Written by: Phoon Jia Hui

Into its 16th edition, The Sultan of Selangor’s Cup will return to Singapore for the first time since 2009 where it will be held at the National Stadium, Singapore Sports Hub on 6 May 2017 (Saturday).

Unlike previous editions, it was announced that there will be a new Singapore-Selangor Schools Challenge Cup between the Under-16 boys of the Singapore Sports School and a Selangor Combined Schools team.

This match will be played prior to the traditional curtain raiser match between the Singapore Veterans and Selangor Veterans, and the main match between the Singapore Selection and Selangor Selection.

Speaking on the sidelines of the The Sultan of Selangor’s Cup press conference at the Concorde Hotel on Friday evening, Singapore Selection Head Coach Fandi Ahmad says he is looking forward to the occasion.

While there will be competition on the pitch, the 54-year-old believes the tournament is still “all about friendship”.

“We are very happy that it’s being held in Singapore this year and I think it’s a good idea,” said Fandi.

“We can invite the Selangor fans and we also want our fellow Singaporeans to support this event as well. Hopefully we can see a capacity crowd as it’s always good playing in front of a full stadium.”

And Fandi has urged on fans to turn up in numbers to support the players, both from present as well as yesteryears.

“It gives the players motivation to play well,” he noted.

“For the veterans especially, it will show people still remember them. On the other hand, it’s part of the process of growing up for the younger ones, they can see many fans watching them which in turn will inspire and spur them to perform at a higher level.”

“With the youngsters coming into the programme, I hope this will also be an opportunity for them to learn more about the history of this tournament.”

CEO of the S.League, Lim Chin, is meanwhile hopeful of a good turnout as well.

“Fans can expect three thrilling matches, up for grabs are three trophies and I’m sure everyone wants to win,” he said.

“More importantly, I think you can see good football, and we will bring back household names from the veterans who are still very active in the game. Of course, our Singapore Selection side who will take to the field will be the best of the players from the S.League.”

After seven long years, the tournament will finally return to local shores and Lim has expressed his excitement at being hosts once again.

“I think it’s an exciting thing for us to host the SOS Cup in Singapore once again and we are introducing a new event this year, the Under-16 school boys match,” he said.

“These boys are the budding footballers of our generation and willl eventually go on to represent Singapore and Selangor in the future.

“By integrating youth, the present professional players and the veterans, we have now created a good friendship and I think that’s fantastic. We would like to keep this event for many more years to come and build a healthy rivalry between Singapore and Selangor through football.”

 

Schedule of Matches

Saturday, 6 May 2017

5pm – Singapore Sports School vs Selangor Combined Schools

6.30pm – Singapore Veterans vs Selangor Veterans

7.45pm – Singapore Selection vs Selangor Selection

Ticketing Details

Tickets for the match are priced at $8 for Adults and $3 for Concession*. They will be available from 9.00am on 3 April 2017 via www.sportshubtix.com, and from 10.00am via the SportsHub Box Office, SingPost outlets and the Sports Hub hotline (+65 3158 7888).

Above-mentioned ticket prices exclude ticketing fee.

* Concession tickets are applicable to Students aged 4 to 16, and Senior Citizens aged 60 and above. Children aged 4 and above must purchase a ticket for admission. Infant in arms and children under 4 years of age may be admitted free of charge provided they do not occupy a seat.