Singapore Cup: Jaguars eye Cup run

PRELIMINARY ROUND

TANJONG PAGAR v HOUGANG

(Tonight, 7.30pm, Queenstown Stadium)

Less than seven months ago, Tanjong Pagar United surpassed everyone's expectations when they reached the RHB Singapore Cup final.

The Jaguars capitulated 4-1 to Home United in the final, but they had a season to remember, finishing in the top half of the Great Eastern-Yeo's S.League after finishing second last in 2011 and 2012.

This term, however, almost everything has gone pear-shaped for Patrick Vallee's men.

They have won just two of 13 league matches and are currently 10th in the 12-team S.League, just four points ahead of rock-bottom team Harimau Muda B.

So, tonight's Singapore Cup clash against Hougang United comes as a welcome respite from their woes in the league.

Tanjong Pagar skipper Hafiz Osman said he and his teammates are keen to do well in the Cup competition, to salvage their season.

"Reaching the final last season was great," said the 30-year-old defender.

"But we want to show people it wasn't a one-off (achievement).

"We want to continue on from last year, and maybe this time go all the way and win the Cup."

A bold target, considering the Jaguars' struggles.

But Hafiz, who is suspended tonight after yellow cards accumulated from last season, is adamant his team have what it takes.

The ex-Singapore international and 2007 Suzuki Cup winner said: "Maybe some people think we have given up on our season already.

They're wrong.

"Okay, let's be honest, we are too far away in the league to challenge for the title.

"But our confidence and belief are still there. We're sticking with one another - we know we have a squad of quality players.

"The Singapore Cup is our only chance for silverware this season, so we won't let it go."

TIGHTEN UP

But the ex-Warriors FC man admits that his team need to tighten up at the back.

Tanjong Pagar have dropped precious points after conceding in the last 10 minutes in six matches.

Hafiz said: "It's very difficult for me to explain (the team's results this season).

"It's not about changing our style, playing ugly football or anything.

"In every game, we've done well, played to the coach's game plan, but we just haven't gotten the results.

"The only thing I can come up with is that we have to stop conceding too many goals, and take our chances up front."

Hafiz is confident his team will turn the corner soon, especially with the return of key players Ahmad Latiff and Kamel Ramdani, both from lengthy knee injuries.

However, they will still miss defenders Zahid Ahmad, Nor Azli Yusoff, Hanafi Salleh, Anthony Aymard and forward Masrezwan Masturi through injuries.

"We haven't had a full squad all season," the skipper moaned.

"It seems like when one player returns from injury, two get on the treatment table.

"But Kamel and Latiff are getting their rhythm going, and once everybody is back, I'm positive we can do well.

"I joke with some people sometimes that our team are cursed this season.

"If there is indeed a curse, Monday night would be a good time to end it, with a win over Hougang."

msazali@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on May 26, 2014.
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