Saturday, September 18, 2010

3 horse race

It's incredibly close now, with Etoile, Tampines and Home locked in a really close battle for the S-League title. It's now official that SAFFC has been dethroned, having won the past 3 or 4 S-League titles!

The sale of Duric and release of Therdsak Chaiman probably proved a crucial blow to SAFFC as they underwent a makeover for this season. They had to part with their ageing stars and give new players chances at some point in time, and this is just the price they have to pay. They are, however, in good position to finish 4th. But Richard Bok will have to do better to make a charge for the title next season.

Four games left, who's going to win it? A potential title decider is Tuesday's clash between Tampines and Home. The losers will probably lose the chance for the title. As it stands, Etoile has the best chance, and they control their destiny.

Even on the scoring table, Etoile's Frederic Mendy and Tampines' Duric are close. Duric is just a goal shy of being the first ever to reach 300 goals in all Singapore competitions. But Mendy's wastefulness in front of goal last night may prove disastrous if it continues into his last 4 matches, against stronger opposition and defences.

I am a fan of evergreen Duric, and seeing that Sharil Ishak, also high on the topscorers list this season for Home, is leaving after the crunch match against Rovers for Indonesia, I think it's Tampines' chance to nail the title.