What’s hot in the S.League

Singapore — It has been a thrilling ride for S.League fans this season, with Albirex Niigata and Hougang United giving title favourites Brunei DPMM, Tampines Rovers and Home United a run for their money after eight matches. With the 2016 season now at the one-third mark, TODAY brings you the five things that have captured fans’ attention.

BEST PLAYER/NEWCOMER: JONATHAN BEHE, WARRIORS FC

With six goals in seven matches, French striker Behe has enjoyed a charmed start to life in the S.League. The 27-year-old Warriors forward delivered for the nine-time S.League champions from the get-go, with a goal in each of his first six games, before his streak ended against Hougang United last week.

A towering figure at 1.87m, the former French Under-17 player is not only dangerous in the air, but also has bags of pace accompanied by a neat finish.

BEST YOUNG TALENT: FAREEZ FARHAN, GARENA YOUNG LIONS

The Young Lions may be bottom of the table after seven defeats in eight matches, but that has certainly not affected the confidence of striker Fareez Farhan. The 21-year-old has scored all five of the Young Lions’ goals this season. With national striker Khairul Amri yet to feature for the U-21 developmental side due to injury, Fareez will need to keep up his goalscoring form to give the Young Lions confidence against the more experienced teams in the league.

SURPRISE PACKAGE OF THE SEASON: HOUGANG UNITED

Hougang had a dismal season last year, finishing rock bottom of the 10-team S.League. The Cheetahs appear to have turned their fortunes around this year, winning five of their eight matches to occupy second spot on the table.

Croatian forward Stipe Plazibat has led the way up front, scoring six of his side’s 10 goals.

Aside from their attacking prowess, K Balagumaran’s men have also kept four clean sheets with a well-organised defence. If they keep this up, Hougang could finish among the top three teams this season.

BEST MATCH: TAMPINES ROVERS 3 GEYLANG INTERNATIONAL 3

Who can forget the thrilling 3-3 draw between the two Eastern rivals in the season’s opening week? Six goals, two red cards, a wonder strike from Stags midfielder Yasir Hanapi, and a fantastic save from goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud in injury time, gave the boisterous 2,930 crowd at the Jurong West Stadium plenty to cheer about. Adding to the excitement was former Arsenal and Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant in his debut for Tampines.

BEST QUOTE: “YOU SHOULD WEAR A SKIRT AND PLAY TENNIS” — NOOR ALI, GEYLANG INTERNATIONAL

Following a thrilling 2-2 draw between Geylang International and Warriors FC, Warriors head coach Jorg Steinebrunner was livid at the post-match press conference, stating his displeasure with the Eagles’ aggressive style of play throughout the match.

But Geylang’s assistant coach, Noor Ali, dismissed Steinebrunner’s claims with a cheeky rebut. “This is football. If you don’t play aggressively, then you should wear a skirt and play tennis,” said the former national winger. “Aggressiveness is part and parcel of football. If you can’t take it, then I can’t do anything, so stop complaining.”

What’s on for S.League this week:

Today:

7.30pm - Geylang International vs Tampines Rovers (Bedok Stadium)

7.30pm - Balestier Khalsa vs Garena Young Lions (Toa Payoh Stadium)

Tomorrow

7.45pm - Warriors FC vs Home United (Jalan Besar Stadium) (StarHub Ch 112/205)

8.15pm - Brunei DPMM vs Albirex Niigata (Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium)