BoLASEPaKO - a simple view on Singapore Soccer

End of an era (Woodlands)...

2008-11-22T00:43:00.002+08:00

Ok guys, this is gonna be a short one as hours later I need to be my mum's stall before she scream at yours truly...

(L-F: SAFFC's Shaiful Esah - in white, coach Richard Bok and Woodland's coach Jorg Steinebrunner)

If you were at the post-media conference of the RHB Singapore Cup final moments ago, you can't help but feel sorry for Jorg Steinebrunner , the out-going coach of losing finalists-Woodlands Wellington.

Due to the cost management exercise that's going to be implemented next year, Woodlands are likely to unload number of players from their payroll and fill the spots with younger players, therefore guys like Jorg, stars like Laakkad Abdelhadi, Park Tae Won, Akihiro Nakamura etc. will be packing up and move out of the north.

Jorg in his farewell (sort of) speech thanks the club management for giving him the opportunity to kick-start his coaching career.

While at the meantime, it was confirmed Warrior's Shaiful Esah will be drafted into the national team for the upcoming AFF Suzuki Cup, after Khairul Amri was pulled out due to his injury sustained the night before (the 3rd/4th placing match).

OTHER PICTURES AT THE POST-MATCH

Told the winning goal scorer Kenji Arai that I posted his singing video on Youtube, glad he's OK with that.

Therdsak Chaiman - you can't denied the fact that he's that good despite his age!

Coach Raddy, this guy (Ahmad Latiff) on the left deserved a chance as you are running out of attacking option (Picture credit: "Cloud").

Appreciated... Thanks :)

2008-11-20T01:12:00.000+08:00

I was invited to the SAFFC's appreciation dinner at the CSC @ Bukit Batok.

Was told that this is an annual event of the club to show their appreciation to whosoever involved with the club, from the players to the management committee, from the volunteers to the backroom staff and from the fans to the sponsors etc.

Many thanks to SAFFC for the invitation to this event.

SOME SNAPS OF THE NIGHT

The first program of the night- the trophy presentation to the club chairman by the team.

SAFFC's chairman BG Tung Yui Fai in his address pays his tribute to whoever involved with the club and outline the vision for the next season and urged the team to aim for a "back-to-back" double by winning the Singapore Cup as well.

The FA Cup on the left and the League trophy on the right with the Singapore Cup - the missing piece in the jigsaw.

Japanese striker Norikazu Murakami (on the right) wooed the audience with his "Tears in Heaven".

... and the audience were certainly having a good time.

Kenji Arai and his wife had their roles in keeping the audience entertained too...

THE VIDEO

Many thanks to Kenji Arai who agreed to have this clip on Youtube :)

S.League Awards Night 2008

2008-11-19T01:02:00.002+08:00

The billboard for this year's awards night

Again, was the annual awards night which was held at Orchard Hotel in the shopping district of Orchard Road.

The invited guests mingled around

"Is this your name?"

Where I was seated...

As there wasn't for me to expect anything new (in terms of programming), I decided to spend most of my time hanging out at the media room, where reporters were busy filing their stories.

The media at work at the media room.

SAFFC's fan club (with club chairman Simon Lee, flanked by the 987FM's Muttons) regained the fan club of the year award.

"Thanks, guys.." as (from left) Jean Danker, Park Tae Won and Daren Tan posed this picture for yours truly.

Park Tae Won became the eight centurion in the history of S.League after scored his 100th goal this season.

Coach of the Year - Albirex's Hiroako Hiraoka, flanked by award presenters national coach Raddy Avramovic and Mediacorp star Joanne Peh.

Coach Hiroaki being interviewed by the media.

The biggest shock of the night must be the coach of the year, when it was announced that Albirex Niigata (S)'s coach Hiroaki Hiraoka had clinched the award ahead of SAFFC's Richard Bok.

So earth-shattering was the news that the Japanese coach had the longest media interview among the awards winners.

So much so that one of the award presenters - Tay Ping Hui was spotted having his pictures taken with the fans while waiting for his turn.

... and with the blogger as well... (Picture credit: Abang Sani of BH, thanks 'bang)

But the biggest winner of the night went to Aleksandar Duric, the veteran SAFFC striker, who for the second year in running retained the "Top scorer of the year" and the prestigious "Player of the year"

"The one for the FACEBOOK!" as I urged Duric for this pose :P (Thanks, mate)

Although he still remains coy over his plan for the next season.. (still got chance to ask on Friday, folks)

if that's only the case...

2008-11-15T00:27:00.000+08:00

if we could have the same atmosphere at every S.League match like the one at the Jalan Besar Stadium hours ago (where SAFFC clinched their record seventh title after beating their arch-rivals Home United with an Ahmad Latiff Khamarudin strike in the 56th minute. ).

Buoyed by the partisan supporters of both sides, comprises of largely NSFs of the army (siding the SAFFC) and the Civil Defence, Police cadets (backing Home United), it's not very often the case when we witnessed such a passionate ambience in a local league match.

If only, this is the case week in and out.. alas...

OTHER PICTURES AFTER THE MATCH
The usual pre-match ritual - having some fans taking part in games

Home United's coach Mr PN Sivaji is pleased overall with his "comeback" season and hopes the team bounce back in time for the "central derby" against Balestier Khalsa on Monday (17th Nov).

National striker Aleksandar Duric won his unprecedented fourth championship medal, though he's coy with his plan for next season...

SAFFC's coach Richard Bok looking forward to the tougher challenges facing the Warriors in ACL next year and pays tribute to his boys after another tough fight in defending their title this year.

The reigning coach of the year is hot favourite to retain his accolade this year.

Funny Uncle

2008-11-13T21:10:00.007+08:00

Suddenly, this uncle is the talk of everybody in S.League...

Nobody knows where he comes from and when he popped in, but whenever he's around you get to see him do some of the weirdest things you don't think you see at a football match - PRAYING!!

Spotted him at Woodlands doing "pumping" , wonder would he repeat the same antics at Jalan Besar tomorrow for the "uniform" derby??

(Picture credit: "Cloud" of Kallangroar.com and video credit: Romeothelucifer )

Bitter-Sweet Park

2008-11-07T00:25:00.000+08:00

The SMS update did the trick again as I was informed hours ago that Woodlands Wellington's Korean star Park Tae Won had just joined the exclusive S.League centenary club (for whoever score 100 goals in their S.League career).

At least, Park will be guaranteed a moment of appreciation in the annual S.League Awards Nite, although the damper of the night was that his team lost to Gombak.

Anyway, Congrats to you, Park and at the meantime, it's confirmed that the much-anticipated showdown at the Floating Platform for the RHB Singapore Cup Final WILL NOT go ahead as the league authority had decided to stage at the usual venue - Jalan Besar Stadium on 21st November.

Tiga (used to be Satu) point(s) lagi

2008-11-06T08:53:00.001+08:00

SAFFC must not slip up on next Friday at Jalan Besar and at least hang on for a win (used to be "draw") against their arch-rivals, Home United, the title will stay put at Choa Chu Kang.

Not bad for Norikazu Murakami, who suffered a nasty cut on his head last week and bounced back to score twice against the Super Reds, who should be pleased after all following their "malu" debut last year.

At least, some quarters should be please that the title is staying in Singapore...

Thank you, Sengkang...

2008-11-04T08:58:00.005+08:00

For making the title race hitting the climax like last year.

Following another 3-0 loss, this time to Home United, Sengkang Punggol have effectively see themselves as a "stepping stone" for teams challenging for the title (although SAFFC had theirs on 5th Sept when they beat the Dolphins by a solitary goal) after they lost to Super Reds on the same margin last friday.

Ok lah Coach Swandi ... you are forgiven...

@#$**!!!^&.. gonna miss the clash!!!

2008-10-31T21:34:00.002+08:00

Got this SMS via the Singtel "*SEND" service

Alrite... Looks like we got a tight race towards the end of the season like last year.

Sorry for MIA (Missing-In-Action) for the past TWO weeks as I just returned from a short trip and been busy tidy up my travelog and photos BUT I do still follow the league title race even when I was overseas thanks to this paid service after switching from ORANGE to RED.

Unfortunately, this SMS update will still have to play a part in update me the outcome, when the defending champions SAFFC travel to Yishun stadium this coming Wednesday for the gigantic showdown against the Super Reds, as I will be on second shift.. @#$**!!!^&

How a @#$**!!!^& coincidence.. @#$**!!!^& ... @#$**!!!^& ... @#$**!!!^&

JAXTR.... me clueless still

2008-10-15T05:38:00.001+08:00

I think some of my peers had already received a mail from me regarding "JAXTR"..

All I can say is I'm still trying to figure how the thing works, I think for a start you can try "send voicemail" to me, although I'm a bit skeptical about the "call me free" as I'm not sure if there's any "hidden cost" involved and also I'm trying to configure my mobile number for this "JAXTR" set-up.

How could you!!! Sir....

2008-10-11T14:30:00.003+08:00

from the AFC official site...

We have lost an ally to prevent the "invasion"... I have nothing to say but feeling disappointed and regret the fact that such an "U-TURN" took place...

"Ooops!! I did it AGAIN!!" TNP

2008-10-05T18:50:00.004+08:00

The New Paper 05th Oct 2008

Just less than 24 hours we heard out how Egmar Goncalves is, another shocking news unfold from an unlikely source - The New Paper, that another pioneering player of the controversial FTS, Mirko Grabovac had packed and went back to Croatia.

Again, the main local (European) football paper had triumphed again in bringing us another sensational story that all least expected them to do so, given their track record in recent times.

Enough said of that, it's clear in this article that the FTS scheme is once again under the scrutiny of the public eyes and things can't be help when another product of such scheme - Li Jiawei had announced her engagement to a businessman and her plan to return to her place of birth after her role in ending the Olympics medal drought for this island republic in 40 odd years.

So I think I can't blame some of those folks out there for against engaging foreign-born sportsmen for bring sporting glory to us when some of these guys are being perceived of leaving us after "their job was completed" or simply no sustainability reason to "root" them here.

A picture with Mirko during his days with Tampines Rovers in Oct 2005

Although, I don't fault Mirko for leaving us as things are beyond his control as he still has a family to support and certainly it's time to really reflect on the FTS (as I mentioned earlier before in December 2005 as illustrated before) and hope to see the end of such sad happenings.

Flashback December 07, 2005

Egmar was here...

2008-10-04T21:33:00.003+08:00

Got an email from a friend in Brazil

In his email he mentioned that Egmar Goncalves, the former Home United legend and national player dropped in for a visit at this blog not that long ago (some text blurred as it wasn't meant for public viewing :P).

Based on the info my friend Renato given, I managed to trace down where "ES" (Espirito Santo) is in Brazil, using my "Feedjit" tracker.

Again, I don't know how reliable this "Feedjit" software in tracking down the location of visitors (remember a blog entry I posted months back?)

Anyway, this is the only presentable picture I have of the prolific striker who had truly left his mark on local football scene (received his long awaited "top-scorer" award in 2004 from the then DPM Dr Tony Tan, whom many people at the awards night mistaken me for him when I made my entrance), despite all the highs and lows...

We should wish he well...

Cliffhanger for Home U...

2008-10-04T00:09:00.000+08:00

Alrite, I got to make this short here as I felt I am not in the best condition to post a long blog entry (been mistyped a few words along the way).

In short, after a humiliating lost to Super Reds at the start of the week, Home United bounced back and thrashed Geylang United 3-1 at the Jalan Besar Stadium yesterday (as it was already past 12 midnight when I typed this) to put themselves back in the title race.

These cadets booked out early to be at JBS for the match, thus they were instrumental for the Protectors' victory??

Snapshot of the match action from the stand.

Home United coach P N Sivaji and national skipper Indra Sahdan at the post-match press conf.

A bit tipsy at this point of posting this entry, many thanks for the drink from Mr Antony Sutton and Mr Ash Tan at the coffeeshop (beside the ground) after the match...

How "Google" made me a GUNMAN!!!

2008-09-24T23:56:00.000+08:00

The screen shot of the translated page.

I didn't undergo the BMT during my NS due to my visual handicap but somehow misinterpretation of Google Translate had made me a GUNMAN!!

Just take a look at the screen shot of one of the recent blog entry on the "Floating Platform" (above).

Unfortunately, due to the shortcoming and lack of human touch of this translator, the text "take this shot" was mistranslated as “开枪” (literary means "open fire", "take a GUNshot") whereas what I meant was "take this photo shot".

I hope I had made myself clear as I don't wish to see myself being barred from entering the platform because of this blooper and please verify the translated text each time you used this translator!!

Thank you for your kind attention..

I know it's none of my business...

2008-09-24T00:08:00.012+08:00

But having came back from Jalan Besar close to midnight, is something we really ought to look into this issue.

The AFC Cup match between local powerhouses Home United and Indian side Dempo SC, although not as prestigious as any Asian Champions League (ACL) game, it was suppose to be something not to be ignored too. Given its status as a platform for second-tier club sides to challenge for regional supremacy.

I'm sure the organizers should be well-aware of the lack of interest in this second-tier continental tournament in this part of the region (judging from the minimal media coverage and fans' interest, both whose focus are on the debut F1 race in Singapore over the weekend).

Certainly, we can't blame the fact of the 8.45pm kick-off given the pre-existing circumstances but such a late kick-off timing is something not the local fans are accustomed to (as most matches kick off at 7.30 or 7.45pm).

Other factors like how the teams had to complete through the group stages before emerged to the "knock-out" stage also taken toil on the participating teams.

Taking part in continental tournament as such, on top of their domestic commitment, require these teams to travel constantly around the region during certain part of the season.

Not only was it tiring, the teams quite frequently need to request changes in their domestic fixtures to accommodate their continental commitments, thus it not only costs disruption to theirs but also the rest as well.

The solution?
Once and for all, scrap the group stages and implement the "knock-out" format instead!

It's all down to one team's luck whether who will their first opponents and as an incentive to all participate teams, winners of each "knock-out" match shall be awarded some prize monies for their effort, while the losing side - empty-handed.

With the cash as a form of motivation, as fans, we will hope to see a more keenly-contested match instead playing around with points, goal differences etc. to get past the group stages.

In order to make it more interesting and intriguing tournament, perhaps the organizers should have it this: instead of planning this proposed "knock-out" competition in line with a pyramid format, how about after the completion of each "knock-out" stage the teams will go through a "lottery pick" to decide who meet who in the next stage?

I'm not sure how this new idea works well with all, as some would prefer the old format so as to plan out and refine their strategy along the way but the whole idea is to make everybody guessing and keep everybody on "full alert" instead of having those "I know I playing who next and plan what to do" kind of approach to this tournament.

This suggestion is to weed out the kind of stagnation this continental tournament is facing which is some we ought to admit it and that's the fact!

And bring back the romance of a Cup competition ....

SNAPSHOT FROM THE PRESS CONFERENCE

Dempo SC's coach Armando Colaco (right) commented it's good learning experience for his team and Indian football on whole to benefit from playing in tournament as such like the AFC Cup.

While his counterpart, Mr P N Sivaji of Home United (left) said his team shown tremendous character in the game having played for large part of the game with 10 men after key defender Valery Hiek was sent off in the first half after collected his second yellow.

For the record, Dempo SC beat Home United 5-4 on aggregate to make it to the semi-final of this competition

Yes, I mentioned “amateurism” but corporate could play a part too.

2008-09-18T11:30:00.001+08:00

(Just a follow up from one of my previous entries.)

I know some of you folks out there don't fancy the idea of reverting back to amateur or semi-pro football, but this shouldn't be see as a setback in improving the game on the whole.

Just take a hard stare at the current local clubs' set-up, except for a small minority, the large number of them are struggling to stay afloat.

They just don't have the muscles to complete with the big guns and helpless in stopping those they nurtured from leaving for a better wages offered elsewhere.

Despite having the salary cap in place, it's not secret that some clubs are running on a shoe-string budget.

As an amateur or semi-professional meaning one will be playing the game without or little monetary gain and largely for the love of it.

As a professional player meaning one bread and butter depend on playing the game, the pressure to perform and maintain oneself in tip-top condition is a test of self perseverance to achieve that feat.

While I'm not saying being an amateur player, one can afford to be slack but the pressure on being one is definitely going to be lesser as compared with their full-timer counterpart.

Former Gombak United's star striker Toh Choon Ming should served as an example how a non full-timer can excel in his game for the Bulls, as compared to his days at Sembawang Rangers.

Given the fact that life as a pro footballer is a short one and unlike their European counterparts, whom some are likely to continue their involvement as a media pundit, coach or even as a players' agent, it's not hard to foresee the limitations faced by these pro footballers once their "game over".

Of course, the question will be asked: Given the scarce timing to train and play competitively and on top of that, these folks have to juggle with their other commitment (eg.: personal and work-wise), would it be stress for them?

Which is why I wonder if the Business Houses League still functioning?

From what I read Business Houses League is (was) a league that comprises teams from various companies in this country, where players are employees of the company's team that play competitively in this corporate league.

It works something like this in what this book I read some times back (above), where in Japan, employees were be given time-off to train and play for their company's team in tournaments as such.

Now, this is what I wonder if such model is feasible for our needs?

Players being employed by these companies, work, train and play at the same time, any good players would therefore be groomed as a convenience marketing tool for his company (aka the “star” players), players themselves need not worry if their playing days are over since they will still remain in this company as a normal employee.

The minus points of this plan:

Players might not be able to change teams as frequent as it is now because of his working commitment.
Companies may, anytime, suspend their teams for playing in tournaments due to budgeting issues and other unforeseen circumstances.
Particular player's status will be in dispute in event he might leave this company, so what would be the solution if this happens?
Corporate teams remain a corporate entity and might not go down well in generate that "sense of belonging" among the fans who likely to see themselves more aligned to the team based in the area where they live.

As I always do: I'm here to give some suggestions but I leave the room open for discussion...

To summarize the whole thing: SHALL we see this as an amateurism that blends well into the professional setup?

Videocast: The Sultan of Selangor Cup 2008

2008-09-14T21:49:00.000+08:00

I was late as I was trying to figure out how to use the new "annotations" function by YOUTUBE.

And here's one using the clips taken at my SOS trip, back in July 2008.. Enjoy :)

So this is gonna be our HOME... (the PLATFORM)

2008-09-13T22:11:00.004+08:00

The bland outlook of the facade of the Platform

... for the next few years until the completion of the much-touted SportsHub in mid-2011.

Initially, I thought this marvel structure is out-of-bound, only later I was informed you can simply walk in anytime like nobody business (thanks Shamir for your tip-off), despite the barricades and all the stuff loaded at the basement of the main stand (for the upcoming F1 race.)

Multi-colour plastic seats are the trademark of the platform.

The Singapore Flyer

The famed Singapore Skyline

And there we have it, located right in between the two landmarks - the Singapore Flyer and the fame Singapore skyline, if the actions on the field is NOT gonna entice the spectators, at least they will be given a choice to visual remedy by these two landmarks.

I think the red sector of the main stand will be reserved for the VVIPs and their guests, since from where I positioned to take this shot, this is supposedly to be the best seat of the house (remember the President seat here few weeks ago!)

Slightly further up from the red sector is the yellow sector, given its middle positioning in the stand, I would not be surprise that this will be the "premium" seat of the house without having to tilt their heads to the left or right.

Below are some of the pictures taken from the left and right of the stand.

The "green" sector

The "blue" sector

As you can see for yourself, seating at the extreme end of either the"green" or "blue" sectors, chances are you are going to strain your neck and of course, this would be the "budget" seats of the house (unless the organizer decided not to open this part of the sector for health reason)!

Organizers may also want to take consideration on opening seats that are near to the ground level (just look at the pictures above, which are self-explanatory).

I'm not a smoker but if there's an urge to have a quick puff, there are two locations (pictured above) might be a good idea for something like the "yellow box" :p

VIP lounge/ Media work area?

Any as mentioned before in my previous entry on the platform, the ideal location of the platform is also due to the fact that its proximity with major shopping malls like "Marine Square", where fans can eat, shop before or after the game.

Maybe it's already too late but I got one question that I been pondering: WHY IS THE DESIGNER IN THE FIRST PLACE HAD THE EXTENDED WALKWAY FIXED BETWEEN THE SEATING GALLERY AND THE PITCH?

Would it be feasible to have something like this instead (as illustrated below)?

A retractable walkway that would linked up the pitch and gallery as now fans are complaining the distance between the gallery and pitch, which is now the sticking point on whether would the Singapore Cup Final be held here!

Unless engineering difficulties had forced them to drop the idea initially (if they had thought of it in the first place).

And the worst part, where is the shelter??

snapshots of "FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL"

2008-09-13T19:18:00.001+08:00

According to "Wikipedia", there are two other versions of "FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL" in the world. One being the Canada's broadcast of a Canadian Football League fixture on that day (Canadian Football, almost similar to American Football) and the other is the Australian versions of both Aussie Rules and the 13-men version of Rugby - the Rugby League (where die-hards still stubbornly refer it as FOOTBALL).

The host of the night, her name is Angel Teo, right? (Correct me if I'm wrong, thanks)

At the Tunnel before the match officials lead the teams out

The lining up of the teams...

Mingle around at the VIP Lounge...

Post-match interviews at JBS are conducted at the lift lobby...

Pictures of this entry were graphically-edited using "Picasa3" of Google (What a painful experience to use it at the beginning, still struggling now)

Has anyone think of that?

2008-09-13T00:21:00.001+08:00

Pictures taken at the my flat's lift lobby.

I'm sure somebody already thought of that...

See these two snapshots took at my flat's lift lobby? Well, the main thing is not the lift but the two notice boards placed on the pillars of the lobby.

One of which is maintained by the town council and the other is under the care of the Residents' Committee (RC).

As mentioned before, clubs should align themselves with the RCs and other community-based organization. So the question is: Has the clubs thought of having newsletter and other similar publications pasted on notice boards like those?

For a start, we need not have something that's glossy and colour intensive if the money is tight, as I read before a simple newsletter can started off with a piece of photocopy of a mastercopy and duplicate as according to the number required (so as to save the trees and effectively managed the cost).

A simple guide/format of such newsletter.

The whole is, again, to spread the word around using "alternate media" in a time when the "mainstreamer" aren't provided much information on the local scene.

Just think about the number of "eyeballs" the newsletters going to attract.

After all, whenever we are waiting for the lift, chances are we might want to have a peek what's going on around our community right?

And I'm sure that some of us actually thought of this idea, don't we?

what happened?

2008-09-06T07:05:00.003+08:00

Looks like EPL isn't the only place we see coaches' resignations (ie: Keegan left Newcastle, Curbishley left West Ham) lately.

Saswadimata Dasuki quit Sengkang as well with the question going on everybody's mind is - what's actually happened after both sides given their side of the story?

For the Passion and Love for the game NOT money.

2008-09-04T23:57:00.002+08:00

Picture credit: New Zealand Folk Song

Sometimes you really got to appreciate why the Rugby Union (pictured above), until recent years, stubbornly resisted the temptation of embrace professionalism.

One of the well-guarded rules stern from the fact - "it's a sin to be paid to play for the game" and the disagreement of that led to one of the biggest split in the sport history when the rugby clubs in northern England went separate way with the south and eventually evolved into their own 13 a-side version game (ie: Rugby League) in 1895.

Football, in the other hand, took a slight different route and gradually see professionalism as a way to maintain the game's popularity in the masses (sort of).

And it did, however, sad enough to say nowadays, it become a toy of mega riches and tool of exploitation of anyone with ulterior motive.

Players' power, as the term coined, is raging on the modern game with players being the dictating factor in almost every aspect of the game.

The more the famous the player is, the more marketable he will be and of course, the tonnes of cash that he bring along will enriched the club.

Thus, it's no wonder that clubs and corporate sponsors are more than willingly (or leave with no other option) to fork out the awful sum to get whoever they want, not to forget the players held the club at a ransom to get the wages they demand.

Picture credit: http://www.footy4kids.co.uk/

I would say the founding fathers of the modern game must be sad to see the simple game being transformed into a mercenary manner like this.

The initial thought of the "broken time payment" during the early days was to compensate players for their wages losses due to their game commitment, but as times goes by with the appetite for football grown, gate income had generated enough to support the clubs.

Having said that, sometimes I really wonder if the game should remained as the way it was - being amateur, with no financial element being involved and players playing the game with pure passion for it.

Just look it with the football headlines being dominated by whosoever demanding for higher wages for their clubs, it's pretty sickening and disturbing to see some players, who are supposed to be role model to kids outhere, behaving like an unreasonable greedy b@#*&!!

As they always said, "MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVILS" and how true it is.