[RHB Singapore Cup 2013] - The Burmese Buzz will be missed this year though

(This entry is formulated based on the press release issued by the S.League SBU, FAS with pictures depicted in it came along with the said release, unless credited)

The Draw was held at the FLOAT

Seems like the past few editions of the Cup draw had clashed with my work commitments that I couldn't make it to this year's ceremony that was held at the iconic Float @ Marina Bay (pictured left).

Nonetheless, this year's RHB Singapore Cup still retains its regional flavours with the continuing inclusion of invitational sides from various neighouring countries with the returning of the Philippines club Loyola Meralco Sparks, who will be joined by fellow UFL side Global FC (debuting this season) together with Indo-Chinese presence in the form of Lao Police FC (from Laos) and Cambodian League champions Boeung Ket Rubber Field.

As the result of the revealing of the four mentioned guests participants by Fox Sports Asia before the draw, it means the tournament will not see the returning of Khmers giants Phnom Penh Crown, thus snapping its long time involvement since 2007 with their best showing by reaching quarterfinals in 2009.

Okkthar Utd drew big crowds in their 2011 outing

Although the magnitude of the Burmese absence in this year's competition could be sorely felt with no representation from them that saw the likes of Okkthar United and KBZ FC drawn packed crowds of local Burmese community when they were in town in the last two years.

Unlike previous editions of the RHB Singapore Cup where teams are drawn with a clear route to the final, teams will now be drawn on a round by round basis. The clubs competing in each round of the competition shall be drawn in pairs and it will be played on a knock-out format. This shall be continued until the finals of the competition.

The outcome of the Preliminary Round of the Cup

There is an increase in prize money for this year's edition. The champions, first runners-up and second runners-up of RHB Singapore Cup 2013 will receive $100,000, $60,000 and $40,000, up from $80,000, $40,000 and $20,000 respectively.

The RHB Singapore Cup has always been a most thrilling and competitive affair with the inclusion of foreign sides and a knock-out format , and this season with the increased prize money as well as a new draw for every round it only heightens the excitement of this prestigious tournament.