Lions mean business ahead of Suzuki Cup

SINGAPORE — Dressed stylishly in tailored suits, grey ties and light blue shirts, the Lions looked every bit the part of a team that means serious business at the coming Asean Football federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup.

There was a sense of optimism and buzz among the 26 players and technical officials as they gathered at Changi Airport Terminal 2 yesterday afternoon before they departed for Manila in the Philippines, where they will play the biennial tournament’s group stage.

Singapore, who have been drawn in Group A, will kick off their campaign against hosts the Philippines on Saturday.

They will then take on defending champions Thailand on Nov 22, before playing Indonesia in their final group game three days later.

Despite being regarded as the underdogs for the tournament, the Lions, buoyed by their 1-0 friendly win over Cambodia last Sunday, sounded a defiant warning to their rivals before flying off as they declared their intention and willingness to do battle in every match.

And this determination, as well as the importance of the team’s task in the Philippines, was reflected in their spiffy dressing — in contrast to their usual get-up of a national team jacket and track pants — as the team were given a send-off by their family, friends and a handful of fans yesterday.

Centre-back Daniel Bennett, who at 38 is the oldest member of the team and already has three AFF titles to his name, told TODAY: “Every time we’ve been in the tournament, we’ve always been the underdog and nobody really gives us a chance.

“But when it comes to playing in the tournament, it’s a totally different ball game. We know the hardest part is always progressing past the group stage. It doesn’t matter which team is in our group. We’ll just remain focused on each and every game, because once you’re past the group stages, there’s a good chance that you can win the tournament.”

Agreeing, national goalkeeper Hassan Sunny added: “I believe we’re one of the first teams to arrive in Manila, which is good because we’ll get a bit more time to prepare ourselves over there in terms of weather, food and environment. This shows you how seriously everyone is taking this and everyone is looking forward to playing in the tournament. We have to get ourselves ready in all aspects because we’ll be playing three difficult teams, but we are confident.”

While Singapore may have won the AFF Championships four times — making them the joint-most successful team in the tournament along with Thailand — the target that has been set for them at this tournament is to reach the semi-finals.

And though the Lions have not enjoyed the best run of results in recent times — they have only recorded one win in seven international friendlies — national head coach V Sundramoorthy remains optimistic that his side will still be able to reach the semis.

“The last few months that I’ve been in charge, the boys have been giving 100 per cent in every game, and I’m sure they’ll do the same for the Suzuki Cup as well,” declared Sundram, 51. “Our target is still the semis, we’re going there with confidence, and we will battle to achieve that.”

The former Singapore international also dismissed suggestions that his players did not have the required calibre to perform at the highest level. “I believe there’s a good mixture of youth and experience in the team,” he said. “Everyone can have their own opinions (about the team), but the boys will do the talking on the pitch.”