In one of the best title races since the inception of the S.League 20 years ago, Brunei DPMM rightly lifted the league trophy
The Wasps beat Balestier 4-0 to win their first-ever S.League title, on home soil. (Photo: S.League)
From battling Neymar and his Santos teammates in the Brazilian top flight five years ago, Rafael Ramazotti’s bold move to Southeast Asia paid dividends as he obtained two of the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League’s top accolades this season.
A 4-0 win over Balestier Khalsa last week helped Brunei DPMM to its first-ever S.League title, and the Brazilian hitman also picked up the Golden Boot award for his 21-goal tally this season.
Tosi’s loss is Ramazotti’s gain
When Rodrigo Tosi moved from DPMM to Tampines Rovers, many onlookers thought Steve Kean had lost his top marksman. Little did they know that the former Blackburn Rovers boss had a ready replacement in Ramazotti, who proved to be a shrewd signing.
The towering samba king has proven to be a complete striker. With 26 goals in all competitions, the 27-year-old also had eight assists in 33 matches, making him a hot favourite for the Player of the Season award to be announced next week.
Third-Time Lucky for Royal Wasps
On the final day of last season, Steve Kean’s charges sank to their knees and wondered how they managed to squander another huge lead, and falter at the final hurdle. There was an air of suspense at the Sultan Hassanal Bolkia Stadium before the Balestier match.
Kean was not to be denied, as his team surged into an early lead through Paulo Sergio. The former Sporting Lisbon trainee completed his hat-trick, with Ramazotti’s crisp finish the icing on the cake.
DPMM has undoubtedly been the best in the S.League this season, with a stout defence that has conceded only 26 goals, along with its league-leading 48-goal tally.
From the looks of things, there are even better years ahead for the S.League.
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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