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Showing posts from 2010

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...

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 i...

SCREWED UP!!!

Introduction The TODAY's exclusive on the 16th of December ( 'S-League needs major surgery' ) seems to have triggered a wide range of discussions on the flaws in local football. A break from the 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 mess up itself at the end of the day by allowing Shahril Ishak (pictured below) to leave at the most critical juncture of the season? Shahril Ishak's crowning as the "Player of the Year"  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 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 onl...

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 Nort...

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 t...

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 te...

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...

[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 woul...

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, ...

[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 Dur...

[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 provis...

[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...

[Event] Virtual Footballers Get Their Shot at Premiership Stardom

(This message is brought to you by Strategic Public Relations Group [SPRG] , the coordinating agency for this clinic) Christmas will come early for players of the popular online computer game, EA SPORTS™ FIFA Online 2, as they stand a chance to apply their virtual football skills to the real pitch in a football clinic conducted by ex-Barclays Premier League manager, Phil Brown along with Liverpool legends Jason McAteer and Steve McMahon. Organised by IAHGames, in collaboration with football scouting web portal, ScoutForAll , a total of two football clinics will be held in Singapore and Malaysia. This is a unique kind of talent scouting event targeting at those avid gamers to see if they have what it takes to transform their capabilities in the virtual world into real footballing skills on the pitch. The first clinic is scheduled for 7 December 2010 in Singapore at The Premier Pitch , and the second clinic is slated for 10 December 2010 in Kuala Lumpur . 40 lucky gamers shall be selecte...

[EVENT] Nike Shout Connects Football Enthusiasts to Live Pitch Action At the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010

(The content of this entry is obtained via the transcript provided by Integrated Marketing Solutions Group [IMSG] - the PR agency for Nike Singapore ) (P.S: The copyrights of the video, images depicted in this blog entry belong to Nike, unless stated.) Singapore (November 30, 2010) – For the first time, Nike allows football fans to be heard, loud and proud, at the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup 2010 games. Debuting at the games, Nike SHOUT is the region’s first digital LED perimeter board that serves to capture and amplify the football moments on pitch via social media, connecting Southeast Asian fans at home and across the region to the players on the pitch, live with their messages of support. As part of the “Be the Next” campaign, Nike SHOUT is targeted at local youth footballers to inspire them to show their support for their national teams and strengthen their drive to be part of that team someday. Enthusiasts can post their words of encouragement and support and see thei...

Breaking new ground with bit of Portuguese flair

Albirex Niigata (Singapore)'s chairman chairman Mr Daisuke Korenaga (pictured above left) with a CBF representative during the ceremony that announced the partnership between the two sides (picture credit: Albirex Niigata (Singapore)) With the vision to see itself as a stepping stone for its players to play professional football in Europe, S.League club Albirex Niigata (Singapore) recently inked a partnership deal with Portuguese club side Clube de Futebol Os Belenenses (CBF). Under the terms of the agreement between the two, Albirex (S) will send one or two players to CFB for a two-week trial annually. CFB will in-turn have the priority to sign these players should any of them meets the club’s requirements with 20-year-old midfielder Tatsuro Inui will be the first player to attend such trial scheduled from 6 Dec. In a statement released by the club, chairman Mr Daisuke Korenaga said: “We are very proud and honoured to have Clube de Futebol Os Belenenses , a club rich in history an...

Raddy announces final squad of 22 for AFF Suzuki Cup

(Media Information from the Football Association of Singapore ) SINGAPORE, 26 November 2010: National Coach Radojko Avramovic (pictured above center) has called up his final 22 ahead of the AFF Suzuki Cup as the Lions gear up to reclaim the AFF Cup for an unprecedented fourth time, having won the region’s most prestigious tournament in 1998, 2004 and 2007. Coach Radojko has picked an experience side with a vast majority of the players featuring in previous AFF Cup competitions. The last player who failed to make the cut was Home Untied’s Tengku Mushadad. “I'm looking at the positions and who can cover which position and in the end, Tengku is the one (to miss out). He tried very hard, and I am thankful for that, but maybe his time is not now. Maybe in the future he will have more opportunities with the National Team,” said Avramovic. Most notably, Hariss Harun has been ruled out of the biennial tournament for the second time after sustaining a fractured fibula at the Asian Games ea...

Lions thrash Laos in their Suzuki Cup prep

Singapore beat Laos 4-0 in their preparation for the Suzuki Cup in the Jurong West Stadium before heading up to Vietnam this Sunday. Ace striker Noh Alam Shah scored before the end of the first half, Agu Casmir (pictured above) netted a double with Gombak United's Fazrul Nawaz scored on his home ground to seal the win. The only blip is the injury to Ridhuan Muhamad that forced the winger to be replaced midway of the game. (thanks to Mr Gary Koh for this update)

Singapore to meet Laos in friendly

(Media Information from the Football Association of Singapore ) SINGAPORE , 24 November 2010 : Singapore w ill take on Laos at the Jurong West Stadium on Friday 26 November at 7.30pm. The Lions have been stepping up their preparation for the upcoming AFF Suzuki Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam next month and Friday's match will be an ideal opportunity for coach Radojko Avramovic (pictured above) to put his players through their paces. "Everyday we have been working on the shape of the team and trying to adopt different styles of play in our game. This match (against Laos) will provide us with a good opportunity to work on some of these areas especially if we have to change our play during the upcoming games in Hanoi," said Avramovic. Singapore is in Group B together with Philippines, Myanmar and co-hosts Vietnam while Laos is in Group A alongside Malaysia, Thailand and co-hosts Indonesia. Singapore will kick-off their Suzuki Cup challenge on 2 December when ...

[Event] "East meets West" - Fundraising Football Match [CLOSED]

(The following message is brought to you by Waggener Edstrom Worldwide , the coordinating agency for this event.) The Disabled People's Association (DPA), in collaboration with the Celebrities Sports Club and International Football Commentators is organising a football match to honour the 2010 International Day of People with Disabilities(IDPD) and raise funds for the advocacy work of the DPA. IDPD is commemorated yearly in over 100 countries. It is a day to reflect on the challenges faced by people with disabilities whilst they pursue their goals and to celebrate their triumphs. On 27 November 2010, the 'East' will challenge the 'West' to a friendly, but competitive game of football for a worthy cause. The match will be held at Jalan Besar Stadium where some 3000 people are expected to attend and cheer on the two celebrity teams, including many media personalities and corporate leaders. The sport commentator at the match will be our very own veteran deejay, Daniel ...

They all want to "BE THE NEXT" Lions...

National team manager Eugene Loo (pictured above, third from the right) in his opening address to the experience sharing session between the Lions and the YOG Cubs. Three YOG cubs - Ammirul Emmran, Dhukhilan Jeevamani and skipper Jeffrey Lightfoot got up close and personal with Lions stars - Aleksandar Duric, Baihakki Khaizan, Fazrul Nawaz, Ridhuan Muhamad in "BE THE NEXT" - another initiative by NIKE, the national jersey provider at the sporting giants' flagship outlet at Wisma Atria. Veteran striker Aleksandar Duric (first from left) shares his experiences with YOG team skipper Jeffrey Lightfoot (on extreme right) with Loo and defender Baihakki Khaizan look on. "Be The Next" is a campaign specifically targeted at local youth footballers, inspiring them to live their dreams and become the next great footballer of the nation. The campaign also aims to ignite a sense of national pride that encourages the youth's support for the national team to be the next ch...