Saturday, February 27, 2010

Feb happenings - Disappointments/Shocks/Hopes

Due to time constraints and unfortunate events, there have been few entries in the past weeks.

Anyway, while browsing through to catch up on the news revealed a shocker. Young player of the year Ojimi Obatola's employment pass not renewed? What the heck man? any kind soul there with an explanation on this?

Anyway, once again it seems like Geylang is going to have another disappointing season ahead. I suppose w/o Masrezwan upfront, the Eagles will find goals hard to come up. Jury is still pending about Tomko and Ghindaru. Much will depend on Miro again. There are tactical issues which I dun agree with.

Suppose there will always be a short supply of goals in their matches once again this season as defence is once again the main focus. One nil scorelines will be common. AFC Cup wise, I am not that optimistic about their chances especially when you struggle in the final third of the field.

On the other hand, my 'hometown' club Sengkang looks like they are doing well. Credit to Aide especially many of us thought they would struggle again this campaign.

Another darkhorse will be Rams from the north. A decently solid and balanced team in my view.

Will try to catch up on the league soon.

Meanwhile, lets get behind the Lions for Wednesday's clash with Jordan (Live, Ch 5, 11pm). Thier form hadnt been good. But they usually perform when odds are stacked again them, so C'mon Lions! I wanna hear your ROar!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Sights @ Hougang Stadium 2 Feb

It was the first 2010 S-League game for me this year and of course it was at Hougang Stadium for Sengkang vs Balestier. Hardly a big game, but as usual there was a decent crowd at the Dolphins nest.

Pre-match feel was for Tigers win considering they are now a much more stable team from last season and with old head Salim Moin helping out Coach Nasar.

Just as I entered the stadium at the 18th min mark, Geylang discard Rivaldo Costa put the Tigers. Not too long later, fellow samba boy Vitor Borges, recommended by Peres, was caught by Fadhil Salim in the box and it was Rivaldo who put the Tigers 2 nil up from the spot, Fadhil narrowly missing his punch.

Just as HT approached, Jordan Webb, impressive with his a-la Robinho stepovers, ghosted into the box to chest a long ball down, beat the keeper, and passed the ball into the empty net.

In between, the Tigers had defender Sofiyan sent off for a second yellow card.

The second half saw Sengkang swinging cross after cross into the box but to no avail. Jalal and vice-cap Lau Meng Meng behind most of the inviting ones. Tigers keeper was in fine form and Sengkang were somewhat poor in front of goal.

2010 for Sengkang is a totally different one from the Jon Angelucci's long ball time, this group relies more on pace and speed up front with decent wide men.

However, my personal opinion is that Diallo Abdoulaye is never a centre back. Oh pls. The foreign policy is somehow screwed here.

Other interesting sights:

- Prof Ho Peng Kee spotted, along Venga, and the 3 men Etoile entourage

- Richard Bok and Mike Wong on scouting missions

- *new* Vitor Borges I believed needed the attention of his physio at least 3 times during the match, if i remembered correctly, the stretcher party was quite tired carrying him off so many times.

- Current Thai Port player Cameroonian Modourou Moise with his African teammates cum friends, possibly on a scouting mission on the Eagles game on Wed with SAF. When asked if he was here on holiday, he said no. And gave me a smile when I asked if he was on scouting trip. Haha. The Thai team is probably in pre-season mode right now, so likelyhood he has been given off by his Coach.

- 2 ladies, who are from the Sengkang management team, giving out Mentos sweets in a nicely decorated basket to the VIP section during the game.