Sundram, Tan, Subramani and Seslija vie for Player of the Year award

By S. MURALI

THREE local players -- S. Subramani, V. Sundramoorthy and Steven Tan -- are contesting the S-League's most prestigious individual honour tonight: the Tiger Beer Player of the Year award.

The irony is that, until last week, only one of the three was a member of the national team.

Subramani of Tanjong Pagar United was the only player among the three short-listed to have played a part in Singapore's Tiger Cup triumph last September.

Sundramoorthy has not been in the national team since 1994 and Tan was axed a few months ago after failing to hold a regular place in the Tanjong Pagar line-up then.

But the fortunes of the two players have changed this season, especially in the latter half.

An injury-free Sundram has set the Jurong East Stadium alight consistently with his silky skills and spectacular goals.

He has helped the Cobras build up a large and loyal following, who break into a mini-roar every time the former international steps onto the pitch.

National coach Vincent Subramaniam has even gone so far as to say that the striker will be back in contention for a place in the national team, if he performs consistently next season.

Tan has emerged as the top local striker in the league with 17 goals, and more importantly, established himself as a first-choice striker for the Jaguars, alongside Nicodeme Boucher.

His performances have not escaped the notice of Vincent, who recalled Tan to his squad last week.

Subramani, on the other hand, has been a regular fixture in the national squad for the past few years.

His consistent performances and high work-rate have made him a favourite with all his coaches.

His achievements were recognised last August when he was named The Straits Times/Tiger Beer Footballer of the Month.

Appropriately, the dark horse in the race is Sembawang Rangers Milomir Seslija.

The Bosnian defender, nicknamed the Rock of Seslija, is the only foreign signing competing for the prestigious award, worth $10,000.

Apart from being a wall in defence, Seslija (pronounced Shes-li-ya) has thrilled the Stallions' fans with his dribbles and stunning strikes from a distance. He scored seven goals this season.

Picking a winner from this group is surely not an easy task.

And to be as fair as possible, the S-League has introduced a new voting system this year -- 78 club and media representatives will vote for the winner.

Apart from the Player of the Year, there will also be a tight contest for the Shakey's Young Player of the Year award, worth $5,000.

The nominees are Ahmad Latiff Khamaruddin (Geylang United), Gusta Guzarishah (Home United), Hafizat Jauharmi (Singapore Armed Forces FC) and Lim Soon Seng (Tanjong Pagar).