Bears and Tigers chasing first win of 2009

Fabius Chen
info@sleague.com

As far as difficult starts to a football season go, few clubs in the history of the game can rival Balestier Khalsa’s opening fixtures of the 2009 S.League season.

Last season’s wooden spoonists have already been on the wrong end of 3-0 hidings at the hands of 2008’s first and third-placed teams, SAFFC and Home United. These were followed by a respectable 1-1 draw against last season’s fourth-placed Tampines Rovers.

On Wednesday, the Tigers complete their tour of 2008’s top four with a visit to Yishun Stadium and league runners-up, Super Reds.

If it is any consolation, the Korean side has struggled to rediscover last season’s form and like their visitors on Wednesday, has only one point from their opening three games.

While club captain Jufri Taha described the Tigers’ start to the season as “challenging”, coach Nasaruddin Abdul Jalil remained upbeat.

“After Wednesday, we would have cleared the four biggest hurdles and can start looking at how to face the remaining teams,” he explained.

“We have many new faces who need time to gel, so there is more to gain from playing against top sides.”

One of these new signings, Brazilian forward Ednardo Moura, is currently nursing a hamstring strain and was rated as doubtful to start against Super Reds.

However, Nasaruddin mentioned another new addition to his squad that fans can expect big things from.

Singling out Australian forward Bryan Soane as one for the future, the Tigers coach commented: “For someone playing professionally for the first time, he looks very impressive.”

The player himself took his coach’s praise with a pinch of salt.

“I feel I can give more to the team; as my match fitness and experience in the league improve, so will my game,” 21-year-old Soane said.

Meanwhile, Jeon Kyeong Joon’s Super Reds are at full strength ahead of Wednesday’s game and wary of the threat their opponents could pose.

“If there is a chance to win, we will grab it but Balestier is not an easy team to beat just because they finished bottom last year,” coach Jeon pointed out.

Like Balestier, the Koreans have several new faces in their squad but Jeon refused to blame this for their unconvincing start to the season.

He said: “I decide on my best eleven based on the players’ fitness. Those who are fit and in better condition will play.”

Jeon Byung Euk expressed confidence that his side’s performance will improve with time.

“It is just the start of the season. We are still in the process of adjusting and bonding,” the 22-year-old said.

Teammate Yun Bo Young agreed with him, declaring: “It is too early to be concerned; the new players are just getting used to the style of Singapore football.”

Midfielder Jeon, who scored Super Reds’ first goal this season from the penalty spot in their 1-2 loss to Brunei DPMM FC, revealed that spirits are still high in the Korean dressing room.

“Our morale is still on the positive side. Everyone is trying to do better each time,” he claimed.

Over at Yishun Stadium, there was a similar sense of optimism that the season can only get better.

Skipper Jufri said: “The team has bonded together quite well and there is a strong fighting spirit.

“I think we can spring a surprise on Wednesday.”