SPL Opens With Thriller

Locals make impact in first match of new season despite seven-foreigner rule

- David Lee

For all the talk about the record seven foreign players Singapore Premier League clubs are allowed to field in each match in the new season, it was the local footballers who made the bigger impression in the opening game as Balestier Khalsa held Albirex Niigata 2-2 at the Jurong East Stadium on Aug 23.

Substitute Ignatius Ang, who grabbed an 83rd-minute equaliser for the Tigers, told The Sunday Times: "With the new regulations, many local players are out of contract and only the toughest and most resilient will survive.

"I'm fortunate to have a coach who still believes I can contribute. So, whether it's for five minutes or 20-plus like today, I will do my best. On the bench, I observe the play, manifest and visualise myself scoring, so when the situation comes, it becomes natural to me.

"After scoring 11 goals last season, I was secretly hoping for a national call-up, but now I'm just playing for the kids I coach at the ActiveSG Football Academy and the Junior National Development Centre, my family and myself. If the call-up comes, it comes."

Balestier coach Marko Kraljevic, who made six Balkan signings, added: "It's good to see everybody hungry and fighting for their spot. Iggy scored 11 league and cup goals last season and I don't know why he is not called up for the national team yet."