Jakarta Casual

Tampines Rovers were second best in every respect in the recently concluded SLeague season. They finished second, they had the second highest goals scored tally and the second meanest defence but for a club with their heritage that is not enough and the Stags are already planning for the new season.

Coach V. Sundramoorthy is staying after being linked with a move to Malaysia not to long ago and he has moved quickly to take advantage of the break up of the LionsXII squad by adding some fresh young talent to his squad. In have come defenders Hafiz Abu Sujad and Afiq Yunos, midfielder Izzdin Shafiq and striker Sufian Anuar while Firdaus Kasman and Christopher van Huizen return following stints in the Malaysia Super League.

Just as importantly they have added goals with the recruitment of Fazrul Nawaz from Warriors. A year that didn't start too brightly after an unhappy short spell with Sabah in Malaysia's second tier ended with Nawaz netting an impressive 18 goals for Warriors in their failed title defence campaign.

It's going to be a busy year for the Stags as they contemplate a new era following the decision of long standing chairman Teo Hock Seng stepping down. Despite finishing second behind champions DPMM they have the opportunity to represent Singapore in the Asian Champions League...all they have to do is beat Mohan Bagan and Adelaide United in a couple of play offs. if they can't do that they still have the AFC Cup to contend with; Selangor, Ceres La Salle and Bangladesh's wonderfully named Lt. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club Ltd.

Tampines were SLeague champions in 2011, 2012 and 2013 before Warriors last season and DPMM decided they wanted to hold on to the trophy for a bit. The highly respected Teo will leave a huge hole in the heart of the club but by tying down Sundra and moving quickly to secure Nawaz and the other they have shown their ambitions. Now if only they could actually play their home games in Tampines next season...