95 goals scored, 38 conceded and a mere 4 losses out of 33 games in an Sleague season! What a season the warrior has had! To add the icing on the cake, Aleksandar Duric won the top marksman by plundering in a massive 37 goals outscoring his nearest competitor by 18 goals. So what went right for the warriors?
1. Home Form - To win all except one draw one game at home is the sort of form that wins you title. SAF has been exceptional at home this season. Fans of the warriors have been treated to goals galore at the Choa Chu Kang Stadiu, this season as shown by the 6-0 and 6-2 drubbing of the Korean Super Reds and 5-0 thrashing of the Young Lions. Lest you think that the warriors are only capable of "bullying kecil", they also posted a 4-1 over their nearest title rivals, Home United at CCK. The warriors usually win their games by handsome margin, and their slick passing is breathe taking at times.
2. Strong Bench - This is what Home United is lacking. Looking at the bench for the Warrior's last game, theres, Razif, Faizal Aziz, Ashrin Sharrif, Masrezwan, Aidil Sharin all of whom might be in the 1st 11 of most the Sleague clubs. Not forgetting that they are also missing Hafiz Osman and Mustaqim via suspension. In short, the champions have ample cover for every position and its this strength in depth that kept the warriors on the warpath throughout the season.
3. Wingers - Explosive wingers has been a trait of SAF tactics in recent seasons. To enhance the strength that Duric has in the air, Coach Richard Bok has placed an emphasis to get the balls wide to their wingers and to make use of the pace and trickery of players like Mustaqim, Jamil Ali and Noor Ali to provide pin-point crosses for the 1.88m giant, Duric.
4. Richard Bok - The "rookie" Sleague coach has never looked back since taking over the job in the middle of last season. As they said, winning the title is difficult, but to defending it is even tougher. Foreseeing the bumpy road ahead, Richard made shrewd signings during the off season. In came Masrezwan and Aidil, and the duo did provide more options for him as the season wore on. Despite a available foreigner slot available due to John Wilkinson obtaining his Singapore citizenship, the Sleague coach of the year 2006 chose to register just 3 foreigners in the form of Duric, Thersak and Kenji. This proved to be a master stroke as the capture of the versatile Norikazu during the mid season window has reap ample rewards. The former Albirex and Balesteir forward has contributed immensely during his short time at the club. Despite having about 18 "star players" in his squad, Richard Bok did an excellent job keeping all the players at the club happy and maintaining the squad's morale throughout the season.
5. Aleksandar Duric - The new Singapore citizen needs no introduction. He is in sparkling form this season, average more than 1 goal per game. May Duric condition his body as well as ever, for SAF to mount an assault on the AFC cup and for the Singapore National team to World Cup 2010. He has certainly added a different dimension to the Lions attack.
6. SAFFC Supporters - SAF has a set of die hard supporters, cheer leading team that follows the players like a leech, even when the warriors play their away games. Their drumming, chanting, dancing and support plays an important role in rallying the warriors, especially when the chips are down. Well done fans! I can see the delight in your eyes when referee S Kumar blew for full time yesterday!Just a pity that I did not have my camera with me.
In short, SAF were deserved winners and all the best for the Singapore Cup this Sunday! Win the double for your supporters to cap an unforgettable 2007.
Congrats SAFFC! Special mention to Home United and Tampines for putting up strong resistance till the final whistle of the season. Looking forward to Sleague 2008!
Pictures taken from Sleague.com, todayOnline, safwarriors.com.sg
The lions ought to thank their lucky stars for avoiding the group of death where Australia, China, Iraq and Asian games champions will fight it out for the 2 slots in round 4.
