BoLASEPaKO.COM - A Blog on Singapore Football

Muangthong United (MTU) is one of Thailand’s most recognised football clubs with an impressive domestic to boost with. However, when it comes to playing against Singaporean teams in AFC club competitions, the Thai giants have consistently struggled. From past encounters with SAFFC and Tampines Rovers to their most recent hitting-the-kerb against Lion City Sailors, Muangthong’s struggles in Singapore remain a recurring theme. EARLIER SETBACKS AT JBS That bumpy ride of "Twin Qilins" in began in the 2010 AFC Champions League playoff against SAFFC at Jalan Besar Stadium (JBS) - the main venue of Asian club tournaments for Singaporean clubs. René Desaeyere - MTU coach in 2010 Despite their reputation, the Nonthaburi-based club failed to secure victory, missing out on the group stage of Asia’s elite club competition. Their frustrations continued in the 2011 AFC Cup group stage when they faced Tampines Rovers. The match ended in a 1-1 draw , further underscoring Muangthong’s inabil...

The FAS logo at Jalan Besar Stadium years ago I think being the president of the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) is one of the toughest roles in the republic. Being tasked with helming a high-profile sport like football, one must be a brave person, ready to put themselves under intense public scrutiny. After all, have we not seen over the years that whosoever holds this position is put to task when things are not going our way? A ROLE THAT DEMANDS RESILIENCE Of late, a report by The Straits Times stated that Lion City Sailors owner Forrest Li is "seriously considering" the presidency of the local game's governing body. Since nothing is confirmed at this stage, it is premature to draw any tangible conclusions. What do fans think However, given the high-profile nature of the role, one must constantly be in the spotlight, prepared to brace and face challenges from all directions. It is definitely not a role for someone who is accustomed to staying low-profile. A L...