BoLASEPaKO.com - A Blog on Singapore Football

Here l am writing this account from the media booth of the Jalan Besar Stadium, from where the new playing surface is visible (word of caution though, never ever do a "Jurgen Klinsmann" style of celebration on this artificial turf). Below are the pictures that were taken prior to the start of the friendly match between S.League Selection and the visiting Thai All-Stars to mark the completion of the face-lift program of the stadium which was first officially opened on Boxing Day back in 1929. The newly-laid surface was reported to cost around US$500,000 and the cost was covered by a grant from FIFA, the game's world governing body. ONE-SIDED AFFAIR TO MARK OCCASION Unfortunately, the maiden match played on this new surface was a one-sided encounter with S.League Selection walking away with a comfortable 6-0 win over the visitors who are coached by Piyapong Pue-on, the legendary Thai striker who was ranked among the best in Asia back in the 1980s. The shutout saw the hostin

Well, just saw that the League authority had given the green light that will see the return of Gombak Utd FC, the merging of Sengkang Marine FC and Paya Lebar Punggol FC as "Sengkang-Punggol FC" plus the African-based Sporting Afrique FC. I'm not sure how the fans would react the inclusion of Sporting Afrique FC, after all, that "Planet FC" saga last year had left a pretty negative impression on these African footballers for their audacious claim they were "unbeatable". I'm glad to see the return of the Bulls (Gombak Utd) back to the scene, also hope for much better stability with the strategic alliance between Sengkang and Paya Lebar that would benefit the Hougang residents. Regrettably, Sinchi FC will still be part of the setup, which l sense those "empty promises" by this team will still be with us for yet another season. And now since the list is confirmed now, all teams are given a equal foothold to prepare their squad, l would hope

I'm not sure yesterday's Cup Final was my last visit to this 32-year old arena, that had brought us so many wonderful memories. Having made known that the National stadium is to be demolished next year or so, I decided to take a few shots of her before call it a day. (Above: the shot of the North stand ) (Above: Close up of the Grand stand) So long you are being seated here on these red chairs (as illustrated above ), you are having the best view of the house. Did you ever stomped your feet here to attribute the "Kallang Roar" whenever Singapore score?? (shot of the South stand) As the day draw to a close, here is what you expected to see, right outside of the press area - part of the Singapore skyline. Once, the sky is dark, it's another scenery ..

As the final whistle blew to call the end of the 2005 Singapore Cup final, Singapore football bid farewell to probably one of the finest coach that graced the land. Steve Darby - Love him or Hate him, let us not forget those colourful moments he shared with us. Known for his outspokenness that had restored a bit of vibrancy into the scene since the mellow down of R Vengadasalam, the former Rams manager (now at Tampines Rovers) However it was also his outspokenness that landed him into some troubles with the league authority, which were well-documented. (eg: his comment on the mandatory Beep test) Despite those negative issues, one must not forget he had restored the pride of the Protectors, that was badly bruised after the departure of Dutchman Roberts Alberts, who was succeed by Englishman Jason Withe, before Darby stepped in to replace Withe. Personally, I must say thanks to coach Darby for "introduce" me to the "real world of that of a journalist", after a match

(Unless I'm pretty sure of the topic I'm going to pen, if not I will place a "?" at the back of the headline) At the stroke of full time, the beleaguered (for this season) Home Utd salvaged their bruised pride and snatched the Singapore Cup, after came from behind to beat the star-studded Woodlands Wellington, who is still searching for their first piece of silverware since the start of the League. Indra Sahdan Daud saved the day for the 12000 fans (and the media folks, pictured on the left) at Kallang by netted home the winning goal on the 93rd minute. Sad to say, this victory marked the end of the career of Thai midfielder J Surachai and the departing of Lion's skipper Aide Iskandar and coach Steven Darby from the Bishan stadium. While Man of the Match Indra refused to elaborate his next move, despite of the speculation surrounded him, during the post-match press conference.