With so much buzz generated this pre-season, it looks like the best time for Singaporean football fans to fall in love with the S.League again
Faris Ramli (left) will team up with Azhar Sairudin at Home United this season. (Photo: Home United)
The S.League, Singapore’s premier football tour-nament, looks set for a revival as it heads into its 21st season — after years of poor crowd attendance and dwindling interest, in the face of increasing European football exposure.
With all three domestic titles — the S.League, Singapore Cup and League Cup — being captured by Brunei DPMM and Albirex Niigata (S) last year, Singapore teams will be going all out to keep the trophies on home soil this season.
Here are two key things to look out for when the season kicks off in mid-February.
LionsXII stars back in S.League
Apart from Safuwan Baharudin moving to Malaysian club PDRM, the rest of his LionsXII teammates have joined various S.League clubs, making it an even contest across the field, with last season’s bottom-dwellers Geylang International and Hougang United also looking stronger.
While Tampines — with nine LionsXII players — look a shoo-in for the league title, Home United, with their new-look midfield of Zulfahmi Arifin and Faris Ramli, have become the possible surprise challenger.
Meanwhile, Geylang’s recruitment of Gabriel Quak, Faritz Hameed and Sahil Suhaimi makes it a younger force with the legs to last the distance.
Jermaine Pennant must deliver
New Tampines winger Jermaine Pennant has vowed to thrill Singapore fans in the S.League. (Photo: S.League)
A lot of the pre-season buzz has revolved around Tampines bringing in former Liverpool and Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant. Now that the sideshow is over and he’s signed a one-year deal with V Sundramoorthy’s side, it will be interesting to see if the former Premier League “wing wizard” can help to draw the crowds and dazzle them on the pitch.
He’s vowed to “score goals, create lots of assists and bring the title to Tampines”. It remains to be seen if he’s the S.League’s biggest star ever or will become its biggest flop ever.
By Kelvin Leong
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About Kelvin Leong
Kelvin Leong is Associate Editor for ESPN FC, and a former media officer for the Singapore national football team.[/su_note]
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