline.

"I felt it was a better performance in the second half, as compared to the poor first half which I think was terrible."

"At least, in the second half we saw some movements and passing of the ball kind of play, which I want my team to play" added the former Gombak Utd coach.

"It's just the pre-season for us to have a game after a week of hard training and this match allowed us to get some warm up, trying out different formations and tactics" said Tampines's (yellow jersey outfit)coach Steven Tan after the match.


GEYLANG UNITED 3-1 PAHANG FA (MALAYSIA) on 16th Jan 2011
Geylang Utd beat the visiting Pahang FA 3-1 in a friendly played at the Bedok Stadium.

This friendly was made possible with the help of regional legends with the likes of Fandi Ahmad with his Pahang buddies - Dollah Salleh and Zainal Abidin Hassan.

The Eagles were 3-0 up in the first half, before the Malaysians pulled on...e back through the spot-kick in the second half.

The goal scorers of Geylang were the trialists of the club - Joel Wood (2) and Aleksandar Sandro Beric.

HOUGANG UNITED 2-1 BALESTIER KHALSA on 5th Feb 2011
Brazilian targetman Vitor Borges (pictured above on the left shielding the ball away from Cheetahs' skipper Ratna Suffian) re-signed for the Tigers to complete Balestier's import quota, unfortunately, his strike in the second half was not good enough but to see his team fallen to their hosts, Hougang United at Hougang Stadium on the third day of the Lunar New Year.

PHOTOS FROM THESE MATCHES, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW...

Former NASL player Tatters joins Rams

In a joint press release statement by scouting agency, Trebol Sports International (TSI) and their working partners, Football Management International (FMI) had announced the following player, Scottish defender Graham Tatters (pictured above, courtesy of Flickr) had signed for Woodlands Wellington.

Together with Balestier's Lim Young Woo, Tatters was here for the centralized trials organized by FAS back in last November and were the only two out of the 19 players (to this date) being offered a contract to play in the S.League.

The 26 year-old first started his senior career with Wilmington Hammerheads in the United Soccer Leagues Professional Division (the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid) before heading back to his place of birth to play for Elgin City in the Scottish Third Division in 2009, having played his collegiate soccer for University of North Carolina at Charlotte.


Youtube Clip of Tatters in action

The utility man last played for FC Tampa Bay in the North American Soccer League (one tier below Major League Soccer) before arrived in Singapore.

Noted for his no-nonsense approach, inexhaustible Tatters has ability to shackle opposing strikers with his one-on-one defending and his aerial strength as well.

And because of those factors, he is able to provide extra attacking options to his team with those balls he delivers into the penalty area for his team mates upfront, according to the CV made available to the media.

Alongside with Tatters, FMI-TSI has already successfully placed the two other players in the upcoming S.League season. They are Lim Young Woo (signed for Balestier Khalsa) and Lebanese international Mounier Raychouni who also set to start for the Rams.

"We would like to state our appreciation to both Woodlands Wellington and Balestier Khalsa for showing faith in those players we scouted for the new season." said Mr Bryan Lim, the Sporting Director of FMI-TSI.

"Although we are not really that satisfy with the low take-up rate of our players, which I hope with better luck and timing that things will pick up in the near future." added Lim.

[Media Information] More Funding for S.League Clubs for 2011 season

(Media Information from the Football Association of Singapore)

Singapore, 1 February 2011: The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) today confirmed that the 12 S.League clubs participating in the 2011 Great Eastern-YEO’s S.League will be receiving additional funding support for the new season which begins on 12 February.

The Club Chairmen were informed of the additional funding support by FAS President and Mayor for Central Singapore District Zainudin Nordin at a briefing session for Club Chairmen which was held on 31 January at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

At the session, Mayor Zainudin informed the Clubs that the increase in funding support for the 2011 Great Eastern – YEO’S S.League season was meant to assist clubs in strengthening their financial position, improve the Clubs’ management capabilities and capacities, to attract better quality players to inject more competitiveness and intensity to the S.League for football fans as well as to expand the Clubs’ community engagement and outreach programmes to better connect with Singapore fans.

Said FAS President Mr Zainudin Nordin: “We are delighted that we have been able to secure additional funding support for our Clubs. In principal, Clubs will see an increase of 30%-40% in funding support, which includes an increase in the resources for operational purposes, as well as performance based subsidies provided to our Clubs.”

“Our principal objectives in providing the additional funding support are to strengthen and improve the Clubs’ management capabilities and capacities, raise the standard of the S.League including attracting better quality players that will translate into a more vibrant and competitive S.League for our fans and to enhance our community engagement and outreach programmes to connect and bond at the grassroots level that will benefit the community and Clubs.”

“We are all looking forward to the new 2011 Great Eastern – YEO’S S.League season and we would like to rally on the support of all Singaporeans and residents to come onboard and to support local football and your local Clubs in person at the various S.League venues throughout Singapore,” added Mr Zainudin.

Vice-Chairman of Balestier Khalsa FC said the move by the FAS to provide more funding to clubs was a timely one as it would allow clubs the opportunity to strengthen their capabilities.

Said S. Thavaneson, vice-chairman of Balestier Khalsa FC: “I am certain that the clubs are thankful for the additional funds provided for the 2011 season and I am sure that the money will go a long way in helping the clubs strengthen our capabilities. More money will only mean better quality players and more programmes for the youth footballers and the community. “

The S.League Charity Shield will take place on Wednesday, 9th February when current S.League champions Etoile FC takes on RHB Singapore Cup runners-up, Tampines Rovers at the Jalan Besar Stadium at 7.30pm.

The first 2011 S.League match will be held on Saturday, 12th February 2011 between the Courts Young Lions and SAF FC at the Jalan Besar Stadium at 5pm.

-End-

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
1 February 2011