Let's be realistic. In Singapore, we can have a very strong
league, ONLY if there is money pumped into it.
Look at the clubs: All the powerful league clubs in Europe are all
supported by millionaires. They pump in the money into the club and
they got themselves into the board of directors.
In Singapore, what do we get? ONLY sponsorship. If there is low
turnout, there is low sponsorship and that means lower pays for
players.
Look at the players: 50% of the players in Europe will not have to
look for another job because they are all WELL-PAID. This means
that they can concentrate FULLY on soccer and not moonlighting.
It's obvious that those footballers who moonlighted in the past did
not perform well in the field. eg. David Ginola.
How much is a Singaporean player paid? $1,000? $1,500? $2,000? If I
have a family do you think $1,500 is good enough? Try giving them
$3,500-$4,500 and see if they will work their life out!
As I have always mentioned to my friends, in Singapore, there is
NOT WAY for locals to improve their sports unless the government
supported first without return. Eg. the French government supported
French soccer team and they really won the World Cup.
In Singapore? 'Sorry, you have to SHOW RESULTS BEFORE WE SUPPORT
YOU!' What results can Singapore team show when ALL the players are
not well-paid and well-treated?
The reason why foreign player perform better is that they
are:
1) Paid better
2) Have already went through hardship in their homeland and with
that hardship they learn good basic sport skills
Of course they will do better than the locals! Ask Indra Shadan
migrate to England and I can tell you he will make it to at least
first team opportunity with, say, Crsytal Palace.
In short, let me say it's a MONEY issue. Let's admit it. Money DOES
improve any sports. Looks at Chelsea. We need 'Roman Abramovich' in
Singapore.
