Pennant, Tampines help usher in new era for S.League
SINGAPORE — As the 2015 S.League season drew to a close last November, Singapore’s only professional sports league seemed to be staring into a bleak and uncertain future. Crowd attendances were dwindling, interest in the league appeared to be waning and the best local players were either plying their trade overseas or with the LionsXII in the Malaysian Super League (MSL).
SINGAPORE — As the 2015 S.League season drew to a close last November, Singapore’s only professional sports league seemed to be staring into a bleak and uncertain future. Crowd attendances were dwindling, interest in the league appeared to be waning and the best local players were either plying their trade overseas or with the LionsXII in the Malaysian Super League (MSL).
How things changed in the span of just two months.
Firstly, the unexpected disbandment of the LionsXII after the club was booted out by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) saw their players — many of whom are Singapore internationals — signing on with the various local clubs.
However, it was Tampines Rovers’ signing of ex-Arsenal and Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant last month that truly captured the imagination and interest of the public, as it brought the spotlight firmly back on to the S.League.
It is why a large crowd can be expected at the Jurong West Stadium on Monday when the Stags —who have also signed nine former LionsXII players, including goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud and winger Christopher Van Huizen — take on Geylang International in their season-opening match.
After all, the presence of the 33-year-old certainly drew the crowds when Tampines took on Hougang United (won 2-0), Johor Darul Takzim II (won 1-0) and Albirex Niigata (drew 1-1) in their pre-season friendlies, with over 3,500 spectators recorded over three matches. In contrast, regular S.League matches usually average about 500 fans.
Pennant also played his part in entertaining the fans who turned up to watch him in action, by recording two assists and a goal during those matches. And he wants to carry on his good form against Geylang.
“I have bonded really well with the squad and I am looking forward to my debut next Monday,” he said.
“We have prepared very well for this and had some good matches in pre-season. We know we are under pressure and there will be eyes on us, so we want to deliver. I will approach it like any other match, but will also look to go out there and give a performance to remember.”
But it will be no stroll in the park for the Stags against Geylang.
Under new chairman Ben Tang, the Eagles have undergone a revamp of sorts — with experienced heads in midfielder Isa Halim, striker Indra Sahdan and evergreen defender Daniel Bennett dovetailing with rising stars such as Sahil Suhaimi, Gabriel Quak and Al-Qaasimy Rahman. Geylang currently possess one of the most well-balanced squads in the league, with quality and cover in every position. No surprise then that Geylang head coach Hasrin Jailani is showing no fear against their free-spending opponents.
“Tampines Rovers are favourites and we are the underdogs, I can’t deny that,” said Hasrin. “We feel motivated and the players want to step up their game. We are not afraid to play them (Tampines) and my squad will give their all on Monday for sure.”
TODAY’s prediction: Tampines 2 Geylang 0
ALBIREX NIIGATA vS BRUNEI DPMM (Saturday, 7.30pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)
The season kicks off with the clash of the foreign sides who bagged all three domestic trophies last campaign. Albirex won the Singapore Cup and the League Cup, while DPMM secured the league title on the final day after a close fight with Tampines Rovers.
Steve Kean’s DPMM go into the Community Shield tie, which also acts as a league match, having not played any pre-season friendlies while Albirex have played five.
To make matters worse for the Bruneian outfit, captain Rosmin Kamis is unavailable because of a suspension carried over from last season, while midfielders Hendra Azam and Aminuddin Zakwan will miss the clash as they have not passed the S.League’s mandatory 2.4km fitness test yet.
The White Swans, on the other hand, have a fully fit squad to choose from.
Despite losing last season’s S.League Player of the Year Fumiya Kogure to Hougang United, Albirex have recruited well, with highly-rated midfielder Tatsuro Inui rejoining the club he left in 2011, while the majority of last season’s squad was retained.
Expect a tight clash but the fitter and more prepared Albirex side should edge this one.
TODAY’s Prediction: Albirex 2 DPMM 1
YOUNG LIONS vs BALESTIER KHALSA (Sunday, 7.30pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)
The Young Lions have yet to appoint a new head coach and will need to be at their best to have any chance of competing with the other clubs.
With only Khairul Amri and Firdaus Kasman over the age of 21, and no foreign signings, they lackexperience and leadership.
Balestier had a relatively quiet transfer window, but the decision to retain the core of last season’s squad should put them in good stead. In Miroslav Kristic they have one of the league’s deadliest strikers, who scored 16 goals last season. The inexperienced Young Lions will have to be on their toes to deny Kristic, but we feel he will be too hot to handle.
TODAY’s Prediction: Young Lions 1 Balestier Khalsa 3
HOME UNITED vS WARRIORS FC (Sunday, 7.30pm, Bishan Stadium)
A few years ago, this derby between the uniformed groups (representing the Armed Forces and the Home Team) would have been billed as a battle of two title rivals. However, with the emergence of the foreign clubs and the spending power of Tampines Rovers, both sides need to hit the ground running to be in the title race.
The Protectors have signed former LionsXII players Zulfahmi Arifin, Faris Ramli and Khairul Nizam, and have strengthened their forward line with young strikers Irfan and Ikhsan Fandi. They will offer Home plenty of pace and will be dangerous on the break, with Danish frontman Ken Islo on hand to wreak havoc.
The Warriors have impressed in pre-season, winning all of their five friendly matches and scoring 22 goals. They have assembled a new-look but experienced defence after conceding 51 goals last season, and have strengthened their firepower with French striker Jonathan Behe.
It looks like a tight affair, but the Warriors’ backline may see them nick three vital away points.
TODAY’s prediction: Home United 0 Warriors FC 1