As Footballopod unveiled 13 out of a total of 16 sides who will partake in the League of Champions next month, many readers would wonder if this second edition could live up to the success garnered by the inaugural competition last year. In hindsight, there are a series of factors which could make the second coming of the LOC a different yet still one of the most exhilarating events to look out for in the competitive amateur football scene this year.
Firstly, based on the recent team list, you have more than 7 new sides such as Team Intense from the ESPZEN League and Latini FC from the Cosmo League who are making their debut in the LOC. Some of them are credible champions who are capable of impressing their opponents with their attractive style of football weekly whilst some possess mentally strong individuals who have what it takes to contest against the best amateur players today. On the other hand, this could to a certain extent alter the way how reigning champions SCC Firsts, runners-up Casuals FC and fourth placed holders Eunos Crescent FC derive their gameplan when they come face to face with their ‘unfamiliar’ opponents.
Secondly, we could witness more goals from the first day of the LOC when teams tussle for a spot in the quarter finals during the Group Stage phase. Representatives Blackjack FC and Y Homeless FC together have amassed almost 100 goals in the GAFL(Goal Arena Football League) last season whilst reigning EFL(Equatorial Football League) champions Singapore Vipers FC notched home 44 goals in 18 games in their last league campaign, averaging at least two goals in each fixture.
Thirdly, amateur footballers and readers are looking forward to the results of the LOC draw which is set to occur at Tampines SAFRA on 30 November. Instead of dividing 12 teams into 4 groups back in the inaugural LOC last year, we could expect a competitive start to the competition when 16 teams are divided into 4 groups. Competing against 3 opponents in the group stage, each participating team are given more time to prove their mettle in the pitch and obtain the results they desire to book their place in the last 8.
What can we expect from LOC 2011?
What do you think?