Singapore legends want to set record straight

SULTAN OF SELANGOR'S CUP

SELANGOR v 
SINGAPORE SELECTION

(Tonight, 9pm, Shah Alam Stadium)

They have lost the previous three editions and the Singapore Selection side are keen to put that right when they take on Selangor in the annual Sultan of Selangor's Cup tonight at the 82,000-seater Shah Alam Stadium.

The Singapore side will be led for the first time by Home United coach Philippe Aw.

The 18-man squad are made up of players from S.League clubs Hougang United, Geylang International, Garena Young Lions and Home, who have 11 players on the roster.

Aw said his charges are prepared to entertain in the Malaysian capital.

"We want to do well as we are representing the S.League and Singapore," he said, after a training session at Suk Sports Complex yesterday.

"Most importantly, we want to play good football and entertain the fans.

"We have a good number of Singaporeans coming up, so we want to make their trip worthwhile with exciting football.

"I want the team to play good football with quick passing and fast attacks."

Last month, fans of various clubs were presented with 1,000 complimentary tickets for the 15th edition of the annual friendly fixture.

PRIDE AT STAKE

For Protectors defender Juma'at Jantan, the competition is more than just a friendly.

"I wouldn't say revenge is on our minds, but we definitely want to do Singapore proud," the 32-year-old said.

"There is a long history of rivalry between Singapore and Selangor, so this is always an important match for all of us."

Similar to previous editions of the cup, a curtain-raiser between the Singapore and Selangor veterans will take place before the main event.

The Singapore side will feature the likes of Fandi Ahmad, Malek Awab, Steven Tan, Tay Peng Kee and Geylang assistant coach Mohamed 
Noor Ali.

Despite being the youngest coach in the S.League, 32-year-old Aw is comfortable working with the players from other clubs in his Singapore Selection, like Hougang's Croatian striker Stipe Plazibat, Geylang's Faritz Hameed and the Young Lions' Fareez Farhan.

"They are professionals and are adaptable to my coaching methods and style," he said.

Juma'at is also looking forward to playing alongside such illustrious company.

"It is always a pleasure for any footballer to play with other good players, and this is the best of the S.League," he said.

"I am definitely looking forward to playing with the rest of the team."

The Singapore international is setting his sights firmly on the opposition, saying: "I'm definitely expecting a tough game, as Selangor are one of the giants of Malaysia football."