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Perry Ng and Kyoga Nakamura Join Lions as AFF ME Cup Preparations Begin

Following the decision to forgo friendlies against other national teams during the current FIFA window (2-10 September) , the Singapore national team has commenced their centralised training at the Kallang Football Hub (KFH) as part of their preparations for the upcoming AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup (AFF ME Cup) later this year. Cardiff City's Perry Ng speaking to the media Perry Ng get down to work immediately The training session began with the media appearance of Cardiff City defender Perry Ng and BG Tampines Rovers midfielder Kyoga Nakamura at KFH. According to the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), their inclusion in the training is part of a "familiarisation stint." STRONG DESIRE TO PLAY FOR THE LIONS For those unbeknownst, Liverpool-born Ng has long been in the spotlight due to his eligibility to play for the Lions through his late Singapore-born paternal grandfather . Meanwhile, 28-year-old Nakamura received his permanent residency approval in March . The
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Lions Squad Announced: Strategic Friendlies to Prep for ASEAN Championship

Lions Coach Tsutomu Ogura listening attentively to a question  National coach Tsutomu Ogura announced his squad of twenty-eight players during a media briefing held this afternoon (28/8) at the Jalan Besar Stadium. Notable selections by the former Japanese national assistant coach include the return of Lion City Sailors' goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud and Balestier Khalsa defender Darren Teh back to the fold with Geylang International's Zikos Chua and Ajay Robson of Hougang United earned their first call-ups to the senior squad. FIFA DATES AGAINST J1 TEAMS, JDT, AND STAGS Another noteworthy announcement made during the briefing was the scheduling of closed-door friendly matches against Singapore Premier League side BG Tampines Rovers and Malaysian giants Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) during the September FIFA match window (2-10 September) at the Kallang Football Hub . A training tour to Japan is planned for October, during which the Lions are set to face three different J1 clubs in

[Telegram Chat] - THE VISION FOR TOA PAYOH'S NEW FOOTBALL STADIUM

"This is, after all, just an artist's impression," I told myself as I looked at the image depicting the football stadium in the upcoming Toa Payoh Integrated Development Project , plastered on the hoardings surrounding the site where the Toa Payoh Stadium  once stood. The mural of the football stadium From the mural, it appears that the stadium will be somewhat similar to Our Tampines Hub (OTH) , except there will be a spectator stand behind one of the goalposts positioned near the Pan Island Expressway (PIE).  However, it remains unclear whether a similar arrangement will be made for the area facing the main stand or behind the goalposts near Toa Payoh Lorong 6, based on the drawing. THE CHALLENGE OF MULTI-PURPOSE SPACES Given how the "Town Square @ OTH" (the football field at OTH) is utilised, it wouldn't be surprising if football has to compete with other activities once this integrated development, scheduled for completion in 2030, is finished. Meanwhi

Understanding Singapore Football Fans: Detailed Analysis of Key Personas

Singapore football fans are diverse, each bringing a unique perspective to the game. Based on social media insights and unofficial and unaffiliated polls conducted on this platform's Instagram Story, we identified four key personas: David, Clara, Adam, and Ethan. Let's take a look at what sets them apart and how they contribute to the Singapore football scene. DAVID, THE TRADITIONALIST "David" enjoys the historical side of Singapore football David is a 38-year-old football fan who cherishes the history and expert commentary of the game. He prefers traditional media sources like CNA and The Straits Times. For David, these outlets provide the in-depth stories and reliable information he values. David's love for football is rooted in tradition and detailed narratives, making him a key preserver of Singapore football history. Key Insights: Prefers traditional media for reliable and detailed information Engages deeply with historical context and expert commentary Pain

[Guest Column] - "Yoshinaga is not the problem"

Former sports reporter Amanpreet Singh penned the following thoughts (in green text) on Facebook shortly after Albirex Niigata (Singapore) succumbed to their sixth defeat of the campaign to Tanjong Pagar United  on 12th July 2024. Albirex Niigata (S) under Kazuaki Yoshinaga in his previous 4 league seasons in charge (2017, 2018, 2022 and 2023): 7 losses in TOTAL. Albirex Niigata (S) so far this season: 6 losses. Yoshinaga is not the problem. In fact, he is the least of the problems. If you want him sacked, then you have very limited knowledge about the challenges in Singapore football. Sacking him will not solve anything. There is also no other coach (local or foreign) who knows the club better than him. Do you think hiring another coach will result in an immediate upturn in results for Albirex? It will not. In fact, things will, in all likelihood, get worse. Coach Yoshinaga made a sad exit from Singapore football Let’s not forget that Yoshinaga has won the league title in every single