SAFSA PUTS UP GOOD FIGHT IN BOGAARS CUP FINAL

Despite dominating the match, the Singapore Armed Forces Sports Association (SAFSA) football team went down 3-1 against the Singapore Police Force Sports Association (SPFSA) in the 43rd G.E. Bogaars Cup final on 7 Jan.

Over the 90-minute match held at the Home Team Academy, SAFSA played free-flowing attacking football, making 17 shot attempts.

Defending champion SPFSA had only seven, but took their chances.

SAFSA striker Corporal (CPL) Amirul Walid broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, with a volley in the six yard box.

SPFSA hit back right in the second half, equalising in the 46th minute. It took the lead through a penalty kick in the 52nd minute, before extending its advantage to 3-1 against the run of play in the 85th minute.

SAFSA team captain Lance Corporal (LCP) Shamil Sharif was disappointed with result, but noted that the team had played well.

"We clearly controlled the match, had a lot more shots, but we just couldn't find the back of the net. No luck, but it's part and parcel of football.

"But I am proud of our effort, considering that we only had two weeks of centralised training," added the 23-year-old midfielder, who will be playing for the Courts Young Lions in the S-League in the upcoming season.

Player-manager Lieutenant (LTA) Benjamin Tan, Deputy Logistic Staff Officer of 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade, shared LCP Shamil's sentiment.

"It was difficult to get all the players together for training because of their heavy operational duties. They had to sacrifice their time off and holidays to train. I am proud of the team."

The SAFSA football team comprised 18 players - 15 Full-time National Servicemen, and three Regulars - from various units in the Army, Navy and Air Force.

The G.E. Bogaars Cup aims to maintain the historical ties and close working relationship between the SAF and the SPF.

The competition was first held in 1971 in honour of the late Mr George Edwin Bogaars, who was Permanent Secretary for the Interior and Defence - the predecessor of today's Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

In the last cup final held in 2014, SAFSA had narrowly lost to SPFSA 1-0.

Chief of Defence Force Major-General (MG) Perry Lim and Commissioner of Police Hoong Wee Teck were the guests of honour at this year's cup final.

In the earlier curtain-raiser match for players aged 35 and above, the SPFSA Veterans defeated SAFSA Veterans 4-2.

SAFSA is on the lookout for new talent. Interested servicemen can contact the SAFSA team manager (Tel: 63052041) for a trial.