Written by: Khalis Rifhan

Balestier Khalsa coach Marko Kraljevic simply could not hold back his admiration for playmaker Park Kang Jin who he felt was the catalyst in their 3-1 victory over Warriors FC in the RHB Singapore Cup preliminary round.

After eight weeks out on the sideline, the South Korean midfielder returned to his side few weeks ago and has been steadily regaining full fitness and getting his feet together on the pitch.

Park grabbed the Tigers’ third goal and put on a fine performance as he controlled the middle of the field alongside their central midfielders Tajeli Salamat and ex-Tanjong Pagar United player Jonathan Xu.

“The boys played very well and Park is slowly coming back. Last game I put Park for 30 minutes and he can do much better. Park is the best player in the league,” proclaimed an excited Kraljevic after the match

“He can split defence, he can set-up and can do wonders.

“With him (Park) inside, we played very well. Many games we played well but that guy can make the difference. With him we are totally different,” added the former Woodlands Wellington Prime League coach.

But Kraljevic’s counterpart Alex Weaver felt that apart from his goal, Park did not stamp his authority in the match.

“He scored that third goal. He is a good player, if you give him time and space he will do things. but to be honest I don’t think he did a great deal in this match,” said Weaver after the match.

Weaver acknowledged that his side were not at their best in the match but believed his charges will not let the defeat affect their title chasing hopes in the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League.

“It is difficult when you are running against a brick wall. Everytime we attacked, we just lack a bit of quality. The second goal was quite unfortunate in the way we conceded it and after that, we were chasing,” explained the Englishman.

“When you are chasing a game against a team that likes to defend deep and compact, it is tough. But we will be fine and will bounce back for the next league game,” added Weaver.