December 21, 2004

With Singapore hoping to repeat its feat in 1998 when it won the Tiger Cup, national coach Raddy Avramovic has called for intensive training until Singapore is out of contention of the Cup as preparation for the semi-finals against Myanmar

This means players will have to miss their usual Christmas holidays. Already some have to cancel their plans but none is complaining.

National goalkeeper Lionel Lewis who usually spends time with his family in Malaysia for Christmas will have to make do with a different plan for the first time this year. He said he suppose it is all right as it will be for a good cause & it is for country.

Similarly, Singapore’s England born defender Daniel Bennett agreed as he said every one will be around in Singapore from his parents, grandmothers, brother's family to fiancee to celebrate Christmas but if he have to train on Christmas, will train.

Captain Aide Iskandar though feels the sacrifice is worth it as Singapore is in the last four. He said eeryone else is on holiday or in holiday mood now, but we have to train but all these will not be in vain if we do well for the rest of the tournament.