With so much hype surrounding Singapore Football with LionsXII re-entering into the MSL, and the subsequent appointment of new S-League CEO Lim Chin, the new S-League V2.0, and the appointment and subsequent sacking of Johan Gouttefangeas as S-League’s Deputy CEO, the season is finally starting soon with the Great Eastern Charity Shield.
Featuring the Great Eastern Yeo’s S-League and the RHB Singapore Cup winners, both Tampines Rovers and Home United will be eager to kick start their season with a win. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Tampines Head Coach Steven Tan said, “Hopefully our pre-season training tour has helped the new players to gel as a team. I think we are ready for this Sunday and playing Home United has always been interesting. We look forward to thrilling the fans with our football.” Home United head coach Lee Lim Saeng added, “We will play this match to win and show that we can play good football and give the fans something to cheer about.”
Both team captains, Shi Jiayi of Home United and Aleksander Duric of Tampines reiterated their coaches’ thoughts, and both expressed that winning the match on Sunday will give their a boost for the start of the new season.
Home United will be missing John Wilkinson, Franklin Anzite, and Qiu Li for the game on Sunday, while Duric and Ahmad Latiff are doubtful for the match, although Tampines head coach Steven Tan said he might use Duric for 20mins or so in the second half.
It was clear that despite the rivalry on the pitch, both teams shared the same thought, which is to draw the fans’ backing and support the S-League. S-League CEO Lim Chin has set a target of at least 1500 fans for the event on Sunday.
Lots of activites have been planned off the pitch in a bid to draw the fans, including a concert by 2009 Singapore Idol runner up Slyvia Ratonel, and performances by Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s Barracuda Batucada, a lion dance performance and also a lucky draw which includes prizes like Ipad 2s, a 42-inch TVs, gaming consoles and more while there will be free admission for all.
Event Details:
2012 Great Eastern Charity Shield, Tampines Rovers vs Home United
Time: 5pm (Kickoff is at 6pm)
Date: Sunday, 5 Feb 2012
Venue: Jalan Besar Stadium