[RHB Singapore Cup] 37.5% NOW -> 50% OR 25% LATER?

Happier Times for Benett last year (File Picture)

37.5% - that is the percentage NOW of seeing the RHB Singapore Cup being retained within the boundary of the Republic.

Following the completion of the first round, Tanjong Pagar United is the sole local representative in Pool B beside Global FC from the Philippines who will be joined by fellow countrymen Loyola Meralco Sparks (defeated Harimau Muda) and Brunei DPMM (thrashed Lao Police FC 4-0).

Meanwhile, the likes of local sides Home United, Geylang International, Hougang United and Balestier Khalsa make up the Pool B.

I am not sure how much has the landscape changed with last year's finalists being knocked out by their respective opponents.

Defending Cup winners Warriors (won the honour as SAFFC last year) were knocked out of the way by Global FC last weekend on a 2-0 scoreline, while Tay Peng Kee's return to the Tampines Rovers' hot seat was marred by the defeat in the hands of Hougang United days earlier.

Home Utd to repeat 2011's success again? (File picture)

As one report suggested that would make 2011's winner Home United - the hot favourite for this year's edition.

Although, things shall not be taken for granted for the Bishan club with clubs from other part of the region are making progress, as what indicated with the emerging of Global and LM Sparks to this stage.

The figure could change to 50%, if the Jaguars aren't able to emerge from Pool B and would see LM Sparks progress alongside either DPMM and Global, unless Patrick Vallee could spur his team on to drop the foreign's percentage to 25% at the "FINAL FOUR" stage to lay his hands on the only trophy he failed to win in Singapore football.

THE MATCH LINE-UPS AS FOLLOWS:

Pool A

• (Q1) GEYLANG INTERNATIONAL FC VS (Q2) HOME UNITED FC
• (Q3) HOUGANG UNITED FC VS (Q4) BALESTIAR KHALSA FC

Pool B

• (Q5) TANJONG PAGAR UNITED FC VS (Q6) LOYOLA MERALCO SPARKS FC
• (Q7) GLOBAL GC VS (Q8) BRUNEI DPMM FC

"The quarter-finals will be played over a 2-legged home-and-away format with Geylang United FC, Hougang United FC, Tanjong Pagar United FC playing at home first while Global FC will play their first home game at a neutral ground to be announced later. The quarter-finals will take place from 22nd to 29th July 2013, exact dates and timings will be announced at a later date." (extracted from the media release issued by Football Association of Singapore)