BoLASEPaKO.com - A Blog on Singapore Football

View from the top of the match Tanjong Pagar United put their recent slide to a halt with a scrappy 3-2 win over Courts Young Lions at the Jalan Besar Stadium. By any account, it wasn't the best display of football shown by the Jaguars, but having snapped the recent poor run of form had relieved some pressure off their French coach Patrick Vallee. Speaking to the media after the game, the 2010 title-winning coach lauded the performance shown by his depleted side. "I'm very happy and proud of my players today for not giving up," said the Frenchman, "It was a good effort shown and especially by (Monsef) Zerka for putting up a very good performance." For the record, the Moroccan marquee signing of the last season's Cup losing finalists netted a hat-trick to see him broke his scoring duck for the campaign after a barren spell that lasted for four matches. Capitalized on opportunities as the result of some defensive slip-ups by the hosts, the f

Scholes (center, facing the camera) Manchester United legend Paul Scholes wooed the crowds this morning at Courts Megastore in Tampines where he made his appearance at the invitation by the leading IT and furniture retailer. As part of their 40th anniversary celebration, Courts decided that the presence of the former England midfielder dovetailed the occasion with Scholes, himself, will be celebrating his 40th birthday this coming November. A day before this morning, the ex-England international was at the Jalan Besar Stadium where a special coaching session was held between him and the players from Courts Young Lions, the S . League team that is being sponsored by Courts . For having played his entire career for the Red Devils, it was no surprise to have the most questions on them fielded by the media in a roundtable session. Scholes snapping some shots Sharing his thoughts on the result of the Champions League draw last night, where the beleaguered powerhouses ar

(This entry is formulated based on the media release issued by the Football Association of Singapore) It can't be more bizarre than this when a media release (dated 11th of January 2014) issued by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announced the Courts Young Lions (CYL) will embark on a Turkish pre-season tour for their S.League preparation. Led by coach Aide Iskandar, who led the Cubs to a SEA Games bronze medal last December , the contingent will be taking on opponents, including Azerbaijan Under-21s, Denmark Under-21s and Czech Republic side Slavia Prague in Antalya. El-Masri (no32) re-signed for CYL The said release also confirmed the re-signing of one-time Canadian U23 international Sherif El-Masri and recruitment of Jordan Webb (from Home United) to the developmental squad with both of them, reported to be on the radar of the Foreign Talent Scheme (FTS) , joining the month long tour. “Such a training camp matches the FAS Strategic Plan’s objective to expo

(The entry is based on the media release issued by the Football Association of Singapore). The Football Association of Singapore released a media release in regards to the incident that took place on the 6th June 2013 at Queenstown Stadium after the League Cup between Courts Young Lions and Tanjong Pagar United, which was reported on various media outlets, as detailed below: Parent of CYL player involved in punching incident (by Axrosstheline.com) FAS begin investigations for Queenstown fracas (by Axrosstheline.com) Angry dad lashes out (by The New Paper) Angry dad creates commotion after S-League match  (via AsiaOne) The full content of the media release is being reproduced as below in verbatim . Investigation of the Incident after the League Cup match between Courts Young Lions and Tanjong Pager United on 6 June SINGAPORE, 18th July 2013: The investigation of the incident after the League Cup match between Courts Young Lions and Tanjong Pager United on 6 June has

(This entry is formulated based on the media release issued by the Football Association of Singapore ) Former Singapore skipper and ex Hougang United coach Aide Iskandar (pictured left, on extreme right in the recent NexLions Cup post-match press conference) is taking over from his one-time Lions colleague Robin Chitrakar as the new head coach of Courts Young Lions in the upcoming S.League season that is scheduled to kick off in next month. Having helmed the Singapore Youth Selection to a credible performance against the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool academies sides in the recently held NexLions Cup , it's "a(n) unanimous decision that Aide Iskandar will best fulfil our long-term objectives" said the selection panel in the media release issue by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) this evening. Commenting on the appointment of the 121-cap Aide, the FAS president Zainudin Nordin said:"Aide had an illustrious playing career during which he c

(This entry is formulated based the media release issued by the Football Association of Singapore ) Early this evening, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) issued a press statement to the media pertaining the possible recruitment of players from the S.League clubs to beef up the injury-hit "Lions XII" squad in their commitment across the causeway during the transfer window in April. It has been decided that Singapore representative in the Malaysia Super League will be likely to seek reinforcement from Courts Young Lions, the S.League side meant for development purpose instead from the other clubs. Almost same issue for Robin “I am in discussions with Courts Young Lions coach Robin Chitrakar (pictured left) to explore the possibility of giving a few more Courts Young Lions players the opportunity to play for the LionsXII in the Malaysian competitions, which is in line with our youth development strategy.” said Lions XII coach V Sundramoorthy in the release.

(This entry is formulated based on the transcript of the media release from the Football Association of Singapore) Picture credit: FAS SINGAPORE, 15 JANUARY 2012 – The Courts Young Lions emerged victorious over the H-TWO-O Ultimate Dream Team after a nerve-wrecking penalty shoot-out in a match that was played at Jalan Besar Stadium this evening. With a charity element in place, a total of S$2,200 was raised for the Jamiyah Children’s Home from the goals scored by the H-TWO-O Ultimate Dream Team in open play and the media challenge that saw journalists take on former Lion, Lionel Lewis in a penalty shoot-out. The match produced a few worthy goal mouth action moments in the first half but it was in the second half that the match took a turn for the better as the 1,256 fans present saw a total of four well taken goals, two from Courts Young Lions, Mohd Sahil Suhaimi and Safuwan Baharudin and another two from the H-TWO-O Ultimate Dream Team, Ignatius Ang and M.Arvin. The teams

(P.S: If you access this site via "come.to/matchpix" , please click the "Facebook" icon after you click "HERE" when you want to view the album as that will redirect you to the album, thank you) 2011 Sultan of Selangor Cup - (Match Day and Balik Kampong) Malay rock legend Amy Search (pictured above) wowed the 65,000 at the Shah Alam Stadium in this annual event initiated by the Sultan of Selangor with motive in fostering relationship between Singapore and Selangor whom both shared an unique rivalry in the Malayan football history. The Selangor veterans retained their title for second time in running, while the Singapore selection (made up of the Lions) beat Selangor Selection 1-0 to keep the honour for the third successive time. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE REST OF THE MATCH PICTURES. S.League Match - Balestier Khalsa 1-0 Courts Young Lions(6/10/11) The match was delayed for good 45 minutes or so before referee decided to go ahead on a water-logged pi

(Media Information from the Football Association of Singapore ) (Picture above) The "sending off" that triggered the incident SINGAPORE, 15 March 2011: The FAS Disciplinary Committee convened on Tuesday 15 March 2011 with regard to the charge against Courts Young Lions Technical Director Slobodan Pavkovic. Pavkovic had been charged for breaches of misconduct which brought the game into disrepute during the Great Eastern – YEO’S S.League match between Courts Young Lions and Geylang United FC at Jalan Besar Stadium on 3 March 2011. Having investigated the incident and having considered all the relevant facts and circumstances, the Disciplinary Committee came to the following decision: (i) Pavkovic, who admitted to the charge, was found guilty of the charge. After much deliberation, the Disciplinary Committee decided that the punishment meted out by FAS – a touchline ban for the rest of the Great Eastern – YEO’S S.League season and a fine of $10,000 – is suffici

(Media Information from the Football Association of Singapore ) The Football Association of Singapore released the two following media statements pertaining two separate matters. 1) FAS gives Slobodan S.League touchline ban and $10,000 fine Technical Director will also face DC on March 15 SINGAPORE, 9 March 2011: We refer to the incident in which FAS Technical Director Slobodan Pavkovic was sent off during the match between Courts Young Lions and Geylang United on 3 March 2011 at Jalan Besar Stadium for manhandling the referee, Mr. Sukhbir Singh, in the 77th minute. FAS has taken administrative disciplinary action against Slobodan Pavkovic and imposed a touchline ban for the rest of the Great Eastern – YEO’S S.League season with immediate effect. In addition, Slobodan has also been fined $10,000. “I deeply regret my actions and I fully accept the punishment meted out by FAS. I approached the referee immediately after the match to apologise in person and the next day met FAS management

The KING signed on my notepad!! It's not wonder that wherever he been to, he will always bring joy to everyone he meet and yours truly is one of them. Never in my wildest dream that I thought I could meet the man who is regarded by the world as the best footballer seen on the earth. But there I was at the Jalan Besar Stadium and Pelé was right in front of me! With another legendary footballer Eric Cantona (pictured above), both of them are in Singapore with American soccer legend Cobi Jones as part of the New Year Cosmos Asian tour contingent. The contingent were in attendance at the home of Singapore football to be part of the press conference to officially launch the two Courts Young Lions initiatives, namely the Courts Young Lions iPhone application and the Official Courts Young Lions Fans' Club. Following the press conference, the three former footballers sent the crowd of 2,728 into a state of frenzy when they made their appearance during half-time of the S.League matc

(The content of this entry is based on the transcript of the media release issued by SPRG-Singapore, one of the coordinating agencies of this event) In a media release issued by the PR agency coordinating their visit to Singapore, it's confirmed the New York Cosmos contingent that includes footballing legends Pelé and Eric Cantona will be in Singapore as part of their Asian tour that includes a stopover in Hong Kong. Pelé's presence in the contingent is in his capacity as the honorary president of the legendary NASL club, while the former Manchester United skipper Cantona was recently named as the club's Director of Soccer. The visit by the two of most famous football names is made possible by retailing giants Courts, who recently dominates the backpages for their ground-breaking naming rights deal with S.League club, Young Lions (now known as Courts Young Lions), in an upcoming event to launch its partnership with the Cosmos. "I am delighted that our commercial team h

me, as a photographer shooting match pictures at a sunset timing of 5pm, at least (the constant need to adjust the setting according to the lighting was so taxing). I need to crop and sharpen the image of the shot above Honestly speaking, based on where I MUST be positioned (close to the corner flag) during the opening match of this new season, I think I'm not in the right position to pass any rating of this game between Courts Young Lions and SAFFC. Some of the feedback I gathered after the game went like these, "Quite a poor game, huh?" commented one of them, "Warriors couldn't match the cubs (Young Lions) pace at times and defence is a suspect this year with or without Daniel Bennett (who was suspended for this opener)." On the contrary, SAFFC's coach Richard Bok felt otherwise as he lauded his defenders' performance after saw his team clinched the victory over their hosts. "After last year's disappointment, we decided to strengthen our b

(The content of this entry are provided by SPRG and Fulford PR , the PR agencies for Courts[Singapore] and Vanda Sports Group respectively) (P.S: The copyright of the images depicted in this blog entry belong to Vanda Sports Group .) (Pictured above) Members of the Courts Young Lions with their new jersey. From left to right – Faritz Hameed; Terry O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer, Courts; Zainudin Nordin, President of Football Association of Singapore and Mayor for Central Singapore District; Ian Mullane, Chief Executive Officer, Vanda Sports Group; Eugene Luo and Afiq Yunos Singapore, 27 January 2011 – In what can only be described as a major development in Singapore football, regional retailing giant Courts announced today that it has signed on to become the official title sponsor of Young Lions Football Club, a team currently featuring in the S.League. With immediate effect, the team will be known as the Courts Young Lions. The landmark sponsorship deal signifies a major shot in

(Media Information from the Football Association of Singapore )   SINGAPORE, 25 October 2010: Young Lions’ Fairoz Hasan, Gabriel Quak, Khairul Nizam, Madhu Mohana and Beijing Guoan Talent’s Meng Yang, Su Boyang, Zhang Ye have had their appeals allowed by the FAS Appeals Committee (AC) regarding their suspension from ‘all football related activities’.  The players will now be allowed to continue training with their respective clubs during the period of suspension. The fines and the period of suspension imposed on each of the players remain and the players will not be permitted to participate in any competitive football matches as well as football competitions in all its forms at the national, club and grassroots level.  The seven players were charged with bringing the Great Eastern – YEO’S S.League match between Young Lions and Beijing Guoan Talent into disrepute for their conduct and participation in the mass brawl on 7 September 2010.  The players had pleaded guilty to the charges mad

(Media Information by Football Association of Singapore )   SINGAPORE, 22 September: The FAS Disciplinary Committee arrived at their verdict today with regards to the charges of gross misconduct laid on Young Lions and Beijing Guoan Talent during their Great Eastern YEO’S S.League match on 07 September 2010 at the Jalan Besar Stadium.  Both clubs have been docked five points and fined $5,000 each. The FAS Disciplinary Committee has also concluded that the match will not be replayed and the result will stand.  Six players from the Young Lions have been charged for gross misconduct which brought the game into disrepute.  Madhu Mohana has been suspended from playing or participating in all football related activities for 4 months and fined S$1,000.  Gabriel Quak Jun Yi has been suspended from playing or participating in all football related activities for 4 months and fined S$1,000.  Khairul Nizam has been suspended from playing or participating in all football related activities for 8 mo

Mr K Balachandra (pictured above) talks to the media after the hearing outside Jalan Besar Stadium . It was a long, lengthy wait as expected, as the main media outlets and the concerned parties descended at the Jalan Besar Stadium for the Disciplinary Committee (DC) hearing for the mass-brawl that took place between Young Lions and Beijing Guoan Talents on the 7th September.   The DC panel is an independent body separated from the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) and they are formed by a group of lawyers who presided over the hearing.  After five hours of hearing, the chairman of the DC, Mr K Balachandra emerged and revealed that a total of 16 players from both sides are being charged (ten from Beijing, six from Young Lions).  Mr Balachandra added the hearing will be continued at 6.30pm later of the day (22nd of September), with verdict likely to be issued following the session.

The Luncheon at "Carousel" Representatives from Young Lions (YL) and Beijing Guoan Talent FC (BGT) met at "Carousel" at Royal Plaza of Scotts for a luncheon for the first time since the mass brawl that took place on the 7th of September at the Jalan Besar Stadium .  This luncheon session allowed both parties to make their stand on the unpleasant incident that caused quite a stir in both Singapore and China with both Young Lions and Beijing Guoan Talent reiterating that tough disciplinary actions will be shown to those perpetrators.  In the meantime, representatives from the two teams expressed their sincere regret and apology to the fans and public, while pleading for forgiveness for those involved in the mass brawl. Mr Eugene Loo making a short speech Mr Eugene Loo, the team manager of the Young Lions (pictured above, on extreme right) in his welcome speech thanks their guests for turning up for the luncheon and amid the ongoing Hari Raya celebration, he hopes bo

Some snapshots of the first week of the season... (Pictured above) The Young Lions warming up prior to their season opener against Woodlands Wellington at the Jalan Besar Stadium. (Pictured above) So were these cheerleaders from the Republic Polytechnic... (Pictured above) At the tunnel that leading to the pitch at the Jalan Besar Stadium - Young Lions and Woodlands Wellington gearing up and raring to go. (Pictured above) A Young Lions' supporter waving a big flag that bears the logo of the team. (Pictured above) Some eager parents armed with their cameras and video to capture their daughters who were getting ready for the cheerleading routine at the Albirex's opener against Home United. (Pictured above) The cheerleaders from Albirex Niigata performed before their match against Home United at the Jurong East Stadium. (Pictured above) This trio are having a discussion on the match they watching - Gombak Utd vs Tampines Rovers at the Jurong