SOCCER

Tanjong Pagar confident of Cup double despite missing stars

By PETER SIOW

NOW that Tanjong Pagar has tasted victory -- the Tiger Beer Singapore Cup trophy is now in its den -- it wants more of the heady feeling.

And the Jaguars of Tanjong Pagar feel they can have their claws around the Singapore Pools FA Cup this evening.

They have no self-delusion. They blasted S-League champion Singapore Armed Forces FC 2-0 last week to secure the Singapore Cup.

That has fuelled their belief that they are good for a goal or two against Sembawang Rangers in a fairy-tale final that will pit two Cup first-timers since the S-League started in 1996.

Said Tanjong Pagar coach Tohari Paijan: "You can say that we are the favourites. We're runners-up in the S-League, winners of the Singapore Cup and now finalists in the FA Cup.

"I believe we can win by a goal or two. Seven? Unlikely, but you never can tell. Actually, I told Jita Singh that he can have the S-League Coach of the Year award and give me the FA Cup.

"I want to create history with the club by winning a double for Tanjong Pagar."

Tactically, the duel should prove to be a fascinating affair as Tohari once played in Jita's team in the 1983 pre-Olympic tournament and remembers his master's guile.

As usual, Tohari will plump for the 3-5-2 formation, with the thin and tall Nicodeme Boucher and short and speedy Steven Tan as predators.

Tan's blistering speed, which has tempted many defenders to clutch desperately at his jersey, and goal-scoring talent have just earned him a recall to the national squad.

Said Tan yesterday: "Of course, I'm feeling good. You can say that I'm in the right frame of mind to score, but it's more important that my team wins."

For that to happen, the midfield must purr. But Majid Motlagh (knee injury) and Samawira Basri (suspension), their accomplished baton-passers, will not be in the line-up.

Because of that, it is almost certain that Tanjong Pagar will come stumbling out of the blocks. How soon it can hit a more assured stride pattern without its star midfielders will be the key to the match's outcome.

Sembawang coach Jita would be less than human if he did not feel a tinge of pleasure at the absence of Samawira and Majid.

He said: "I don't wish to predict the outcome. I just want the lads to go out and enjoy themselves."

Sembawang's edge lies in its bustling determination and battler's mentality. But those qualities came under intense questioning after last week's Singapore Cup third-place match when it lost 0-7 to Home United.

But the promotion of goalkeeper Noorisham Zainon and defender J. Kalaiselvan to the national squad should brighten the Stallions' mood considerably.

What about the romance of FA Cups?

Well, that element is not lost as romantics can still cast their lot with underdog Sembawang -- and then end the evening under the stars with champagne in hand.