Many fans of the Singapore Premier League share that they feel close to its players and clubs.
PHOTO: SG FOOTBALL PODCAST
Singapore has competed in the Malaysia Cup since its inaugural tournament in 1921, and departed from this tournament in 1994 after disagreements arose between the Football Association of Singapore and the Football Association of Malaysia. During these 74 years, Singapore came out tops to lift the Malaysia Cup 24 times.
A storied tournament
After we departed from the peninsula’s tournament, our passionate local fans called for a local tournament, and the S. League was born in 1996. In March 2018, the S. League was rebranded as the Singapore Premier League (SPL).
“The rebrand has helped revitalise the tournament, increase its quality and prestige, attract new sponsors and help appeal to young audiences in Singapore and beyond,” explains Jerome Douglas, host of the SG Football Podcast.
Tournament format this year
This year, the league is being played between eight clubs. The SPL season usually lasts from around March to October. Each football club will play every other club twice, which adds up to 14 games per club. Similar to most football leagues, a win counts for three points, a draw counts for one point and no points are awarded for a loss. The Singaporean clubs that finish at the top of the SPL earn opportunities to participate in AFC (Asian Football Confederation) competitions, which is where the best clubs in all of Asia compete.
The frontrunners
Albirex Niigata is a hot favourite to win the SPL every year. This Japanese club comprises many talented Japanese and Singaporean footballers. The Albirex Niigata squad is refreshed every year with a new crop of players.
Tampines Rovers has been doing well year-on-year too, thanks to its talented young manager Gavin Lee and experienced management, who have helped create synergy among its superior crop of players.
Another team that has been yielding good results is the Lion City Sailors, a privately owned club whose owners have invested in high-calibre foreign talent.
Last year, Albirex Niigata won the SPL. However, Tampines Rovers went on to compete in the AFC Champions League as it was the highest-ranked Singaporean team. Next in the rankings, Lion City Sailors and Geylang International qualified for the AFC Cup.
The unpredictable underdog
A club that has figured prominently in our local football league since its inception is Hougang United. However, they finished close to the bottom of the table last season. Hougang United is known for having the most spirited fans and the club has been performing very well in the 2021 season.
Hougang United’s stellar performance this year has delighted diehard fans like local comedian Jacky Ng. “I’m very happy to see Hougang United doing well this season. Coach Clement Teo has instilled confidence and energy in our team. We used to be the whipping boys of the league, but we go into every game confident of our abilities,” divulges Jacky, who notes that Hougang United fans usually sing and cheer for their team non-stop for 90 minutes, regardless of whether the team is winning or losing.
“Hougang United this year has grown from strength to strength. I am sure it’s only a matter of time before the club gets that elusive piece of silverware that it deserves,” shares former Hougang United forward Antoine Viterale, who now plays football in Portugal. “I have never forgotten the fans. Their passion and belief will drive Hougang United to success, I am sure of that.”
Footballers playing their hearts out on the pitch at the Singapore Premier League.
PHOTO: SG FOOTBALL PODCAST
Witness the passion of the SPL
“I love watching these players play their hearts out and SPL footballers are responsive on social media. Fans voice their support for their favourite clubs and players, in-person and online, and the players reply with their gratitude. That’s how I got into local football,” reveals Jerome, who recently filmed a documentary about how fans have been supporting their teams from beyond the fences of closed-door matches.
“Even though many matches this year have been played with no spectators allowed, players have still been making an effort to interact with their fans online.”
The SPL recommenced on 17th July and each club is currently playing out the remainder of its 14 matches. Don’t miss these exciting fixtures! SPL matches are broadcast ‘live’ on StarHub TV and Singtel TV. You can also watch SPL matches on the SPL’s official YouTube and Facebook platforms.
