Written by: Shawn Lim

Bruno Castanheira’s goal in the 87th minute was enough for Home United to see off Balestier Khalsa in a tightly contested affair at Toa Payoh Stadium.

Home’s assistant coach Aidil Sharin believes that Castanheira is back to his best and is ready for the RHB Singapore Cup final on 7 November.

The Brazilian born Japanese citizen has not been playing the best football of his career this season, but in the last game of the 2014 Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League season, he showcased the abilities that made the Protectors snatched him from Albirex Niigata (S) at the end of the previous season.

“We wanted him to get goals in the past few games but he has been working hard. Of course, we can see in the training before the game, he has trained hard,’ explained the former Singapore international.

“I think he deserves the goal and it will motivate him for the final.”

When asked to evaluate Home’s season as a whole, Aidil blamed his side’s inconsistent form as the reason why the Protectors dropped out of the title race.

“This season has been up and down. We beat top teams like DPMM twice away, but lost points to teams who are in the bottom half. But that’s football,” said Aidil.

“There’s a lot of injuries and suspension as well, so we have to look forward to the next season.”

The Singapore Cup will be on the line next Friday and while Aidil refused to give anything away, he shared that Home will return to training as soon as possible because he expects another close encounter.

“Cup finals are always tight games and both sides are capable of winning the trophy. Anything can happen so we will give our best,” he said.

“Winning today is good but we are not getting carried away. We are not going to celebrate or anything because the 90 minutes are not over.”

For a disappointed Balestier coach Marko Kraljevic, he revealed that he would have been pleased if the match had ended goalless.

“I think a draw would have been a fair result because both teams were holding back for the final where they want to give their all next week,” explained the Croatian.

Describing Balestier’s top six finish this season as an achievement, Kraljevic felt that the journey to achieving that position was not an easy task.

“We started the season a little bit rough at the beginning but we slowly picked up points and finished top six. So I think its an achievement for us,” he explained.

Kraljevic kept his cards close to his chest when asked about his approach for the Singapore Cup final, but feels that his charges will rise up to the occasion.

“We will have different approach because everything will be different. From the stadium to the artificial pitch. I will have a better picture of the situation on Wednesday,” said the former attacking midfielder.