Stage set for LionsXII's MSL opener

Stage set for LionsXII's MSL opener

SINGAPORE - In exactly one week, the LionsXII will mark Singapore's return to the Malaysia Super League (MSL) after a 17-year absence and everything is falling into place for V Sundramoorthy's team.

The expansion of Jalan Besar Stadium near the south entrance to add 2,000 more seats has been completed and tickets will go on sale Friday for the team's opening tie with defending champions Kelantan on Jan 10.

Isa Halim (left) and Baihakki Khaizan warming down after the LionsXII's training session at Jalan Besar Stadium yesterday. Photo by DON WONG

The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau will also meet the LionsXII this week to brief them about the danger of match-fixing.

After a month of intensive training and three pre-season matches against Malaysian clubs, Sundram is close to deciding on his starting XI but will wait until the LionsXII complete their final tune-up game tomorrow against Johor FC. The match at Jalan Besar (7.45pm) will be open to spectators for free.

The LionsXII have enjoyed positive reviews despite narrowly losing to Johor FA 3-2 and escaping with a 3-3 draw against Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, both from the lower-tier Malaysian Premier League, and taking a 1-1 draw from MSL side PKNS.

But Sundram, dubbed "The Dazzler" in his heyday with the Lions in the 1980s and 1990s, is under no illusion of their campaign in the MSL.

"The build-up will take some time for the younger players, but we are getting there physically and mentally," he said. "The Malaysian teams play a faster and more physical game and in our pre-season friendlies we saw the players likely to measure up to the challenge quickly. It is going to be a tough season and against Kelantan next week it will be even more so as they are the MSL champions."

Captain Shahril Ishak said his side must be able to take the hard knocks as teams across the Causeway are always highly driven to beat a Singapore side.

"We saw that in the past 10 days in our three matches, they'll do everything to get the ball off you and the crowds will heckle us," said Shahril. "So we need to think and act fast when we are in possession, especially in midfield."

Sundram, however, confirmed that vice-captain Hariss Harun will play in his natural position in midfield despite talk he may be asked to shore up the backline.

But whether the midfield dynamo will be able to travel to Alor Star for the team's Jan 14 game in Kedah is still in doubt.

Hariss, along with central defender Safuwan Baharudin, and eight other players are still serving National Service and their availability for matches outside of Singapore is still being negotiated with the relevant ministries.

Said team manager Eugene Loo: "We are in touch with both the Ministries of Home Affairs as well as Defence to see if they can be released.

"They will have to give us the go ahead before these players can travel for our away matches."

~News courtesy of Today Online~