SINGAPORE - In six months, Hougang United have transformed themselves from wooden spoonists to dark horses for the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title.
The Cheetahs, boosted by several key signings in the off-season, face an immediate test of their title credentials in their opener - five-time champions Tampines Rovers.
To boost a blunt forward line, which saw just 22 goals in 24 games last year, they have reunited Singapore international Faris Ramli and Croatian striker Stipe Plazibat.
The duo plundered 58 goals in all competitions for Home United in 2017 before spending last season abroad at separate clubs.
They have also brought in other Lions like Hafiz Abu Sujad and Afiq Yunos, and re-signed Zulfahmi Arifin after his one season with Thai side Chonburi.
The moves have had some touting Hougang as title contenders.
It is quite a turnaround, considering that Hougang were last in the nine-team SPL last year and have never finished in the top half of the league.
Their best results were finishing runners-up in the League Cup in 2007 and 2011.
Head coach Clement Teo is confident of ending the barren run, saying: "Looking at the players we have, we know we can win silverware. But we are also aware that no games have been played yet.
"On paper, yes, we look fantastic and I have no doubt about my players' capabilities. What we need to do now is to get them to work together, on and off the field."
The club have failed to deliver on pre-season hype before.
In 2016, they signed the league's reigning Player of the Year Fumiya Kogure, only to end up sixth out of nine teams. A year later, they roped in Philippe Aw, who built a stylish Home United team over two seasons and brought with him two key men, Zulfahmi and Azhar Sairudin. Again, the Cheetahs finished sixth.
While Teo is bullish this year will be different, he expects a difficult start against Tampines, and terms his team firm underdogs for the tie.
Tampines, seen by some as favourites for the SPL crown, thrashed defending champions Albirex Niigata 4-0 in a friendly two weeks ago, and then won 3-1 at Myanmar league and Cup champions Yangon United in the AFC Cup last Tuesday.
Tampines' strongest XI are almost unchanged from last season. Hougang midfielder Fabian Kwok says that while this consistency is beneficial, he believes that Hougang are better equipped against strong teams this term.
"Last year, we had good players and were competitive in many games," said the 29-year-old, who has been with Hougang since 2017.
"But we lacked the experience, and often lost by one goal to the top teams. This year, we've signed players who are established and they bring that experience we need."
Plazibat, who scored 25 league goals in 22 games for Home in 2017, stressed that the best chance of victory today is through their strength as a unit.
"We are aware of our capabilities (as players) but individual players don't guarantee you anything, you need a team," said the 29-year-old.
"We are very serious about wanting to start the season on a high, because it will be very difficult later on if we don't collect points early.
"My target this season is to win (silverware) with the team. If I score many goals along the way, that's a bonus."
Violent England fans an embarrassment to the team and not welcome, says FA theusbreakingnews 1 day ago US Breaking News Leave a comment 8 Views The Soccer Affiliation has condemned the England supporters who brought about mayhem at the streets of Porto on Wednesday evening as "a humiliation to the workforce" - and says they don't seem
The FA slam England fans as an 'embarrassment to the team'
A strong second-half performance powered Spain to a 3-0 victory over Sweden in UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifying on Monday night at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid. Converted penalties from Sergio
Luis Enrique defends Morata after Norway misses | Goal.com
David De Gea will not be dropped for Manchester United's crunch clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday. That's according to United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has spoken out on criticism of the Spaniard following a number of errors in recent matches, including against Barcelona in the Champions League and in the Manchester derby as City won 2-0 at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
David de Gea: Manchester United keeper gives Ole Gunnar
Watch Chicago Cubs on Apple Devices (iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad) To watch Chicago Cubs games live on your Apple device download the MLB At Bat iPhone app and MLB At Bat iPad app then sign up for MLB.TV. MLB At Bat features a MLB.TV Free Game of the Day, and in-Game Highlights.
How to Watch The Chicago Cubs Live Without Cable in 2019
Yennaris makes China debut in Philippine win
Nico Yennaris became the first foreign-born footballer to represent China when the former Arsenal reserve started in a 2-0 home win over the Philippines on Friday. The 26-year-old midfielder was born in London and was an England youth international, but his mother is Chinese and the country is looking to naturalise footballers to rapidly
Nico Yennaris: Former Arsenal and Brentford midfielder makes
SINGAPORE - Singaporean Akbar Nawas has been named the I-League's best coach after leading Chennai City to their first title earlier this month. The Indian team swept seven out of 10 categories at the I-League awards and trophy presentation ceremony at the Taj Corramandel in Chennai on Wednesday (March 20).
Latest AKBAR NAWAS | The Straits Times
Maurizio Sarri who is the manager of Premier League side Chelsea has reportedly told Belgian football star Eden Hazard that he is free to leave the club if he wants to. Eden Hazard has for the past three seasons being linked with a move to the Spanish giants with Real Madrid said to be ready to sign him in the summer.
Maurizio Sarri: If Eden Hazard wants to leave Chelsea, I
Cesar Luis Menotti Named Director Of Argentina National Teams
Serie A: Napoli draw puts Juve coronation on hold. Published April 7, 2019. Kindly Share This Story. during the Italian Serie A football match between Napoli and Genoa. Photo: AFP.
Serie A: Napoli draw puts Massimiliano Allegri's Juventus
Lions hungry for victory in Afcon final That belongs to the past because on Sunday the Indomitable Lions will contest the final against seven-time champions Egypt without eight players who
O'Driscoll hungry for first Lions series win | Fox News
Mourinho demanded the full payout, with more than £40m due on the new four-year contract that had been announced, deliberately, one day before the start of their Premier League defence against
Manchester United sack Mourinho - espn.com
Jose Mourinho showers praise on Jurgen Klopp, says liverpool coach's 'mentality' behind historic comeback Description: Jose Mourinho said that Liverpool which enjoyed a fantastic run could have ended the season with no title in their kitty but they are now one step away from becoming European champions.
Klopp mentality behind Liverpool's historic comeback
Liverpool produced perhaps the greatest Anfield comeback in the club's European history by beating FC Barcelona 4-0 to reach the 2018-19 Champions League final. Trailing 3-0 from the opening encounter in Spain six days ago, the Reds' hopes of overcoming the Spanish giants on aggregate were alive, yet slim, at kick-off.
Liverpool stun Barcelona to reach final with 4-0 comeback win
0 comments:
Post a Comment