Home and Tampines to clash in 2018 RHB Singapore Cup first round

SINGAPORE, 24 JUNE 2018 – Reigning RHB Singapore Cup champions Albirex Niigata FC (S) will begin their 2018 title defence against Hougang United, as they seek a fourth triumph in the competition.

The 2018 RHB Singapore Cup draw, which was held today at the OCBC Square, Singapore Sports Hub, threw up a set of intriguing fixtures for the first round of local football’s premier knock-out tournament.

Home United FC were drawn to face Tampines Rovers FC in arguably the most mouth-watering clash of the first round, while the other ties saw Balestier Khalsa FC face Geylang International FC, and Brunei DPMM FC go head to head with Warriors FC.

Into its 21st edition, the tournament is scheduled to take place from 25 July to 6 October 2018 and will see the eight Singapore Premier League clubs – excluding the Young Lions – competing for the Cup.

Teams will compete in a home and away two-legged knockout format for Round One of the tournament.

Home Head Coach Aidil Sharin, whose Protectors are seeking a record seventh crown having last won in 2013, said: “I think it’s a fair draw… both teams have a good chance and both have quality, so I think at the end of the day whoever performs well on the day and is hungrier will qualify for the semi-final. We have to take one game at a time – beat Tampines and qualify first, then we can talk about whoever we meet in the semi-finals.”

Balestier defender Shaqi Sulaiman is also targeting the trophy, which comes with the opportunity to play continental football and he said: “We will give a 100 per cent in every game as there are no easy games, as you’ve seen in the League. But it’s a good opportunity for us because Albirex, Home and Tampines are drawn in one side, so we are going to take this chance and hopefully we can win and then play in the AFC Cup next season.”

RHB Singapore Head, Strategic Corporate Communications Ms Elaine Sng and Football Association of Singapore (FAS) President Mr Lim Kia Tong were both present to conduct the draw. Representatives from participating clubs were also in attendance to witness the draw.

This year, with the aim of further enhancing the consistency of decisions by match officials, and to provide additional support to referees, additional assistant referees (AARs) will be introduced to assist referees in making critical decisions, in particular for incidents in the penalty area.

FAS President Mr Lim Kia Tong said: “We have been fortunate to have a steadfast partner in RHB Singapore. RHB Singapore has been a title sponsor of the Singapore Cup for the past 13 years, and with their support, we have been able to spread the joy for football.

“The Singapore Cup not only presents a golden opportunity for our clubs to pick up silverware, but also an opportunity to play in the 2019 AFC Cup. I believe that this year’s tournament will be yet another exciting one and I look forward to seeing the teams grow in strength, putting up performances to thrill fans.”

Added FAS Acting General Secretary Mr Yazeen Buhari: “As part of our continued efforts in enhancing the quality of domestic competitions, we have identified the RHB Singapore Cup as a platform to introduce the AARs. In line with best practices as initiated by FIFA and implemented by leading confederations AFC and UEFA, the main goal is for AARs to give support when decisions affecting the result of the match have to be taken – particularly inside the penalty area. The AARs will assist in critical decisions and on incidents not seen by the referee, as well as support the assistant referees by undertaking goal line decisions.

“The main evolution of the games now is the speed at which they are played. AARs would be of valuable assistance to the referees, and will further strengthen the refereeing team’s confidence while allowing the game to flow.”

Mr Mike Chan, Country Head and CEO of RHB Singapore, said: “RHB is pleased to be the title sponsor of the RHB Singapore Cup. This year, the RHB Singapore Cup draw will be held at the Sports Hub – Home of the Lions – a meaningful move to honour the home of Singapore football. We are also heartened to see FAS’s commitment to focus on developing local clubs and players. We believe this is a positive step towards nurturing and strengthening the quality of local football and we look forward to an exciting line-up of matches.”

Prior to the draw, Tampines Rovers FC organised a football clinic for 18 children aged between nine and 14 years old as part of the League’s continuous efforts to engage with the community and bring football to the masses.

Details of the fixtures will be released at a later time.

2018 RHB Singapore Cup Draw