Lim calls for fans to back U-23 team

Recent results for Singapore's SEA Games football team have made for grim reading. But Sport Singapore chief executive Lim Teck Yin challenged fans to "show your mettle and come out in force" to support the ailing national Under-23 outfit.

Lim, who is also the SEA Games Organising Committee (Singsoc) exco chairman, noted that Aide Iskandar's charges are under "a lot of pressure" following a 1-8 mauling by Japan's Olympic team, a 1-2 defeat by Syria's U-23s and a 1-3 loss to regional minnows Cambodia's Under-22 team this year.

Coupled with poor displays from the senior Lions and their Under-22 counterparts, Singapore's national teams are still searching for their first win this year.

Yet, Lim is urging true fans of Singapore football to back the Young Lions.

He told The Straits Times yesterday: "Our SEA Games team is training hard and trying to do their best.

"For fans, it's your turn now to step up.

"For a fan to say 'you perform then I come', it's sort of saying you're not quite a fan.

"Fans are there for the highs and lows - they lift the team when they are low.

"Singapore's pride is at stake and, regardless of how good or bad they are, this is our team."

He added that Singapore "could not have asked for a better draw" after being grouped with Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia and the Philippines for the football tournament.

Defending champions Thailand and perennial heavyweights Malaysia and Vietnam headline the other group.

The 11-team competition kicks off on May 29, with tickets going on sale on May 6.

This article was first published on April 16, 2015.
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