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Called it an obsession or mere British influence when it is not uncommon in this part of the world to name a football club as whatsoever "United".

Just look around the region, you already have Buriram United, Bangkok United and MuangthongUnited in Thailand where national custodian Hassan Sunny used to play for the dissolved Army United.

Down south in Malaysia, there is a team rebranded as Kuala Lumpur United which is formerly known as Kuala Lumpur FA - the team that once boasted the likes of Singapore triumvirate of Fandi Ahmad, Malek Awab and K Kanan in their 1980s heydays.

BRITISH INFLUENCE RESULTED UNITED EVERYWHERE?
On the other end of the Causeway in Singapore, names like Farrer Park United, Toa Payoh United were some of those listed in the then-newly formed National Football League (NFL) in the mid-1970s.

Moving into mid-1990s, these were the names to mark the start of the professional era like Geylang United (which later changed to Geylang International), Tiong Bahru United (later Tanjong Pagar United), Gombak United, Home United (now Lion City Sailors after the privatisation) and Hougang United.

Tanjong Pagar United used to be known as Tiong Bahru United

However, having a closer look at things some may be thinking why named as "United" when some of these Singapore teams are not amalgamated club to begin with.

Sit-out club Gombak United traced their roots to that of Redhill Rangers which was founded in 1980s before their first admission to the S.League in 1998.

At the beginning, they were called International Contract Specialists Football Club (ICSFC) who later renamed as Geylang International and based themselves at Geylang Field along Geylang Lorong 12 during the NFL era.

The start of the professionalism, however, saw the club registered as Geylang United in 1996 but reverted to Geylang International in 2013.

Based on the aforementioned, there is no evidence to suggest any form of merging of different entities along the process to see those clubs named as "United".

HOME UNITED THEM ALL?
Depend on individual interpretation, when the managing of Police FC, one of the pioneering eight clubs of the S.League, was handed over to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the club was renamed as Home United in 1997.

As such, Home United was qualified as a "United" not just a club that represented only the police force but including other services under the jurisdiction of MHA like Civil Defence Forces and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.

On the other hand, Tiong Bahru United only saw themselves widen up their catchment area to see themselves as a team representing a wider Tanjong Pagar Group Representation Constituency (GRC) which also did not see any merging of clubs along the way.

Perhaps the best example to illustrate the correct use of "United" in local professional football is Hougang United which emerged from the merging of both Sengkang Marine and Paya Lebar Punggol to form Sengkang Punggol before changed to their current name in 2011.

ENGLISH EXAMPLES
It is widely accepted that Sheffield United is the oldest existing football club in the world to be named "United" even though the club was founded by the cricket club of the same name in 1889.

Clubs like Leeds United, Manchester United shown no traces of combining of separate entities that led to the naming of their clubs either.

Leeds United was founded in 1919 to take over the tenancy of Elland Road after the dissolution of Leeds City by the Football League while the name Manchester United was selected from the list that comprised Manchester Central and Manchester Celtic after the club was no longer based in Newton Heath on 26 April 1902.

Jubilant Manchester United fans in 2019 ICC

Newcastle United, however, is one of the known top flight clubs being a product of the amalgamated process that witnessed the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End in 1892.

So it is noteworthy to conclude the name of team as "United" is not necessary due to combination of two or more entities but could also seen as something trendy in the Victorian and Edwardian era in England, although in this part of the world it should be seen as a case of British influence.

Nonetheless, the use of the word "United" was taken to a new level when Philippines club Ceres-Negros FC changed its name to United City FCwhich may sounded weird to some football purists.

Bishan Stadium is under the re-turfing process

This is current condition of the field of Bishan Stadium, the designated "home" ground of two Singapore Premier League (SGPL) clubs - Lion City Sailors and Balestier Khalsa, as seen from the nearby Bishan Sports Hall days ago.

It was learned that such re-turfing of the natural grass surface would take approximately five to six months to complete and the process only begun late last year.

NEW SEASON K.O. IN LATE FEB
One recent Straits Times article suggested the Community Shield, the annual pre-season opener for the SGPL, will be staged on 20th February.

If it is what the mentioned broadsheet suggested, the 2021 SGPL season is likely to kick off on the following weekend based on past scheduling of fixtures.

However, given the present condition of the Bishan surface, it is understood Balestier Khalsa will play their home fixtures at Toa Payoh Stadium while LCS will be ground sharing the newly-refurbished Jalan Besar Stadium (JBS) with Young Lions for the upcoming season.

HOUGANG STAY PUT IN HOUGANG FOR UPCOMING SEASON
The likelihood of the above-mentioned arrangement is high when it is also understood that Hougang United will continue to play their home fixtures at their spiritual Hougang Stadium home base.

Hougang Hools will be cheering their heroes at their spiritual abode in 2021

This will be second successive season to see reallocation of home grounds when last year saw Hougang United and Young Lions played their home games at Hougang Stadium and Jurong West Stadium respectively since the ground sharing initiative of SGPL clubs started in 2019.

Prior to that, both Cheetahs and Young Lions played their home fixtures at JBS who was closed during the 2020 season to allow repair works to be carried out.

This platform had reached out to Football Association of Singapore (FAS) for comment.

Following up to the update by this platform weeks ago that reported Balestier Khalsa will play their 2021 Singapore Premier League (SGPL) home fixtures at the Toa Payoh Stadium after the field at Bishan Stadium, where the Tigers ground share with Lion City Sailors (previously known as Home United) since 2019, is closed for returfing.

Toa Payoh Stadium (file picture)

Works, apparently, are underway to see the field at the Toa Payoh Stadium getting ready for the upcoming SGPL season which is speculated to kick off at the end of February.

In a social media post seen by this platform, officials from the Football Association of Singapore, Sport SG, etc. came together to ensure the natural grass surface of the Toa Payoh Stadium meet the requirements of the only professional sporting competition of the republic.

NOT A PERPETUAL MOVE BACK HOME FOR TIGERS
However, it is understood that Balestier's shifting back to the aged arena at Toa Payoh Lorong Six is not a perpetual one, even though it has been the spiritual home for the 2014 Singapore Cup winners since the inaugural of the S.League in 1996 when the club was known as Balestier Central FC (the club still maintain its administrative office at the stadium).

One evening match played at Toa Payoh Stadium (file)

With a 5,000-seater football stadium that is part of the new Punggol Regional Sports Centre (RSC), some SGPL clubs are likely to see themselves being relocated to the north-eastern part of the island when the centre is completed in few years down the road **

Furthermore, in an announcement made by the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth (MCCY) in last June, a multi-agency collaboration led by SportSG, with the Ministry of Health, National Library Board and National Parks Board will looking into developing a new integrated development comprising a sport centre, polyclinic, library and town park in Bishan and Toa Payoh area.

Kristijan Krajček stay put with Balestier in 2021

Nonetheless, the Tigers have been alternate their pre-season trainings at the Toa Payoh Stadium with St Wilfred Fields in their tuning up for the upcoming season and being the first in the league to confirm their import quota when they announced over the past recent weeks on their social media platforms of the contractual extension of Ensar Brunčević, Kristijan Krajček, Shuhei Hoshino while Šime Žužul is on a two-year deal since the end of 2019.

** The Punggol RSC was scheduled to complete by 2023 but could see a delay due to the ongoing Covid19 situation.

Did a number of IG Story polls not that long ago to gauge the sentiment among the local football supporters by starting off with this question - Would you buy any official local football merchandise?

It was an overwhelming 92% said "YES" that they are willing to fork out from their wallets to pay for any official merchandise offered by the local clubs.

This is the outcome of the first poll of the series

REPLICA JERSEY - THE MOST DESIRABLE MERCHANDISE
Another poll was followed up to ask which type of official merchandise is the most desirable item from a list which comprised

(1) "Official replica jersey",
(2) "T-Shirt (with club logo, mascot, players),
(3) "Caps, scarves, mini flags" and
(4) "Pins, Badges, Keychain, Cup, Mugs"

Apparently, replica team jersey is the most desirable merchandise should any fan decided to buy one product from our local clubs.

Later on, I posted a pragmatic question - how much you are willing to pay for one official replica jersey?

The most desirable merchandise

< S$50 / JUSTIFICATION OF CLUB LOYALTY
I am not sure if the current unfavourable climate factored a sizeable group to opt for the price range of less than 50 Singapore Dollar with less than half of the aforementioned willing to pay more than that figure.

However, in between the above-mentioned two saw another group stated money is not an issue when come to justify one's loyalty and support for his or her favourite team.

At the meantime, most would prefer to buy their official merchandise from online stores with lesser numbers would opt for either buying their stuff from a retail outlet at a mall or cash-and-carry at any club office.

Why "YOU" buy the replica jersey?

UNTAPPED MARKET OUT THERE?

Nevertheless, with this merchandise market still largely an untapped market at this moment, it is not surprising to see fans went to club offices to purchase their desired merchandise although the same number claimed they bought their stuff online.

Before I move on to conclude my thoughts on these findings, I wish to stress that those data gathered are meant to be both unofficial and unaffiliated purposes for my own reference only.

Given the niche group that responded and took part in these IG Story polls, I do not think it is fair to conclude the outcome as a reflection of the real picture but as a sample reference only.

How much would you pay for one replica jersey?

Overall, it is safe to say there is a demand for official merchandise if being offered by any of local football clubs based on the 92% who responded "YES" with a replica jersey being the most sought after item.

However, cost remain a deciding factor before any transaction is made, although fans' loyalty to their supported club is also a key factor when buying any replica jersey.

ONLINE PURCHASE / "CASH-AND-CARRY"
On the other hand, online purchasing seems to be the preferred mode for those who already bought or intend to buy any official merchandise from any club but "cash-and-carry" from club offices, nonetheless, seems to be another widely used available option.

Where fans bought their merchandise

Where fans hope to buy their merchandise from?

Perhaps, a more in depth survey should be carried out by parties who are authority in this aspect to have a clearer understanding of the sentiment to gauge if merchandising, one of the important revenue generators for professional sporting clubs around the world, is something worth look into for the clubs with privatization is within the horizon.

This article is contributed by Mr Stanley Ho who is sharing his opinions on the recently announced "UNLEASH THE ROAR!" initiative by both SportSG and Football Association of Singapore.

Disillusioned local football fans must be convinced this is not yet another paper exercise

IF COMMENTS on social media pages are anything to go by, a plan that was drafted to unite the nation through football has divided it.

On the one hand is a relatively small group of proponents who embraced the lofty blueprint with cautious optimism. And these are made up largely of people who are involved in some way in the local football ecosystem.

"Unleash The Roar!" was unveiled last week (credit: FAS)

On the other is the majority of your ordinary citizens who greeted the mere mention of 2034 World Cup with ridicule. Many of these people just couldn’t care less, especially when there are more pressing needs to be met amid a pandemic.

But, among the non-believers is a particular group that intrigues me - the jilted lovers of Singapore football.

They were fans. In the past, many of them believed too. They had shared the dream and believed in the process. Alas, year after year, they were fed false hopes during glitzy project launches and suffered one disappointment after another. They witnessed some highs and many lows of the national team; they grieved at the decline of the local league; they were appalled at scenes of police officers raiding clubs and association; their hearts palpitated with every failed polygraph test; and eventually gave up after anecdotes of grossly underpaid young players convinced them there is no pathway towards sustainable professional football.

Even prior to anyone unleashing the roar, they have already heard and seen it all before: Milo Scheme; Goal 2010; National Football Academy; mini football; grassroots football; LionsXII; Prime League; Foreign Talent Scheme; foreign clubs in local league; ever-changing U23 quotas; play the Danish way, then Belgian way, then Japanese way and they wonder what’s the flavour of the month next? Gegenpressing? Ja, das ist richtig.

The football authorities rightly pointed out that a “whole-of-society” effort is required in order to succeed. That means having an entire nation believing in the cause and putting their weight behind it. A national buy-in. Herein lies the problem: The jilted lovers have lost faith in Singapore football after years of systemic failure, and they have chosen to get their football joy from fading YouTube footage of the 1994 Malaysia Cup Final and weekly doses of English Premier League.

Minister Edwin Tong started the ball rolling in 2019 (file picture)

Metaphorically, they have walked out of the stadium during a 8-0 thrashing before full time is up, hoping to spare themselves more misery. There will be no national buy-in, the society will not be whole. Years of neglect had left Singapore football fragmented, with the victims doubtful and fearful of being hurt once again.

It’ll take hell of a lot to win back the hearts of these jilted lovers. But it can be done. Prove that you mean business by unleashing the roar and not meow out a whimper; prove that your actions match your gumption; prove that this is not just another paper exercise that ends up beside Goal 2010 along the hall of shame.

The folks who were disappointed during Goal 2010 are now parents of the very kids we are trying to groom for 2035. Disappoint them once again and there may not be a third generation to convince.

Fail and Singapore football will lose these fans forever. I know, for I belong to the jilted too.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Stanley Ho spent almost two decades in the newsrooms of Mediacorp and Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) before entering the social service sector as an advocacy and communications professional. A multiple award-winning journalist, his career highlights include breaking a series of high-profile stories on match-fixing in football; leading a digital news team at Mediacorp’s TODAYonline; and being synonymous with Facebookie, his SPH Headline of the Year in 2013.

Opinions expressed may not be that of the blog owner
The copyright of this article belongs to Mr Stanley Ho

(This entry is formulated based on the media release issued by Lion City Sailors (LCS) Football Club, all media materials used in this post belong to LCS)

Putting words into action was what Lion City Sailors (LCS) did earlier of the day when Singapore's only privatized football club hosted the groundbreaking ceremony of its $10 million state-of-the-art training facility at Mattar Road.

The event was graced by the presence of Ms Tin Pei Ling, Member of Parliament for MacPherson Single Member Constituency who was the Guest of Honour of the ceremony.

The entrance to the LCS Integrated Facility

The conceiving of this state-of-the-art training facility was first reported in the media back in last September and not long after which their current facilities at the same location was accoladed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) as a "One-Star academy".

PROJECTED TO COMPLETE IN APRIL 2022
It is understood that the present facilities on the mentioned site will make way for the construction of the new facility which is projected to be completed in April 2022, according to the media statement issued by LCS.

The current Mattar Road facility has enough space for only 10 staff, while the new venue will be able to comfortably accommodate up to 60.

This will aid the acceleration of the Sailors’ professionalisation drive as it grows its team to include specialised staff that include sports scientists and kinesiologists.

The aerial view of the LCS Integrated Facility

These hires will, in turn, drive the technical education of local coaches while also taking Academy scholars’ training to the next level.

“This facility is aimed at driving not just LCS efforts in youth development and on-field success, but also to help lift the football community in our country. We’re determined to make sure this project not only gets off the ground but can fly.” said Mr Chew Chun-Liang, CEO of Lion City Sailors.

SINKING ITS ROOTS AT MACPHERSON
Excited at the prospect of the club sinking its roots and embracing the community around its new home, Ms Tin said she is looking forward to the Sailors and LCS Football Academy working closely with local residents and community partners to cultivate aspiring MacPherson youths and local sports talents.

“I am heartened by the Sailors’ commitment in providing access to the facility and organising activities for our MacPherson community." added Ms Tin in the same media release.

CONVENIENCE LOCATED
Once completed, the following features will be seen in the new facility:

5 football pitches (two 11-a-side & three 7-a-side)
5 Academy changing rooms
3 Study rooms
2 Meeting rooms
Fully equipped gym
Sports science & medical room
Briefing room
Office space for up to 60 staff
Café
Rooftop public access spaces

Pitches that will be installed at the facility are FIFA-certified and will aid in preventing injury in both young footballers a nond elite players as they are put through their paces by staff who will also witness significant improvements.

Located in the heart of MacPherson, the LCS training centre is well connected to public transport facilities, and is just a three-minute walk from the Mattar MRT station.

AIDING "UNLEASH THE ROAR!"
The training centre is a key facet of the Sailors’ drive for excellence in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) and the region. It will also facilitate the establishment of a pipeline of young footballers for the Singapore football fraternity as it aims to boost youth development as part of the national project: “Unleash the Roar!”

“Through the Unleash the Roar! project, we look forward to partnering with more like-minded private clubs and academies to uplift Singapore football. I wish LCS great success.” Mr Lim Teck Yin, CEO Sport Singapore, who was present to witness the groundbreaking ceremony.

The event also saw the presence of Football Association of Singapore (FAS) President Mr Lim Kia Tong.

Said Mr Lim:“The FAS congratulates LCS on the start of this exciting project and marking a memorable chapter in the club’s history.

"We are proud to have the LCS Football Academy as Singapore’s first AFC One-star academy, and we are looking forward to the club setting high local and international standards with this facility." he added.

SGPL - Geylang Int'l 2-3 Balestier Khalsa 241020

Shuhei Hoshino (9) raised at the near post in this aerial attempt.

Balestier Khalsa Football Club maintained their winning form while Geylang International FC continued their losing streak since the resumption of AIA Singapore Premier League after Tigers walked away with a 3-2 win at Our Tampines Hub earlier of the day.

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SGPL - Tanjong Pagar Utd 0-0 Hougang United 011120

HGFC's Lionel Tan found himself being sandwiched

Both Tanjong Pagar United and Hougang United concluded their AIA Singapore Premier League fixture on a scoreless ending on 1st November at the Jurong East Stadium.

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SGPL - Lion City Sailors 6-1 Tanjong Pagar United 131120

LCS' Shahdan Sulaiman made sure he won this header

Lion City Sailors maintained their fiery form by scoring another big margin win when they anchored Tanjong Pagar United 6-1 at Bishan, the Sailors were 4-0 up before the interval.

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SGPL - Young Lions 1-3 Tampines Rovers 171120

Jordan Webb (10) scored his 100th goal in Singapore football

Tampines Rovers Football Club's Jordan Webb joined the exclusive club of local football legends when his second goal last night (17/11) against Young Lions was his 100th league goal since recruited by Sengkang Punggol back in 2010.

The Stags won the match 3-1 with the Canadian hotshot netted his hat-trick in the 50th, 70th and 85th (penalty) minute and claimed the Man-of-the-Match award, Khairin Nadim opened the account for the hosts in the 20th minute.

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SGPL - Balestier Khalsa 2-2 Tanjong Pagar United 251120

Jags' Luiz Junior with his heart-shaped celebration

Balestier Khalsa and Tanjong Pagar United drew 2-2 earlier at the Bishan Stadium in the "Super Wednesday" fixtures of the AIA Singapore Premier League the Jags came back twice from behind to level the scores and hold their hosts at bay.

The Tigers opened the account in the 23rd minute through Danish Uwais before it was cancelled out by Luiz Junior three minutes later,

Shuhei Hoshino's effort in the 36th minute for the hosts did not sustain long enough when Shodai Nishikawa equalized in the 39th minute.

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SGPL - Balestier Khalsa 2-0 Geylang International 281120

Geylang's skipper Yuki Ichikawa all focused

Balestier Khalsa Football Club ended their winless run by inflicted a 2-0 loss to Geylang International FC at the Bishan Stadium. The Tigers' scorers were Kristijan Krajček in the 48th minute before Hazzuwan Halim added the second goal in the 58th minute.

The Eagles had lost two games on a roll prior to this match.

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SGPL - Tanjong Pagar United 2-4 Young Lions 051220

Tanjong Pagar United ended their 2020 in a sour note

Tanjong Pagar United claimed the undesirable record in the local pro football history when they lost 4-2 to Young Lions earlier at Jurong East and ended their AIA Singapore Premier League season without a single win to their credit thus anchored at the bottom.

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Most of those relive-the-glory-days moments would always have that 1994 Malaysia Cup winning video shown but overlooked the few other notable moments - the 1998 victory over Vietnam in Hanoi that saw us won our very FIRST international honour - the Tiger Cup before repeating the same feat in 2004 at Kallang when we won at HOME - in front of a full capacity (old) National Stadium and not forgetting the 2007 and 2012 moments of glories too.

The 1994 Malaysia Cup triumph moment, as seen in an exhibition at National Museum

Yet many of times, many social media postings seems to favour the footages from the 1994 Shah Alam victory when come to savour that bit of nostalgia.

"It feels like you celebrate your 25th anniversary at work by showcasing the company that fired you as prelude." remarked a friend after seen it on AIA Singapore Premier League Facebook Page of the 1994 Malaysia Cup Final last year.

TESTAMENT FOR THE FLEDGLING S.LEAGUE
Don't get me wrong, while "1994" was a great moment for local football which I also celebrated the exploits of the Lions skippered by Fandi Ahmad aided by stars like Abbas Saad, Malek Awab, etc., the significance of the regional victories like those over both Vietnam and Indonesia in 1998 and 2004 (highlights clip of the second-leg 2004 AFF Championship final from AFF Suzuki Cup Youtube channel shown below) respectively are, however, greater.

Not only because those were regional accolades but also a testament for the S.League since the national players featured in that two regional victories were playing in the then fledgling competition.

The period between 1996 to early 2000s is considered by many as the "golden age" of the Republic's professional football league with influx of quality foreign players coupled with a number of emerging local talents who were at one stage facing each other from Bedok to Queenstown and Woodlands to Jalan Besar.

Therefore, those two Asean successes was a strong statement put forward to the critics who were skeptical if the move to start the S.League was a justified decision to move local football forward after Singapore pulled out from the Malaysian League after that 1994 triumph.

BACK IN 1977
Let us rewind back to 1977 and ask ourselves this question - fair to say "Uncle" Choo Seng Quee would rather win the World Cup qualifying match against Hong Kong in March than savouring that nail-biting Malaysia Cup victory months later?

After all, in a three-page article titled "THERE'S A NEED FOR A SOCCER REVOLUTION IN SINGAPORE" published in the June 1976 edition of the now-defunct "Singapore Soccer" monthly, the legendary coach stated he did not find it difficult to win the Malaya Cup on the two occasions which he helped Singapore to achieve when he was "on loan" from his employer - Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) in the 1960s.

"Uncle" Choo's article in June 1976 "Singapore Soccer" monthly

A triumphant FAS president N Ganesan (in business suit) hoisting the Malaysia Cup after the 1977 win

The Singapore team arrived at Paya Lebar Airport with the Malaysia Cup in 1977

"This is not a boast. Our goal should be the pinnacle in Asian football." declared the man whose Farrer Park nursery groomed many illustrious names that embedded the local football folklore.

The 1977 Malaysia Cup triumph over Penang is being immortalized in local football folklore because it was Singapore's first victory after twelve long years when we last won it in 1965, prior to that we had been losing to powerhouse Selangor on two previous years' finals.

THOSE AFTER 1994 SHOULD BE THE SAME AS WELL ...
It is probably because of the long history that many still see any Malaysia Cup victory a greater achievement than those Asean titles we won after 1994.

The significance of winning the Asean titles shall not be lesser than the 1994 Malaysia Cup victory, yet people are constantly being impressed upon the latter's achievement is greatly despite being a domestic honour, as compared to the regional honours we won after that.

It is time to correct that notion, if not, we are not moving local football forward in the right trajectory.

Perhaps, for a start we should start featuring more of the sights of Nazri Nasir (1998), Aide Iskandar (2004, 2007) and Shahril Ishak (highlights clip of the second-leg 2012 AFF Championship final from AFF Suzuki Cup Youtube channel shown above) hoisting up the AFF Championship trophy alongside the one that had Fandi Ahmad lifting the Malaysia Cup at Stadium Shah Alam.

Agree?

Friendly - Geylang International 2-1 Balestier Khalsa 060321

Balestier's 'keeper Zaiful Nizam stretched to his limit

Like the players too, those on the sidelines must also have their preparation for the new season. One of the challenges taking pictures at places like OTH is the unpredictable shades that cover the field during a game. Therefore, playing around with the settings is part of the acclimatising too.

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SGPL - Balestier Khalsa 1-2 Tampines Rovers 170321

Balestier's Shuhei Hoshino (red) tussling with Tampines' Baihakki Khaizan

The AIA Singapore Premier League match between Balestier Khalsa Football Club and Tampines Rovers Football Club started on time on a greasy field due to the heavy rain prior the game.

Stags' Taufik Suparno opened the account in 56th minute before Amer Hakeem levelled for the Tigers in 67th minute but the hosts' joy was temporary when Boris Kopitovic placed Stags back on the pole position in 69th minute and walked away with their first three points of this season from dim-lighted Toa Payoh Stadium .

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SGPL - Balestier Khalsa 4-0 Tanjong Pagar United 040421

Jaguars' Reo Nishiguchi looking for options from the flank

Balestier Khalsa notched their first three points of their AIA Singapore Premier League campaign when they crushed Tanjong Pagar United F.C. 4-0 on damp Toa Payoh surface.

Faizal Raffi opened the trigger on the 24th minute to give the hosts the lead, Kristijan Krajcek netted a brace with Sime Zuzul added his name on the scoresheet in the 55th minute.

While the Jaguars' woeful start of the season continued with this fourth consecutive defeat.

Before the match, a minute of silence as a mark of respect to the passing on of former international M Kumar.

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SGPL - Lion City Sailors 2-2 Albirex Niigata (S) 070421

"What is the issue, referee?"

This was a "do-or-die" battle for the perceived title favourites - Lion City Sailors to prove they are contenders and not pretenders.

Unfortunately, facing the understrength defending champions Albirex Niigata (S), the heavy spending Sailors had to come from a two-goal deficit to salvage a draw and unfamiliar spot in the standings that is soon to be familiar.

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SGPL - Balestier Khalsa 0-1 Hougang United 100421

Shawal Anuar fired in a cross despite the resistance

This was one of the matches being played after the relevant authorities allowed limited number of fans back to the AIA Singapore Premier League matches.

Japanese striker Tomoyuki Doi added his season to 10 after his solitary strike in the second half saw the Cheetahs beat Balestier Khalsa 1-0 at Toa Payoh Stadium.

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SGPL - Tampines Rovers 3-2 Geylang International 160421

Moresche has been the bright spark for the Eagles

Thought it was a pity that a draw was a fair result given how Geylang came back strongly after twice in the game.

But it was a costly defensive blunder that saw Taufik Suparno came in unmarked to score the decider.

But credit to Geylang's 'keeper Zainol Gulam who kept the score low for put up a credible show after the heavy defeat to LCS days ago.

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SGPL - Young Lions 0-4 Tampines Rovers 020521

Tampines' Boris Kopitovic watches as YL's Dylan Pereira saved a shot

The only thing came to my mind after settled down all my thoughts on this outcome is - are these Young Lions boys capable to play at a higher level after they "graduated" from the setup?

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To sum up what went wrong in Saudi Arabia for the Singapore National Team is pretty straight forward when the writings were already on the wall prior to the resumption of the campaign.

Before the halt of the FIFA World Cup/AFC Asian Cup joint qualifiers almost two years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic, everything was rosy for the perennial underachieving Lions.

Tatsuma Yoshida is Singapore National Football Team Coach

Coach Tatsuma Yoshida's (filed) honeymoon period is over

Under Japanese coach Tatsuma Yoshida, the four-time Asean champions found a new lease of life by chalked up two wins, one draw and two defeats in Group D of the joint qualifiers - a performance that was lauded by many in a group that included regional heavyweights like Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan.

Unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances saw the Lions and rest of the region endured a lengthy international break since the postponement of the qualifying matches in last August was announced by both FIFA and AFC, that positive momentum enjoyed by the Singaporeans had to come to a premature end.

The ongoing pandemic proved to be a challenge to every aspect of our daily lives and not just to football too.

With stringent travelling restrictions imposed due to the pandemic, it was impossible to schedule any friendly games in recent months to give the Lions the much needed match practice with the sparring game against Afghanistan in UAE was the only warning up before the resuming of the joint qualifiers.

NOT JUST THE MISSING TRIUMVIRATE
It was easy to single out the unavailability of the triumvirate of skipper Hariss Harun, defence lynchpin Safuwan Baharudin and target man Ikhsan Fandi as the key reason why the Lions could not live up the expectations but any keen observer would also noticed the comments made by Coach Yoshida before the beginning of the joint campaign.

A file picture of Singapore football defender Safuwan Baharudin

Safuwan Baharudin (filed) was one of those out of action

Not once but twice had the one-time Jurong FC player highlighted the lack of playing time of some of those he selected.

Speaking to The New Paper before the friendly against Afghanistan, the 47-year-old stated the objectives of the said friendly before added on:" ... some of them did not get many playing opportunities in their clubs, they can use this game to get more (playing) time and get back the match-playing feeling.", a similar quote as mentioned in a separate interview with the FAS website after the match played at the Iranian Club in Dubai.

NOT ROCKET SCIENCE
Winger Hafiz Nor, who started the game against Palestine, was one of those short of the playing time when one online portal reported the Lion City Sailors player only "played 61 minutes of SPL football out of 990 minutes."

It is not rocket science that our aim was to make it to the Asian Cup, given the positive start to the joint qualifying campaign two years ago and definitely more game time should be given to those over the age of 23 in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) for much needed match practice.

Shouldn't the league authority scrapped the controversial U23 quota just for this season to fulfil the Asian Cup dream?

Shakir Hamzah in Singapore National Football Team training in 2019

Shakir Hamzah's (filed) late withdrawal sent shockwaves

However, with the biennial SEA Games also scheduled at the end of this year (despite media reports claimed it might be postponed), the existing U23 quota has to remain in the place for such purpose in the chase of that elusive regional glory which is still remain out of reach despite success in the senior Asean level.

With such unfavourable circumstances and coupled with the shock withdrawal of Shakir Hamzah before the closing match against Saudi Arabia which saw the Lions losing three-nil, one thing for sure is - the honeymoon period for Coach Yoshida is over, even though it was not entirely his fault.

In a poll conducted on this platform's IG Story months ago, I asked if anyone is aware there was once an organization representing the players.

The outcome of the result revealed a majority are not aware of this when there was once an organization meant for this purpose.

Rahim Omar (pictured, as credited)

It was during one of those random searches online for materials, it came to my attention of a meeting that gathered a group of disgruntled footballers in the early 1960s that piqued my interest to learn more about this short-lived organization.

On 15th August 1962, a pro-tem committee was formed with renowned footballer Rahim Omar named as chairman of this committee.

According to The Straits Times report that was published on the following day, the main objective of the group was to "seek better treatment for the players, who had in the past been duped by false promises".

Among those who attended the inaugural meeting were Quah Kim Beng, Umar Rahmat, Ivan Vass, etc. with Quah being named secretary of the association.

One of the group's proposals was to have one representative, preferably an ex-Malaya Cup player, sit in the Singapore Amateur Football Association (SAFA, the former name of Football Association of Singapore (FAS)) council, the selection committee, as well as the coaching committee.

The poll was conducted in May 2021

Months later, a trade unionist and former school teacher Seah Yun Chong accepted the invitation and was formally elected as the first president of the "Association of Football Players" (AFP) in the meeting that took place in Farrer Park in late October 1962.

In his first speech of the AFP president, Seah pledged to secure a "fair deal" for the players at both club and "state" (Singapore was still a self-governing state under the British) levels.

There are not much information about this erstwhile organization, although several media reports, like this, detailed its runs-in with the game governing bodies on both sides of the Causeway.

FAM not recognize AFP (as credited)

Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) refused to recognize the legitimacy of AFP despite its status as a registered body with Singapore's Registrar of Societies and having one delegate attending the SAFA council meeting in one of those spats in 1964 when the island state was still a part of Malaysia.

DISSOLVED IN 1967
The AFP was formally dissolved on 22nd September 1967, as informed by the Registry of Societies in an email reply to a query put up by this platform.

Since then, the fraternity has not seen any organization like AFP to represent footballers in this country, and any matters pertaining to players would be referred to FAS' Player Status Committee like this 2014 case involving Sevki Sha’ban and Home United.

Several attempts were made to revive such an organization when the S.League was launched in 1996 but failed to materialize.

2001 ATTEMPT
One such attempt was by ex-national defender R Sasikumar and a few senior players back in 2001 to form a players' union.

The former Home United defender felt having a union "is a logical step forward" in an interview with the TODAY newspaper in January 2001.

The plan to start a union by S.League players (as credited)

"I think many of the players feel there is a need for a union, especially when it comes to contract negotiations, and looking out for the rights of the players." added Sasi in the said interview which also mentioned the idea gathered support from players like the then national captain Nazri Nasir, S Subramani, Aide Iskandar and Steven Tan.

The proposal received a boast when TODAY reported the then FAS president Mah Bow Tan and Director of Competitions Chris Chan supported the idea of the formation of a players' union in April 2001.

Surprisingly, given such a strong backing from the top, the whole idea did not take off and it was miscarriage along the process without much fanfare.

2014 ATTEMPT
Thirteen years later, the Mediacorp tabloid reported another attempt to form a players' union by Hafiz Osman and Zulfadli Zainal.

“We are not looking to oppose the FAS, but to work amicably and professionally with them. It is time the players have a voice in policies, and not just merely accepting whatever decisions that are passed down,” explained Zulfadli the motive behind the duo's proposal of a footballers' union in their interview with TODAY in November 2014.

The idea of setting one came about after changes were made to the S.League with the reduction of 12 teams to 10, players' age restrictions, etc. which "sparked anger over the abrupt announcement and claims that players and staff were not consulted first.", as mentioned in the above-mentioned article.

Similar to the 2001 attempt, the plan failed to see the fruition of the organization too.

THIRD TIME LUCKY?
Till today, Indonesia and Malaysia are some of the countries in the region having a representative organization for professional footballers affiliated with FIFPRO (Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels or International Federation of Professional Footballers in English), the worldwide representative organization for professional football players.

Fifpro - Graphics, HD Png Download - kindpng

The logo of FIFRO (credit)

Hong Kong recently formed its own Professional Footballers Association of Hong Kong (PFAHK).

With the recent controversies surrounding players' welfare in the AIA Singapore Premier League, are we likely to see an attempt to form one representative body to look after the players' welfare and rights?

Maybe third time lucky?

But ultimately it is up to the players, themselves, to see if they going to make it happened.

(P.S 1: Some images in this entry were reproduced from online sources, as credited, should anyone feel it's inappropriate to have any of the media shown, please kindly email me as soon as possible and I will remove them upon request.)

(P.S 2: I stand to be corrected should there be any mistake in this entry, please feel free to email me if there is, thanks)

Friendly - Geylang International 2-3 Hougang United 090621

Geylang's Moresche (left) and Hougang's Lionel Tan

The Cheetahs walked away with a 3-2 over the Eagles in this friendly fixture at Our Tampines Hub.

Geylang took the two-nil lead through Brazilian striker Moresche and Asshukrie Wahid before Gilberto Fortunato reduced the deficit from a spot-kick before interval to make it 2-1.

Shahril Ishak and AIA Singapore Premier League leading scorer Tomoyuki Doi added one each after the break to make it 3-2 to seal the game for Hougang.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE THE REST OF THE MATCH PICTURES

Friendly - LCS 3-0 Geylang International 160721

Eye for the corner in this LCS-Geylang friendly at JBS

Diego Lopes' second half hat-trick was deemed enough to help Lion City Sailors to beat Geylang International 3-0 at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

This friendly fixture was the final match for both sides before the resuming of their AIA Singapore Premier League.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE THE REST OF THE MATCH PICTURES

SGPL - Hougang United 1-4 Tanjong Pagar United 240721

Jags' Shodai Nishikawa (15) tried to keep the ball in play

Hougang United suffered a crushing 4-1 defeat at home at the hands of Tanjong Pagar United in their own backyard.

After a goal-less first half, the floodgates were opened in the second when Anaqi Ismit opened the account in the 48th minute.

Tomoyuki Doi levelled the scores in the 62nd minute with a well-taken free-kick for the home side but couldn't stop the avalanche when Luiz Junior (67'), Reo Nishiguchi (88') and Khairul Amri (90' +4') added their names on the scorer list.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE THE REST OF THE MATCH PICTURES

Someone said I used the meme wrongly

Good Day to all,

Just something spontaneous I shared this morning with those who subscribed to the platform's telegram channel. This evening is another historical moment in Singapore football and Tampines Rovers are due to make their debut in the AFC Champions League tournament.

The Stags will be the second Singapore club after SAFFC to be featured in the elite continental club competition with veteran Daniel Bennett involving for the third time in his long illustrious career.

Although the harsh reality is this noteworthy moment is being overshadowed by the ongoing Euro2020 with everyone's favourite match due to take place.

But nonetheless, let's enjoy our football 😁 (image using Meme Generator)

- 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎'𝒔 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒍 -

Wonder if you understand why I am trying to say?

Good Day to all,

Posted this on IG Story days ago.

It came after Tampines Rovers suffered a thrashing defeat in their ongoing AFC Champions League campaign that triggered a massive outcry on various social media sites.

I decided not to post anything of that game as I felt no purpose in doing so when I did not watch the game and therefore not in the position to comment anything (I only saw the highlights later).

Furthermore, if the post turned out to be another hotspot just to allow some to vent their frustrations like seen in some places, which might be escalated into something irrational, I think it would defeat the whole purpose of having this platform in the first place.

Instead, I would rather share something that would be more beneficial in allowing others to appreciate and understand local football, such as historical stuff, etc.

Last but not least, please kindly adhere to the "House Rules" when participating in any discussion on interactive platforms of "BoLASEPaKO.com".

Thank you for your support.

- 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎'𝒔 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒍 -

Did you see the rainbow?

Good day to all,

Plenty of things happened over the last few days.

➡️ The resuming of the AIA Singapore Premier League.

➡️ The two-and-half-year partnership between Lion City Sailors and Borussia Dortmund.

➡️ Another Tampines Rovers player tested positive for the Covid19 after returning from the AFC Champions League campaign in Uzbekistan.

✅ ✅ The first two are, no doubt, some positives injected to the scene while, and hopefully, the infected Tampines players will get well soon 🙏.

🤒 From what I read, not only Tampines players are infected, six persons from Gamba Osaka and Frontale Kawasaki are infected as well.

🤒 Gamba reported having two players and two accompanied staff down with the virus, while Frontale non-playing staff were infected, according to Sohu, a China news portal.

🤦🏻‍♂️Although, it is regrettable to come across some nonsensical comments targeted at those infected Tampines players which clearly shown the lack of empathy towards anyone who is not well.

That is the short update of the day.

Till then, stay safe and healthy and don't gather in numbers ❌

Thank you for your support.

(📷 This picture was taken before the start of the friendly between Lion City Sailors and Geylang International on 16/7)

- 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎'𝒔 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒍 -

The late Mr. Lee Kuan Yew (as credited)

Good day to all,

I saw these words from the late Mr. Lee Kuan Yew from the source which I credited on the bottom of the shared picture.

Perhaps, it may be the case for other aspects of Singaporeans but not necessarily when we come to talk about local football.

I think we all know too well that there are some individuals around who always like to compare the past with the present and some to the extent of belittling the efforts of the present generation while gratifying the greatness of those in the past.

In fact, this syndrome of comparing is nothing new and certainly did not occur only in recent years which I believe since the first day a football was kicked on the shores of Singapore, it already started.

Just check out this blog post which I did in 2019 - "We Will Thank Raddy 20 Years Later, Instead Of Now ..." which there are few examples to show how deeply the syndrome of comparing is entrenched in local football.

While it is good to be inspired by the past to improve ourselves but never a good thing to dwell in past to belittle the efforts of those after them.

That is the short update of the day.

Till then, stay safe and healthy and don't gather in numbers ❌

Thank you for your support.

- 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎'𝒔 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒍 -

A book not to be missed

Good day to all,

I would like to recommend you this book - the autobiography of Mr. Quah Kim Song, the former national striker in the 1970s.⠀

For those who know the background of Mr. Quah, I think I shan't dwell on that part, and for those who don't know who Mr. Quah was, please head to the nearest library to loan and read it.

If anyone wants to know more about the history of the local football and those swinging days of the 1970s aka the "Kallang Roar" era, this is the book to read.

But there is one chapter in which Mr. Quah detailed his NSF days and it is something noteworthy as it explained how he juggled his fledgling football career with his citizenry obligations.

Do have a read of that chapter, since there is now an ongoing discussion about sportsmen serving their NS and see how the SAFSA can be revived to help in this cause.

That is the short update of the day.

Till then, stay safe and healthy and don't gather in numbers ❌

Thank you for your support.

- 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎'𝒔 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒍 -

an image using Meme Generator to illustrate the cruel world a professional footballer is in

Good day to all,

Two unfortunate incidents took place over the last weekend in the AIA Singapore Premier League.

First was that infamous post-match interview by the league broadcaster with Hougang United's coach Clement Teo after his side lost 4-1 to Albirex Niigata (Singapore) which was widely discussed and the other would be the 4-2 defeat of Balestier Khalsa in the hands (again) to the Young Lions.

I only saw the highlights of the BK-YL match and was left flabbergasted by the first goal conceded by Balestier Khalsa's keeper Zach Leong.

I may sounded picking on this reserve Tigers' custodian but such a horrendous slip-up and poor decision-making is making a mockery out of the whole setup and should never allow happening even in a schoolboys' game.

"People paid admission charge to watch a game of football and not a comedy like those defensive slip-ups that schoolboys be ashamed of, let alone being a top-tier game," I replied to my posting after shared the highlights on FB page.

Being a part of a professional sports team is a privilege and only those who are prepared adequately with the right attitude and ready to perform will survive in this cutthroat environment where there is NO such thing called compassion.

That is the short update of the day.

Till then, stay safe and healthy and don't gather in numbers ❌

Thank you for your support. (📷 Meme Generator app)

- 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎'𝒔 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒍 -

The Google Search from 15/8 to 21/8/21

Good day to all,

A random search on Google Trends to test the three names that generate some buzz in the otherwise tepid scene over the last week.

As we noticed "K Kannan" was the first to peak after the much-publicized bid to have his ban lift by FAS.

Zaiful Nizam was axed by the Tigers

Follow that was the shock termination of Zaiful Nizam's contract by Balestier Khalsa after the internal disciplinary inquiry which resulted in a spike in his name is searched online.

To round things up on a positive note was the naturalization of South Korean-born Song Ui-young as a Singapore citizen.

Till then, stay safe and healthy and don't gather in numbers ❌

Thank you for your support.

Snapped this before I was ushered back to the main stand

No one, except for Sembawang Rangers fans, knows why it was called the "Ibrahim Corner" at this part of Yishun Stadium, where I took my place here prior to the start of the S.League match between Harimua Muda and Albirex Niigata (Singapore) back in March 2012.

But one thing is for sure, for many Stallions faithful in the past, this stand facing the main stand of the stadium holds many memories for them.

This was the place where local football used to have some of its most passionate supporters congregated during the Stallions' home games in yesteryears until the club decided to pull out in 2003 because of financial difficulties.

One of the things I remembered of these Sembawang supporters was in 2005 when they turned up in numbers at Ibrahim Corner to show their support to former Sembawang Rangers coach Vorawan Chitavanich, who was in charge of Tampines Rovers, at a league game against the Young Lions at this stadium which was the developmental squad's home ground for that season because of the resurfacing of the Jalan Besar Stadium pitch.

Since then, this stadium has seen other tenants such as Super Reds, Sporting Afrique, and Beijing Guo'an Talent after the Stallions' exit before Harimau Muda moved in to play their home fixtures in the 2012 S.League season under the controversial FAS-FAM joint MOU inked in 2011.

Despite efforts by the league authority to establish a sustainable presence here, no other teams came close to match the legacy left behind by the Stallions with many fans still hope to see the return of the "black-white" one day in this part of Singapore.

THE ORIGIN OF "IBRAHIM'S CORNER"
According to one feedback, "Ibrahim Corner" was named after Ibrahim Noh, a former Sembawang Rangers player.

Replying to the Facebook posting that first shared this article in March 2012, 'Haizam Jdn' wrote: "The Ibrahim Corner was coined by the Rangers fans sitting at the open gallery stand opposite the grandstand in tribute to Ibrahim Noh running down the wings. One of the Sembawang legends whose hardworking runs up and down the flanks gave birth to the Ibrahim Corner stand."

Naming a spot at a stadium where home fans come together is a common practice around the world.

SOME RENOWNED "CURVA"
Some of those renowned ones are found in Europe, examples are those in Italian football where these spots are known as "curva" or curve in English.

The term "curva" derived from the curved stands of the stadium where home supporters, usually those passionate followers, would gather.

Some of those notable ones are "Curva Nord" and "Curva Sud" in both San Siro in Milan and Rome's Stadio Olimpico (Inter fans and SS Lazio fans are based in Curva Nord of San Siro and Olimpico respectively, whereas AC Milan and AS Roma supporters populated Curva Sud of the mentioned venues).

UltraSel Curva in action in Stadium Shah Alam

In Malaysia, Green Curva Nord is the name given by Ultrasel Curva, a Selangor FC supporters group to their Gate 2 base at Stadium Shah Alam, the home ground of the Klang Valley side.

While known for their undying support for the"Merah-Kuning", the Ultrasel Curva members are also famous for their no-holds-barred approach in register their unhappiness if the team does not perform up to their expectations.

WHY HOOLs STAY OUT
In the current local setup, the presence of the HOOLs (Hougang Only One Love) can be felt at Gate 3 of the Hougang Stadium during Hougang United's home games in the pre-Covid19 days.

"We chose Gate 3 as it was directly behind the home dugout in Hougang Stadium hence Gate 3 became a natural extension to our name, and that’s where we feel at home when gathering for our Hougang. And to us, Gate 3 is still where we belong." said a HOOLs spokesman in response to the question of why the name "Gate 3" was chosen.

Hougang United's players showing appreciation to HOOLs (file)

However, since the resuming of the AIA Singapore Premier League season weeks ago, the HOOLS camped themselves outside the Hougang Stadium to catch their heroes in action.

"The main reason is we won’t want to be restricted with what we can or cannot do within the stadium, e.g. use our drums, sing for our players." explained the same spokesman on the decision to gather behind the open gallery outside the stadium.

Furthermore, there is another reason behind the move, when the spokesman added: "Since there is a cap on the maximum numbers, us staying outside gives other Hougang supporters the chance to fill the stands."

UE SCATTERED AROUND FOR SAFETY
Meanwhile, the"Ultra Eagles" (UE) - the Geylang International's unofficial supporters group called the place where they once assembled at Bedok Stadium as "The Gallery" - the open-air stand facing the main stand of the former home ground of the inaugural S.League champions.

After moving into Our Tampines Hub (OTH) to ground share with Tampines Rovers, UE members cheer their team from Level 4 of the Hub where there is no specific moniker to that spot by them.

Besides the location that overlooks the corner, it was revealed that some UE members would voice their support from the running track which is located at the rooftop of the OTH due to the ongoing Safety Distancing Measures (SDM) implemented by the relevant authorities because of Covid19.

"Swan Army" is formed by a group of Albirex Niigata (S) fans

Likewise, a check with another fan group based in OTH, The Yellow Knights (Tampines Rovers supporter group) also don't have a specific name for their usual spot where they cheer for the Stags and the same goes to Swan Army, the Albirex Niigata (Singapore)'s fans group based in Jurong East Stadium.

This may be not a common thing for the local fans to name a spot where they assemble at their home games, but such practice should be encouraged in order to foster a sense of belonging among fans and forge a spiritual connection between them and the club they support.

PS: This article was first published on 18th March 2012 and is being refurbished with additional details in line with the content repurposing of this blog.

"United" All Over The Shop - Trend OR Reality?

Ground Hopping Continues ...

Tigers Heading Back To Toa Payoh For A Short While ...

What Those IG Story Polls Tell Me About The Untapped Potential of Local Club Merchandise

[Guest Column] - Unleash The Roar: Do it well, or lose the fans forever

Sailors Docked at MacPherson

"Matchpix" - Resumption of Season 2020

OFTEN FORGOTTEN - THE SHADOWED SIGNIFICANCE OF LIONS' ASEAN GLORIES

"Matchpix" - March - May 2021

Honeymoon Period is Over for Coach Yoshida

Third Time Lucky For A Players' Union?

"Matchpix" - Jun - Jul 2021

[Telegram Chat] - Do You Know Tampines Playing In ACL?

[Telegram Chat] - Why Start A Forest Fire For Nothing?

[Telegram Chat] - The JBS Rainbow in July

[Telegram Chat] - The Syndrome Of Comparing

[Telegram Chat] - How Mr Quah Served His NS

[Telegram Chat] - Only The Fittest Will Survived

[Telegram Chat] - What Are The Hottest Online?

Ibrahim Corner And The "Curva" Culture in Singapore Football