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Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Balestier Khalsa bid farewell to coach with 3-2 victory over Albirex Niigata
Balestier Khalsa FC players celebrate by pouring a container of ice over their departing coach Peter de Roo after their Singapore Premier League match against Albirex Niigata. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI SINGAPORE – When Balestier Khalsa coach Peter de Roo took over a Tigers side who were second-last in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) in September 2022, he introduced a style of football that combined possession with aggressive pressing during transitions. In his final match at Bishan Stadium on May 25, his charges did well to showcase his football philosophy, giving the Dutchman the perfect parting gift with a last-gasp 3-2 victory over Albirex Niigata — a team Balestier have not beaten since 2015. Substitute Reycredo Bukit, who scored his first goal for the club and the winner in the 95th minute, said: 'I (dedicate) my performance today to coach Peter de Roo. Thank you for giving me the experience of playing in my debut professional season. 'It's so amazing… A very good start for me, and I keep going.' Victory against Albirex, who in 2024 transitioned from a team comprising mainly Japanese players to a local outfit, on the final day of the SPL saw Balestier finishing fourth in the league in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1997 and 1998. De Roo, who was inundated with requests for photos and autographs by fans after the final whistle, said: 'I am proud the guys gave it their all to the end. We wanted to go out with a bang. We worked extremely hard. 'We wanted to repay the supporters for their faith in the last two and a half years. We did not do that with the best football, but as always, the boys played their socks off and worked so hard.' Members of Balestier Khalsa FC (in red) and Albirex Niigata FC (in white) compete for the ball during the final round of 2024-25 SPL season at Bishan Stadium on May 25. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI The 55-year-old's swansong was all the more satisfying as he had finally broken the hoodoo against Albirex after eight losses in as many league meetings, including his first game in charge, a 3-5 home defeat. The Tigers began the game with just a third of the possession, but patiently waited for opportunities on the transition. They opened the scoring in the 27th minute when Jared Gallagher whipped in a deep cross that was met by Anton Fase, who rose highest at the back post to power a header into the top corner. Just before the interval, Balestier top scorer Kodai Tanaka combined with former Albirex teammate Masahiro Sugita for their second goal. Tanaka produced a neat flick into Sugita's path and the winger shimmied past a flailing Hassan Sunny before sweeping the ball home. After a brief VAR check, the players wheeled away in celebration, heading straight to the bench to share the moment with their departing coach. The White Swans threatened to spoil the party as they pulled one back soon after the restart. A cross floated in by Arshad Shamim was nodded in by defender Koki Kawachi for his first goal of the season. An unmarked run by Kawachi during a corner resulted in another bullet header past Balestier keeper Hafiz Ahmad to level the game. Throwing bodies forward in search of a winner, the hosts' persistence paid off when Reycredo spotted Hassan off his line and sent a shot into the back of the net. While disappointed with the stoppage-time loss, Albirex coach Keiji Shigetomi said: 'We wanted to finish the season with a win. We really wanted to give our fans a result they could celebrate… But I believe my boys didn't give up, and they showed our fighting spirit.' Over at the Jurong East Stadium, Tanjong Pagar United stunned third-placed Geylang International as they played out a thrilling 3-3 draw. Earlier on May 24, Brunei DPMM brought their SPL chapter to a close with a sixth straight win, edging Hougang United 3-2 in a hard-fought encounter, courtesy of a brace from top scorer Davis Ikaunieks (12 goals). They are set to rejoin the Malaysia Super League in the 2025/26 season. Tampines Rovers and Lion City Sailors eked out a 0-0 stalemate on the same day after the latter rotated their outfield players for the match, retaining only substitute goalkeeper Zharfan Rohaizad from the first leg of the Singapore Cup semi-final against DPMM as they gear up for the second leg on May 27. Analysis Balestier showcased some attractive passages of counter-attacking play, but were nearly undone by some pedestrian defending. A late offensive onslaught paid dividends as they notched the late win for their departing coach. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Albirex Niigata top scorer Shingo Nakano eyes move to other parts of Asia
Albirex Niigata's Shingo Nakano (left) celebrating with Yohei Otake after scoring a goal in their 5-1 win over Tanjong Pagar United at Jurong East Stadium on May 16, 2025. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO SINGAPORE – Despite a virtuoso performance in Albirex Niigata's 5-1 win over Tanjong Pagar United on May 16, free-scoring striker Shingo Nakano's smile briefly faded after being denied the match ball. His second of three strikes in their Singapore Premier League (SPL) victory at the Jurong East Stadium was belatedly ruled an own goal from opposing defender Thorsten Cross. The 20-year-old Japanese was instead credited with an assist. Such is Nakano's relentless appetite for goals that his focus has already shifted to finding the net in the season finale against Balestier Khalsa on May 25. However, watching the fan favourite find the net may soon become a thing of the past, as he hopes to build on a debut SPL campaign in which he amassed 23 goals and three assists in 28 SPL games, and explore other opportunities in Asia. Asked about his future, Albirex's top scorer, whose contract expires at the end of the season, said: 'I am not sure yet but, if I can make a step up, I am going to the next country. Maybe somewhere in Asia. Malaysia, Thailand or Japan and after that try for Europe.' Albirex Niigata's Shingo Nakano (in mask) celebrating with fans after scoring in the 5-1 win over Tanjong Pagar United in a Singapore Premier League match at Jurong East Stadium on May 16, 2025. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO Their other imports – all Japanese – are also set to see their contracts expire at the end of the season. Veteran midfielder Yohei Otake, who previously played for FC Tokyo and Shonan Bellmare in the top-tier J1 League, had announced earlier in May that he will be leaving the club. The 36-year-old has registered five goals and eight assists in 25 SPL games. Asked about the future of his imports, Albirex coach Keiji Shigetomi said they are not sure yet, adding: 'When new players come in, foreign or local players, we must stay united. That's what is important to me.' The result meant that Albirex consolidated fifth position with 42 points from 31 games. They are four points ahead of Brunei DPMM, who host BG Tampines Rovers on May 17. Tanjong Pagar, in contrast, extended a wretched run of 10 games without a win. With his team having played five games in a two-week span, Jaguars coach Noh Alam Shah said: 'You can see the difference at the end of the second half. It's definitely the fatigue especially after two good showings (against Hougang United and Lion City Sailors).' The Jaguars showed promising signs in the first half, going toe to toe with their opponents as they pressed high through forward Salif Cisse and pacey winger Zenivio Mota. 'Next season, you are going to see a Tanjong Pagar team with high energy. This is my demand. A hardworking and high-pressing team,' added Alam Shah. Nakano took just four minutes to find the opener, as he ghosted behind the defence to meet a cross from Otake, applying a deft touch to steer the ball past goalkeeper Kimura Riki. The Jaguars pulled one back 10 minutes later through their top scorer Cisse as he calmly chipped goalkeeper Hassan Sunny for his ninth league goal. With three minutes left in the first half, Tanjong Pagar captain Faizal Roslan's poor clearance fell to Albirex wingback Junki Yoshimura on the edge of the box, and he drilled a low shot into the bottom-left corner to make it 2-1. In the 66th minute, Otake teed up Nakano once more, and the striker flicked the ball past Riki, but the strike was later deemed to have taken a deflection from Cross and awarded as an own goal. Nakano instead got his brace in the 78th minute. He pounced on a rebound when substitute Daniel Goh's shot was palmed into his path by Riki and then wheeled off in delight to celebrate with the fans. Nakano turned provider in the 83rd minute, delivering a cross that was met by the onrushing Shuhei Hoshino, who fired home to round off the win. In the 88th minute, Albirex had a chance to make it six after being awarded a penalty for a handball by Marcus Moses, but Riki saved Goh's spot-kick to spare his side further blushes. Analysis Albirex seemed to have found their winning groove with consecutive emphatic victories against Geylang International and Tanjong Pagar, bagging nine goals in the process. The White Swans took full advantage of the Jaguars' second-half collapse to widen the scoreline as they look to continue their push for a fifth-placed finish. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Hassan Sunny, 41, wants to hang around, not hang up his gloves
Former national goalkeeper Hassan Sunny will be 42 when his contract with Albirex Niigata ends after the 2025-26 season. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN SINGAPORE – A familiar face between the sticks, Hassan Sunny has been a symbol of longevity in the local game. As his 18th season in the Singapore Premier League draws to a close, the 41-year-old has not put a date to when he intends to retire. 'I have never wanted to stop playing football... My stance has always been to uphold my name. I wouldn't want people to say that Hassan is old, and therefore, he is not performing. It is important that I maintain my level of performance,' said the Albirex Niigata goalkeeper. In June 2023, midway through an SPL title-winning campaign with Albirex, Hassan extended his contract until the end of the 2025-26 season. He will be 42 by the end of his contract, surpassing other veteran goalkeepers who played in the Singaporean top flight, such as David Lee (retired at 41) and having already eclipsed the likes of Shahri Rahim (39), Amos Boon (38) and Rezal Hassan (37). Hassan, who announced his international retirement in 2024 after becoming the most-capped Lions custodian with 115 appearances, added: 'I believe I can still contribute. So, I am not thinking about retirement. My job is to help the club and contribute to whichever team I am playing for. ' But even the goalkeeping stalwart admitted that the season has been 'a very long one', having played in 28 of Albirex's 30 SPL matches and conceded 62 goals in their first full campaign as a local club. 'It's not where we want to be in terms of the league table... I'm not saying it's a success, but from where we were at the start of the season, right at the bottom of the table... I would say it's good progress,' he said. With two games left, Albirex will be aiming to secure fifth place in the nine-team table. After snapping a five-game winless run by defeating third-placed Geylang International 4-1 on May 11, they are just a point above a resurgent Brunei DPMM. Albirex coach Keiji Shigetomi, who replaced the sacked Kazuaki Yoshinaga in July, admitted that it has been a challenging campaign. 'But the team pushed through under tough circumstances,' he said, ahead of their match against Tanjong Pagar United at the Jurong East Stadium on May 16. 'It's also been a difficult period for our fans, but I hope we can all finish the season on a positive note together.' Also hoping for a good end to the campaign is Tanjong Pagar coach Noh Alam Shah. The Jaguars will end the season with the wooden spoon, but he believes their recent improved showings have not come too late. The former national striker, who took the reins in December, said: 'They are just starting to understand how the playing style is supposed to be, but it's good because at least they understand now, then we can start focusing on next season.' This will be Albirex's last home game of the season and Hassan has rallied his teammates. 'We spoke among each other and we were saying that these are the last two games we will play together... Let's cherish these moments... and end the season well,' he said. Since his last international appearance in June 2024 – a 3-1 loss to Thailand in a World Cup qualifier in which his heroics enabled China to qualify for the next round at the Thais' expense – his fame has spread in China. Washington-based United Sports Football Club, whose founder is a former assistant coach of the China national women's team, invited him to participate in mentorship sessions with their young goalkeepers from April 28 to May 5. The club play in the fourth-tier United Premier Soccer League. Thanking Albirex for allowing him to go on the trip, which included a luncheon with World Cup 2026 ambassador Cliff McCrath, Hassan said it was an eye-opener as he gained new experiences. He will hope to pass on those insights to his teammates ahead of next season , where he believes that with 'a good balance of quality foreign and local players,' the club can compete for top honours once again . Brunei DPMM v BG Tampines Rovers (May 17, 8.15pm, Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium) Having extended their SPL unbeaten run to seven matches (five wins, two draws), sixth-placed DPMM will be aiming to leapfrog Albirex by beating Tampines at home for the second time this season, following a 3-2 win in September. Tampines, meanwhile, have won five of their last six SPL matches and have secured second spot behind champions Lion City Sailors. Young Lions v Hougang United (May 19, 7.45pm, Jalan Besar Stadium) The Young Lions, who have already avoided the wooden spoon for the first time since 2020, lost 2-1 to third-placed Geylang at the Jalan Besar Stadium on May 15. While they took the lead through Kan Kobayashi in first-half injury time, the Eagles hit back through Rio Sakuma (68th minute) and Ryoya Taniguchi (90th) to extend the Young Lions' winless run to nine league games. Their season-ending clash against seventh-placed Hougang United at the same venue will now be a dead rubber. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Malay Mail
13-05-2025
- Malay Mail
In Singapore, parents brawl after 8-0 youth win; post-match scuffle leaves one hurt, one arrested
SINGAPORE, May 13 — A 46-year-old man has been arrested for a 'rash act causing hurt' after a confrontation broke out following a youth football match, leaving a parent injured. According to The Straits Times (ST), the incident took place on the evening of May 11 outside Sengkang Secondary School, shortly after an Under-14 Singapore Youth League (SYL) match between Geylang International and Albirex Singapore Football Academy. Geylang won the game 8-0. Police said they received a call for assistance at 10 Compassvale Lane around 7.15pm. 'A 51-year-old man was conveyed conscious to the hospital. A 46-year-old man was arrested for rash act causing hurt. Police investigations are ongoing,' they added. The alleged victim, Daniel Tay, is the father of an Albirex player. He told ST that he was struck with a metal foldable chair after intervening in a verbal altercation between parents following the match. According to Tay, tensions rose after an Albirex parent approached the Geylang coach to say she had been insulted by players during the game. The coach apologised, but Tay said the woman was then taunted by some Geylang parents. He said he stepped in 'to be a good social citizen', but things escalated and he was later attacked outside the school. Tay sustained injuries to his left eye and cheekbone and sought treatment at Sengkang General Hospital. He lodged a police report after the incident. In a Facebook post, Albirex said: 'The club strongly condemns any aggressive actions against our players, coaches, parents and our supporters, and is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all... we will continue to support the affected parent, but will not be making further comments.' The SYL, in its statement, confirmed it had been 'alerted to an altercation between supporters' and said it is in contact with both clubs. 'We remind players and supporters to respect league rules and to abstain from unruly behaviour. Violence will not be tolerated... Disciplinary action will also be taken against such errant behaviour,' it said. Geylang International also responded. U-14 coach Dawood Anuar said both teams' players had exchanged insults during the match, which led to tensions off the pitch. 'I apologised to the Albirex parent but told her that my players also said they were insulted with some words about their mothers... Minutes later, I saw a commotion and an Albirex parent with a cut,' he was quoted as saying. Launched in 2024 under the Unleash The Roar! initiative, the SYL involves over 300 teams and aims to develop young footballers. Reflecting on the incident, Tay said, 'It just takes one or two bad apples to spoil the whole thing... But neither do I want to see them ban parents, because parents are the backbone of the SYL.' Under Singapore law, causing hurt through a rash act can lead to a jail term of up to a year and/or a fine of up to S$5,000 (RM16,600).
Straits Times
12-05-2025
- Straits Times
Man arrested for ‘rash act causing hurt' after Singapore Youth League match
Daniel Tay, parent of an Albirex Niigata youth footballer, sustained injuries to his left eye and cheekbone after the alleged assault on May 11. PHOTO: DANIEL TAY SINGAPORE – A 46-year-old man was arrested for a 'rash act causing hurt', after a parent of a youth footballer was allegedly hit by a chair following a match on May 11. The incident occurred just outside Sengkang Secondary School after an Under-14 Singapore Youth League (SYL) match between Geylang International and Albirex Singapore Football Academy, which Geylang won 8-0. Responding to queries from The Straits Times, the Police said on May 12 that it received a call for assistance at 10 Compassvale Lane on May 11 at about 7.15pm. 'A 51-year-old man was conveyed conscious to the hospital. A 46-year-old man was arrested for rash act causing hurt. Police investigations are ongoing', said the police statement. The SYL is an elite youth football competition, and it is an initiative under the Unleash The Roar! national football project jointly run by Sport Singapore and the Football Association of Singapore (FAS). Speaking to ST on May 12, the alleged victim Daniel Tay – who is in his 50s and the father of one of Albirex's players – said that the incident occurred after the match when a parent of a Geylang player allegedly attacked him with a metal foldable chair. According to Tay, a fellow parent of an Albirex player had approached the Geylang coach after the final whistle to raise concerns that she had been insulted by several Geylang players during the game. Tay said the coach apologised for his players' behaviour. However, as the parent walked away, she was reportedly taunted by a group of Geylang players' parents. Tay said he witnessed the exchange and stepped in 'to be a good social citizen,' reprimanding the group for 'harassing' the woman. At that point, tensions allegedly escalated, with the group shouting at him, though no physical altercation occurred then. He added that he walked out of the school with the match commissioner, and that was when he was allegedly struck by a metal foldable chair. Tay sustained injuries to his left eye and cheekbone, and required medical attention at Sengkang General Hospital. He made a police report immediately after the alleged assault. Albirex said in a statement on Facebook: 'The club strongly condemns any aggressive actions against our players, coaches, parents and our supporters, and is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all. As this matter is in the hands of the police, the club will continue to support the affected parent, but will not be making further comments at this time.' In a statement posted on its social media pages, the SYL said that it was alerted to an altercation between supporters after the match. The league added that it is in touch with both clubs and that investigations are ongoing. 'We remind players and supporters to respect league rules and to abstain from unruly behaviour. Violence will not be tolerated and we will not hesitate to report violent acts to the authorities. Disciplinary action will also be taken against such errant behaviour,' said its statement. Geylang also said in a statement on May 12 that they take such matters seriously The inaugural season of the SYL was held in 2024 and the latest campaign featuring more than 300 teams kicked off on Feb 8. The league caters to age groups from Under-eight to Under-17 and provides a competitive platform for young players – boys and girls – to showcase their talent and gain experience. Matches take place on weekends and comprise teams from FAS, private clubs and academies. Tay said that some parents can be vocal during matches and some may 'cross the line'. While he hopes that sufficient punishment will be handed out, he does not want to see parents banned from games. 'It just takes one or two bad apples to spoil the whole thing. I can't say it's a one-off, because it has been happening. But neither do I want to see them ban parents, because parents are the backbone of the SYL,' he said. Offenders convicted of causing hurt to any person by performing a rash act can be jailed for up to a year and/or fined up to $5,000. Deepanraj Ganesan is a sports journalist at The Straits Times focusing on football, athletics, combat sports and policy-related news. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
