7 DECEMBER 2020 CONTENTS

Foreword by FAS President 2

Message by AIA Singapore 3

AIA 4

Singapore Premier League Team of the Year Nominees 5

Award Nominees 6

Special Recognition Awards 7-9

Singapore Football League and Women's leagues 10-11

Partners & Sponsors 12 FOREWORD BY FAS PRESIDENT Mr Lim Kia Tong

This year marks the fourth year of our annual FAS Singapore Premier League was allowed to take place. The Awards Night, where we come together to celebrate successful resumption of the league on 17 October 2020 the best that Singapore football has to offer from the must definitely be attributed to everyone involved; from the professional level to the amateur and grassroots ranks officials, administrators, players, coaches and even the fans. as well as across the gender and age groups. From the early days of Zoom training sessions to small-group However, it has also been a challenging year for many trainings, and then gradually to full resumption of the league of us on different fronts. The widespread COVID-19 matches, everyone involved has done their part in ensuring pandemic has hit the world hard, and for many, life as that things go according to plan. I am heartened to say that we had known it to be, has changed drastically. For all clubs had showed full cooperation even when swab tests others, their livelihoods have been adversely affected. had to be conducted regularly, and that was what Yet, it is during such times that the power of the human contributed to a safe return to football for us. spirit is most evident as we find the strength to move past this pandemic, something which has been aptly With this success, government bodies then allowed FAS to demonstrated within the football fraternity. welcome fans back into the stadium for the final league game. A maximum of 200 fans were allowed into the Although there have been major disruptions to our stadium and tickets were sold out by the second day of sale. professional and amateur leagues, the football This has shown us just how supportive local football fans are fraternity as a whole, did not wither under these and the bustling stadium atmosphere was tantamount to just circumstances but instead, banded together to come out how important the 12th man is to the team and to the sport stronger, which was heartening to see. in general.

When we were forced to halt all sporting activities and On this front, I would like to convey my heartiest suspend our leagues during the Circuit Breaker back in congratulations to Albirex Niigata FC (S) for winning the March 2020, it was encouraging to see how positively 2020 AIA Singapore Premier League title. In a year where we responded to a global crisis of this scale. Work did the title race went right down to the wire, Albirex persevered not stop; activities and events continued to be churned and showed us how consistency pays dividends in football. out despite a lack of footballing action. Training sessions were taken online via the Zoom platform, and As an eventful 2020 draws to a close, we would also like to the Singapore Premier League resumed in a commemorate 25 years of professional football in Singapore non-physical form that was our very first eSPL – our theme for this Awards Night. Tonight, in addition to tournament, represented by players from each SPL recognising outstanding players and clubs, we pay homage club. Their skills on the pitch were transferred to the to individuals who have made significant contributions to virtual arena via the video game eFootball Pro Singapore football. Evolution Soccer (eFootball PES) 2020, and after two weeks of competition, Tampines Rovers emerged This includes special recognition awards given out to players victorious, represented by young players Joel Chew such as National Team Captain and Tampines and Haziq Mikhail. Rovers FCʼs for their sustained excellent performances over the years. Hariss has done exceptionably Although the Circuit Breaker measures were gradually well for club and country, earning his 100th cap in the eased, it is extremely unfortunate that our Singapore international friendly against Qatar in November 2019. Football Leagues (SFL), Island Wide League and Jordan has a prolific scoring record in the SPL and he joins Womenʼs Football Leagues, as well as the Centre of an elite select few who have reached a century of goals in Excellence (COE) Leagues were unable to kickstart due the League when he scored in the game against Young Lions to government restrictions. However, we want to assure earlier in November this year. our friends from the amateur leagues that they remain every bit as vital to us as the mainstays of Singaporeʼs As we embark on our journey with greater aspirations for the community and grassroots football ecosystem that is future especially towards Goal 2034 and beyond, we would especially crucial leading up to our future national like to emphasise that every individual has a part to play in goals. It has always been our stand that these leagues the footballing success of a nation. provide the platform for amateur footballers to develop their passion and talent for the sport, whilst creating a Finally, I would like to extend my gratitude to our sponsor vibrancy to playing football. AIA during a turbulent year where they have continued showing us their full support. I would also like to thank our After a lengthy pause to our Singapore Premier League long time existing sponsors and partners, Nike, Polar Mineral season, the tournament finally resumed in October this Water, Warrix, Mitre, as well as Sport Singapore and year. As a result, we became the first local sport to Singapore Pools for their continuous support as we embark resume activity since the end of Circuit Breaker. In a on a journey towards Goal 2034. year whereby most sports ground to a halt and international competitions were either postponed or cancelled, we are grateful that the restart of our 2 MESSAGE BY AIA SINGAPORE Ms Wong Sze Keed Chief Executive Officer

First and foremost, congratulations for the successful completion of this yearʼs AIA Singapore Premier League (SPL) in this extraordinary year.

As we celebrate another year together, we would like to specially commend the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) for making great strides in bringing football closer to the community including making matches accessible LIVE on television on both Singtel and StarHub.

At AIA Singapore, we are strong supporters and advocates of local football, and we are especially heartened by the commitment that all of you have shown to the beautiful game; from continuing to train independently amid Circuit-breaker, to playing your best without fans in the stands, and remaining steadfast in working towards Singaporeʼs Goal 2034 ambition of qualifying for the World Cup.

To achieve the Goal 2034 ambition, we have to do it together as a nation. AIA Singapore will continue to actively support this mission to develop local football through our global partnerships including with David Beckham, Tottenham Hotspur F.C. as well as our numerous other health and wellness initiatives.

Sports brings people and our spirits together, and, arguably, no sport does this more so than football in Singapore.

In fact, our collaborations on the #EmbracingNewNorms social media campaign to promote healthy living while staying/working from home, and the #SharetheLove initiative to support essential workers is testament to our ability to jointly drive change no matter big or small.

Tonight, let us come together not just to celebrate outstanding performances and sportsmanship, but to toast the bright future of Singapore football.

Together, we can and we will!

3 AIA SINGAPORE PREMIER LEAGUE

IN BRIEF TEAM GD PTS It was a season to remember for Albirex Niigata FC (S) ALBIREX NIIGATA (S) 18 32

as they claimed their fourth league title in five years on TAMPINES ROVERS 16 29 the final day of the season. Tomoyuki Doi was their star LION CITY SAILORS 26 27 man with 11 goals, while Kei Okawa kept a league-best GEYLANG INT’L - 4 20 eight clean sheets as the likes of Hiroyoshi Kamata, Ryoya Taniguchi and Ryosuke Nagasawa formed an BALESTIER KHALSA - 6 19 able supporting cast. The Japanese side traded top spot HOUGANG UNITED - 5 15

with Tampines Rovers FC in the final weeks but held their YOUNG LIONS - 26 9 nerve to lift the trophy in Keiji Shigetomi's second season TANJONG PAGAR - 19 5 in charge.

TOP SCORERS CLEAN SHEETS

STIPE PLAZIBAT 14 KEI OKAWA 8

TOMOYUKI DOI 11 SYAZWAN BUHARI 6

SONG UIYOUNG 9 4

BORIS KOPITOVIC 9

4 SINGAPORE PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

1 GOALKEEPER 2 DEFENDERS

KEI OKAWA KAZUKI HASHIOKA ZAIFUL NIZAM KOTARO TAKEDA SYAZWAN BUHARI RIO SAKUMA KENJI RUSYDI ENSAR BRUNCEVIC HARITH KANADI YUKI ICHIKAWA 3 MIDFIELDERS ZACHARY ANDERSON

KRISTIJAN KRAJCEK ABDIL QAIYYIM BARRY MAGUIRE KAISHU YAMAZAKI FARHAN ZULKIFLI TAJELI SALAMAT GABRIEL QUAK DANIEL BENNETT SAIFULLAH AKBAR MADHU MOHANA SONG UIYOUNG JORDAN WEBB 4 FORWARDS KYOGA NAKAMURA SHAH SHAHIRAN REO NISHIGUCHI ZEHRUDIN MEHMEDOVIC TOMOYUKI DOI JACOB MAHLER SHAWAL ANUAR NUR ADAM ABDULLAH STIPE PLAZIBAT BORIS KOPITOVIC LUIZ JUNIOR

2 3

DEFENDER MIDFIELDER

2 3 4

DEFENDER MIDFIELDER FORWARD 1

GOALKEEPER 2 3 4

DEFENDER MIDFIELDER FORWARD

2 3

DEFENDER MIDFIELDER

5 AWARD NOMINEES

SINGAPORE PREMIER LEAGUE

AIA PLAYER OF THE YEAR AIA TOP SCORER

GABRIEL QUAK, LION CITY SAILORS FC STIPE PLAZIBAT, LION CITY SAILORS FC STIPE PLAZIBAT, LION CITY SAILORS FC TOMOYUKI DOI, ALBIREX NIIGATA FC (S) POLAR FAIR PLAY

AIA YOUNG PLAYER ALBIREX NIIGATA FC (S) OF THE YEAR

HARITH KANADI, GEYLANG INTERNATIONAL FC WARRIX REFEREE JACOB MAHLER, YOUNG LIONS OF THE YEAR SAIFULLAH AKBAR, LION CITY SAILORS FC AHMAD AʼQASHAH BIN AHMAD ALʼBADOWE FARHAD BIN MOHAMED FOO CHUAN HUI JANSEN SINGAPORE POOLS COACH OF THE YEAR WARRIX ASSISTANT , LION CITY SAILORS FC REFEREE OF THE YEAR GAVIN LEE, TAMPINES ROVERS FC KEIJI SHIGETOMI, ALBIREX NIIGATA FC (S) RONNIE KOH MIN KIAT TAN MINT LAND ANDY ABDUL HANNAN BIN ABDUL HASIM MITRE GOAL OF THE YEAR

KHAIRUL NIZAM, GEYLANG INTERNATIONAL FC LUIZ JUNIOR, TANJONG PAGAR UNITED FC REO NISHIGUCHI, ALBIREX NIIGATA FC (S)

6 FAS RECOGNITION AWARDS

ROY KRISHNAN, Albirex Niigata FC (S)

As an ex-international player in the Singapore National Team from 1970 to 1978, Roy Krishnan was known for his searing pace, and was widely regarded as one of Singaporeʼs best left-wingers. He most notably scored against China to earn the team a draw in the very first meeting between the two sides. After retiring from football, he dabbled in coaching before moving to the now defunct Jurong Football Club. Today, the 69-year-old has served as the equipment officer with Albirex Niigata FC (S) for an impressive 17 years. Affectionately known by players and coaches as “Roy San”, he lives by the motto “Donʼt bluff, donʼt steal” and intends to continue working for as long as his services are required by the club.

CHENG TIM NEE, Balestier Khalsa FC

Tim Nee, current general manager of Balestier Khalsa FC, has been at the club for 16 years. Although he first started out in an audit firm upon the completion of his National Service, he eventually moved into a football role to pursue his passion for the sport. He attributes his lengthy service with the same club down to his determination to transform the club into a successful one that will consistently challenge for league and cup honours.

GOH KOON HIANG, Tampines Rovers FC

With his strong passion for football, “Uncle Goh” started working as a kitman with Tampines Rovers a decade ago after ending his playing days. Despite the odd working hours and wide-ranging duties he has to undertake, the 69-year-old is grateful for the close relationship with the players and coaching team as well as the clubʼs support and trust in him. He has never regretted a day since he started this job and hopes that he can play his part with the team for as long as he is able to.

7 FAS RECOGNITION AWARDS

PREMJIT SINGH, Tampines Rovers FC

Premjit Singh, also known as "Bull", has been a mainstay in the Singapore professional domestic league setup as a sports trainer since its inception in 1996. Prior to that, he was involved in the local football scene through Gibraltar Crescent FC. Since he joined Tampines Rovers in 2005, he has been playing an essential role in the players' recovery, massaging away their aches after hard training sessions and matches to ensure they are ready for the next round. With over 25 years of experience, he shared that he has gained many special memories along the way, but nothing beats working with the players directly and teaching them how to take care of themselves to help prolong their physical fitness.

LIM KIA MENG, Hougang United FC

An experienced equipment manager, 81-year-old Lim Kia Meng, who is also known as Richard Lim, is well-respected among the players and backroom staff at Hougang United. Despite his age, he is known to show full dedication to his job throughout his 14 years with the Cheetahs, showing up rain or shine. As the senior figure in the team, he checks in on the players regularly and looks after their well-being on and off the field while also providing guidance and advice to the younger staff.

R. VENGADASALAM, Woodlands Lions

R. Vengadasalam, better known as Venga, has been heavily involved in the football community since 1988. His colourful football career started when he discovered his strong passion for grassroots football and talent scouting. Over the years, he became well regarded for his keen ability to spot talent and groom them into better players. His key motivation lies in developing football talent for the nation and this has kept him going for the past 32 years. With football in his blood, Venga will not be retiring from the scene anytime soon and will instead, place his focus on unearthing the next hidden gem in football.

8 FAS RECOGNITION AWARDS

HARISS HARUN, National Team, Sporting Excellence in Singapore Football (100 National Team Caps)

One of Singaporeʼs finest players in recent times, Hariss Harun is the newest member of the National Team's centurion club. The current National Team captain earned his 100th cap in the international friendly against Qatar in November 2019, 12 years after he made his debut for Singapore in 2007 at the age of 16 years and 217 days. The central midfielder, whose record as the Lions' youngest ever international debutant still stands till today, is a fierce competitor capable of dominating games and leads by example on and off the pitch.

JORDAN WEBB, Tampines Rovers FC, Sporting Excellence in Singapore Football (100 Singapore Premier League Goals)

Jordan Webb began his Singapore football career in 2010 when he joined Hougang United. Thereafter, he continued his journey with then Home United, Young Lions and currently is a key player for Tampines Rovers FC. This year marks his 11th season in the local professional league as a prolific goal scorer and he recently crossed the 100-goal mark to put himself in the record books. His wealth of experience has made him a leader that young players can look up to.

9 SINGAPORE FOOTBALL LEAGUE AND WOMEN'S LEAGUES

Photo by Tanjong Pagar United FC

Photo by Tiong Bahru FC

While the 2020 season for the Singapore Football League and the Womenʼs Premier and National Leagues were suspended due to the pandemic, the amateur sides have kept themselves busy during this period.

10 SINGAPORE FOOTBALL LEAGUE AND WOMEN'S LEAGUES

Photo by Katong FC Photo by Jungfrau Punggol FC

Besides conducting their own team training sessions online using videoconferencing platforms, several clubs such as Katong FC and Jungfrau Punggol have resumed physical training in small groups when restrictions were eased.

Photo by Singapore Cricket Club

Clubs were also encouraged to utilise this period to upskill themselves in areas such as leadership, administration and coaching through online courses.

As part of the football fraternity, the amateur sides also came together to put out a message expressing appreciation to the migrant workers in our midst for their contributions.

11 PARTNERS & SPONSORS

TITLE SPONSOR OF SPL

OFFICIAL MATCH BALL OFFICIAL DRINKING WATER OFFICIAL REFEREE APPAREL OF SPL & OF SPL & SINGAPORE CUP OF SPL & SINGAPORE CUP

OFFICIAL LIVE STATISTICS PARTNER PARTNER IN SPORTS OF SPL & SINGAPORE CUP

OFFICIAL BROADCASTERS

FAS OFFICIAL PARTNER & SPONSOR

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