DARK HORSES?

msazali@sph.com.sg

Tanjong Pagar United's "Three Musketeers" hogged the headlines last year.

Accounting for 29 of the Jaguars' 36 Great Eastern-Yeo's S.League goals, the French-speaking attacking trio of Monsef Zerka (12 goals), Kamel Ramdani (10) and Ismael Benahmed (seven) were a big reason for the club's sixth-place finish and a run to the RHB Singapore Cup final.

The make-up for the "Three Musketeers" has been tweaked slightly this season though, with Benahmed replaced by new face Sebastien Etiemble.

But the spotlight is set to be on a group of seasoned local heads.

Balestier Khalsa midfielder Tengku Mushadad, Tampines Rovers wing back Ruzaini Zainal and Home United trio Nor Azli Yusoff, Firdaus Idros and Masrezwan Masturi joined the Queenstown Stadium outfit in the close-season.

Tengku, Firdaus, Masrezwan and Ruzaini have all donned national colours before, so their experience will be vital.

Prior to their arrival, skipper and defender Hafiz Osman was the only capped Singapore international in the side.

IMPROVE

Jaguars' French coach Patrick Vallee said of his local quintet: "After last season, I (assessed) the areas where we needed to improve.

"Their experience is important to us. Hopefully they can bring value to Tanjong Pagar."

Hafiz added: "When I heard they had joined the club, my thought was that we're heading in the right direction.

"Signing experienced, quality players like them give us the belief we can do something special this season."

There are whispers in the fraternity that the Jaguars could be dark horses for this season's S.League title, and both captain and coach are feeling confident.

"I won't say we cannot be champions," said Hafiz.

"But if we want to, we must have the hunger for success, and work very hard as a team."

Vallee, who said he wants his team to be more consistent defensively and composed when in possession of the ball, added: "I don't really want to set a target for my team right now.

"But as usual we will try to be better than last season, and if we can improve on our points tally or league position from last year, it would be good.

"But, for me, I will always want to win something. It's what I'm here at Tanjong Pagar for."