Singapore football: Look beyond the symptoms

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NOTWITHSTANDING the contrasting opinions by sports editor Leonard Thomas, in "S-League footballers not good enough", and reader George Quek, in "Funding a key hurdle to Lions' success" (Nov 25), both share a common goal: To see progress in Singapore football.

As a fellow fan, I agree with Mr Thomas that Hariss Harun would develop into a much better player if he could secure an attachment at an overseas club.

In fact, Hariss had undergone a training stint and trial at Barcelona's youth academy and Chinese team Shanghai Shenghua, respectively, in the past few years.

The question is whether these clubs would be able to sign him even if they wanted to, due to his National Service. Hence, I believe that those who argue that we should send our youth talents overseas are looking at the symptoms but not the underlying problems.

The issue of NS will continue to hamper development efforts if the Football Association of Singapore and the Defence Ministry do not seek a permanent solution.

Apart from NS commitments, another problem facing Singapore football is the lack of funding, and I echo Mr Quek's call for public-listed companies to step forward.

Given how the inaugural Youth Olympic Games received sponsorship from companies across industries, I do not understand why the likes of City Development Limited, ComfortDelGro or Changi Airport Group have yet to extend funding towards Singapore football.

Mr Thomas suggested that the spillover effect would be felt domestically "if the FAS pulls out the stops to support the S-League clubs".

The question arises, though: What more must FAS do? I would argue that the clubs have been pampered for too long. Which FA in the world would secure funding for the clubs or conduct centralised trials to help them sign their foreign players?

Mr Thomas observed that few continue to support the S-League despite former president Ho Peng Kee and current chief Zainudin Nordin having stated that one main task is to increase fan turnout.

Should it not be the clubs' responsibility to do more to attract fans to the stadiums? Or has complacency set in, as the clubs do not see any urgency to bring in the crowds, since they will still receive substantial funding from FAS?

I agree with Mr Thomas that football is at the crossroads, but I wonder if it is the FAS that should take action. I am inclined to believe that it should be the corporations, clubs and even government agencies who should act now to develop Singapore football.

In conclusion, I urge all fans to examine the underlying problems facing Singapore football today and not merely highlight the symptoms.