For the first time, four Singapore Premier League SPL) teams Young Lions, Hougang United, Geylang International and BG Tampines Rovers will have their home games played at one stadium, leaving some teams concerned about training and logistics disruptions.
The Football Association of Singapore FAS) released the SPL fixtures list for the 2024-25 season on April 12 and raised eyebrows when it was revealed that four out of the nine clubs will host matches at the Jalan Besar Stadium JBS).
The Young Lions have long called JBS home while Hougang moved there in 2023, as their stadium was slated for renovation, which started in April.
Meanwhile, Geylang and BG Tampines have also shifted there from Our Tampines Hub OTH) after the People’s Association confirmed that the pitch will be returfed this financial year. A return has been earmarked for 2025.
The other local teams in the league also share stadiums, with champions Albirex Niigata and Tanjong Pagar United based at Jurong East Stadium, and Lion City Sailors and Balestier Khalsa based at Bishan Stadium. Brunei DPMM, who hosted matches at JBS in 2023, are back at the revamped Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan.
It is understood that stadium sharing is aimed at balancing SPL and public use, while the implementation of the video assistant referee also requires time and money. The teams moving to JBS are generally satisfied with the condition of the artificial pitch, although some are worried about congestion and extra costs.
This story is from the April 20, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 20, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
‘NEVER-ENDING’ SUCCESS FOR TAN
S’porean adds cup to league title, Dortmund keen to retain her services for next season
BOSTON PUT PAST BEHIND TO PROGRESS
Celtics take revenge on Heat with big win to book place in 2nd round of NBA play-offs
TAN THE MAN AT BARRIER TRIALS
Low-profile trainer makes presence felt with Single Warrior, Big Union at morning hit-outs
DBS starts the year strong as Ql profit hits new high of $2.95b
Its fee income gets boost from stronger market sentiment, higher card spending
Fed keeps rates at 23-year high amid stubborn price rises
US central bank cites lack of further progress’ towards its 2% inflation target
South Korea’s inflation slows more than expected in April
But weakening won poses challenge to policymakers’ efforts to cool price growth
Qualcomm gives upbeat sales forecast In sign of smartphone recovery
China remains crucial amid sales surge to its phone-makers in first half of fiscal year
Driver in crash that killed prof was checking GPS on phone
He says he was in a state of panic when he told police officer he had fallen asleep at the wheel
Agencies hold joint counter-terrorism exercise
A joint counter-terrorism exercise by various government agencies was held on April 30 and May 1 to test the Republic's preparedness in the event of a terror attack, the police said on May 2.
Five-year-old is youngest S'porean to reach Everest Base Camp
Pre-schooler makes trek to camp situated at altitude of 5,364m in Nepal with his father