TIGER BEER S'PORE CUP: Tanjong Pagar v SAFFC National Stadium, Saturday 7.30pm
BY ERNEST LUIS
Nov 11, 1998

Bada-Boom!

That's the kind of sound Tanjong Pagar United has been making in the last four weeks.

The result? Places in two finals - Saturday's Tiger Beer Singapore Cup and Nov 22's Singapore Pools FA Cup.

After thrashing SAFFC 5-1 in last weekend's FA Cup semi-finals, Tanjong Pagar shouted over the loudspeaker.

No more bridesmaid. No more second-best. Just the winners' trophy, thanks.

So, what has brought out the real Jaguars from the Tanjong Pagar den?

The players are the same, but the coach isn't. Tohari Paijan replaced Robert Alberts.

Some say that made a difference, but what do players say?

FREEDOM

Defender S Subramani feels the blend is just right.

"Under Tohari, everyone has the chance to prove themselves..."

Striker Steven Tan says it's the changed atmosphere.

As for midfielder Lim Soon Seng, it's the freedom and competition for places.

"Tohari likes feedback from the players and he gives us more freedom in our roles.

"But of course, we have to be more responsible...

"Since (Vlado) Bozinoski came in, our midfield has been beefed up. Everyone tries to maintain top form so they can fight for places.

"To lose the S-League title on goal difference was the ultimate blow. That's why we're so fired up to go all the way."

Even Sembawang Rangers coach Jita Singh coined a slogan for Tanjong Pagar United, whose team manager Abol Fazl was once with ex-champs Geylang United.

NEW IMAGE

Yesterday, he said of his FA Cup final opponents: "If Geylang Boleh, then Tanjong Pagar Lebih Boleh!"

Indeed, if Geylang can, what more Tanjong Pagar.

After all, the players can now see something else when they look at themselves in the dressing room mirrors.