“The boys are as motivated as ever as they are keen
to make history. Our intention is to win both league and cup,” was
the message by head coach Richard Bok as he talked of his side's
aspirations for 2009 during the pre-season press conference.
Led by skipper Aleksandar Duric, the Warriors achieved an
unprecedented double-double in 2008.
First, Singapore's most successful outfit fended off the
challengers of closest challengers Home United and the rejuvenated
Super Reds before landing the league title last year.
Next, the Warriors held off spirited resilience from Woodlands
Wellington which witnessed their triumph in the RHB Singapore Cup
Final.
With a squad brimming with talent and confidence in abundance,
little is expected in terms of changes.
Following a few departures, three new players have signed on for
SAFFC - Korean extraordinaire Park Tae Won, young hotshot Guntur
Djafril and Zulfadli Zainal Abidin from Young Lions.
Brought in to provide a new dimension and dynamism in the Warriors'
attack, Park's move had been one of the most celebrated deals in
the off-season.
Having stated his intention to win serious titles, the player is
very much elated to be part of the team.
“I'm delighted to have joined the number one team in Singapore, and
my aim is to win the championship.”
Back to their ongoing preparations to the new NTUC Income Yeo's
S.League season, which begins in a week's time, Bok has reasons to
be pleased with how proceedings have gone.
“Our preparations could have been better with the presence of
national players. Nevertheless, we train hard with the core of the
squad still very much present.
“We worked immensely hard and emphasised on fitness, as we wanted
the players to step up to another level so that they would be able
to thrive on the big stage.
“In short, we have enhanced training to afford out players the
opportunity to perform even better.”
For any team at the top, it is already difficult to be up at the
summit let alone stay there - the Warriors however have somehow
found a way to do so.
Hence, how would Bok assess his side's chances and the potential
threats posed by SAFFC's rivals?
“As expected, the title challenge is tough every year. With our
stature we want to challenge for the title
annually.”