Written by: Shawn Lim

The 2017 edition of the RHB Singapore Cup will kick off on 29 May with four Great Eastern-Hyundai S.League clubs and four invited foreign clubs set to compete in the preliminary round for a spot in the quarter-finals.

At the preliminary round draw held at the Ocean Financial Centre on Tuesday afternoon, Balestier Khalsa, Geylang International, Hougang United and Warriors FC were drawn against Nagaworld FC (Cambodia), Global Cebu (Philippines), Ceres Negros (Philippines) and Boeung Ket Angkor (Cambodia) respectively.

Reigning RHB Singapore Cup champions Albirex Niigata FC (S), S.League 2016 Runners-up Tampines Rovers FC, Brunei DPMM FC and Home United FC will then meet the winners of the preliminary rounds in the last eight.

At the same event, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) and RHB Singapore announced the extension of RHB’s title sponsorship for the Singapore Cup for a further three years until 2019, which will mark 15 years of partnership.

“RHB is pleased to extend the title sponsorship of the RHB Singapore Cup,” said Mike Chan, CEO and Country Head of RHB Singapore.

“This fifth renewal marks yet another exciting chapter of the RHB – FAS/S.League partnership, anchoring our commitment and support to the development of Singapore football.

“Football fans will be treated to more exciting matches with selected foreign teams participating in this year’s regional premier cup tournament that will soon take place, leading up to the Finals towards the end of the year.”

Hougang head coach Philippe Aw welcomed the presence of the foreign teams in the competition and feels that it will be a good test for local clubs to see where they stand against teams around the region.

“We have drawn Ceres, who are AFC Cup semi-finalists in the Asean Zone region, so it will not be easy,” explained Aw.

“They are a tough team to play because they are physically strong and have good players. But it is good that we are playing Ceres because it will be a good test for us to see if we can match up to the regional teams.

“Playing in the AFC Cup means they have gathered a lot of experience, but Singapore Cup is played in a traditional knock-out format. We will give our best and aim to progress further.”

The RHB Singapore Cup 2017 Preliminary Round Draw is shown below. The preliminary round of the 2017 RHB Singapore Cup is scheduled to take place from 29 May to 4 June 2017. Details of the fixtures will be released at a later time

RHB Singapore Cup 2017 Preliminary Round Draw

Match 1: Hougang United FC vs Ceres Negros FC (Philippines)

 

Match 2: Balestier Khalsa FC vs Nagaworld FC (Cambodia)

 

Match 3: Geylang International FC vs Global Cebu FC (Philippines)

 

Match 4: Warriors FC vs Boeung Ket Angkor FC (Cambodia)