Written by: Muhammad Yazid

Balestier Khalsa snatched a 2-0 victory over Singapore Recreation Club (SRC) in the Plate semi-final but Balestier coach Marko Kraljevic was surprisingly not the happiest person in the stadium.

“The only thing I am happy with is the result, and maybe the hard work of my players,” he started off.

“We won but we did not play well at all. The players kept trying but it was never good enough to satisfy me.

Going on to explain how his side looked sloppy while in possession, Kraljevic felt that the hectic and gruelling season had played a part in how his side performed today.

“We were not sharp in our attacking third. After two or three touches, we either lose the ball or the momentum of the attack would be gone,” he added.

“As a professional team playing against an amateur team, I think we should have done better.

“It has been a very long season and it is very tough for the boys. We have been training for more than six months and the players are tired. Nevertheless, I never fail to put in my best 11.”

SRC’s team manager S.Mogan noted that his amatuer side had a relatively short stint in the competition, but expressed his happiness at how they have presented themselves throughout the duration.

“It has been a fruitful experience for the team and I would like to congratulate Balestier Khalsa for their win and entrance to the Plate final,” he expressed.

“We did well as we conceded only five goals in three games. We never conceded more than two goals in any of the three games we played.

“It is sad that we did not get to score any goals because we deserved the goal today and even the last game against Home United.

“Coming from a team in National Football League (NFL) Division One, we had the opportunity to play at this level, the League Cup, and I am very happy for that chance.

Even though Mogan mused on how having former Singaporean international Itimi Dickson would have aided his side’s cause tonight, he maintained that he was grateful for the opportunity to have played in this tournament.

“Itimi Dickson had to sit out due to suspension and if we had him and two other foreigners who were injured tonight, we would have had the bite upfront,” Mogan shared.

“On behalf of the club, I would like to thank the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League, StarHub and the other organisations for getting us the chance to participate in this competition.

“We enjoyed this experience and now we are back to concentrate in the NFL and FA Cup. Hopefully we are back next year.”