Story by Koh Yizhe/Red Sports. Photos by Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports.
With the departure of key players including top scorer Aleksandar Duric (centre) from Singapore Armed Forces football club, will Richard Bok and Ahmad Latiff be able to retain the title? (Photo 1 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
The 2010 S.League season kicked-off with Young Lions coming back from two goals down to draw with Woodlands Wellington 2-2.
The developmental Under-23 side has boosted their squad in the close season with players like Serbian midfielder Luka Savic, but they still needed a last-minute goal from substitute Afiq Yunos to salvage the draw. After coming back with the South-East Asian bronze medal, the Young Lions will be hoping to continue their good fortune in the S.League.
Defending champions Singapore Armed Forces Football Club are going to be a force to reckon with as they seek their fifth consecutive S.League title. They have brought in a total of 10 new players after the departure of defender Kenji Arai, midfield maestro Therdsak Chaiman as well as top scorer Aleksandar Duric.
Out of the lot, Swedish midfielder Niklas Sandberg stands out together with Uruguayan striker Federico Marinez. They join Singapore national players Noh Rahman and Indra Shadan who are also new to the team. Besides attempting to retain their S.League crown, the Warriors will be competing in the Asian Champions League, the Singapore Cup, and the League Cup.
SAFFC will play their first match of the season against Geylang United who has brought in Itimi Dickson.
Two new teams have been added to the league. Beijing Guoan and French side Eotile FC are now the 11th and 12th team after the the Super Reds were dropped and Brunei DPMM FC were banned from competing by FIFA.
Award winners Gabriel Obatola, Aleksandar Duric, Valery Hiek and Richard Bok at the 2009 S.League Awards Night. (Photo 2 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
Gabriel Obatola from Gombak United FC took home the Young Player of the Year award. “It has been a very hard year for me but my coach and team mates have been there for me,” said the foward who also won YEO’s People’s Choice award. He will be joined by Obadin Aikhena at Gombak United in the coming season. (Photo 3 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
Valery Hiek from Home United was crowned the Player of the Year and will be hoping to lead Home United to glory this season. (Photo 4 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
Kengne Ludovick from Home United received an award for his 100 S.League goals. He will continue to score goals for Home United in the 2010 S.League season. (Photo 5 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
SAFFC’s Ahmad Latiff took home the award for the Goal of the Year. (Photo 6 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
Aleksandar Duric with ex-international Abbas Saad (left). Duric clinched the golden boot once again with 28 goals scored. “It’s great to win three in a roll. Not only was it hard work myself, but the team knows what kind of ball I want and I was able to finish them,” said Duric about his win. He will now ply his trade at Tampines Rovers for another year. (Photo 7 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
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