The Junior Jaguars are coached by Winston Yap, Sleague winning team Captain who had an illustrious career in the local football scene. Winston was known as the “Ang Moh” man marker during his heydays, and spot a mini pony tail with flambuoyant hairstyle. The much travelled defender, who last played for Woodlands Wellington in 2010 finally call time on his football career as he focus to youth football coaching to satisfy his passion for the game.
Junior Jaguars head coach Winston Yap
Tanjong Pagar came head to head with title contenders and pre season favourties Home United and battled out a 2-2 draw, despite having only 16 fit players, out of those, which 3 are goalkeepers. Head coach Winston Yap told LigaSingapura that players are away due to holidays and there are at least 3 players who were injured.
Jaguars U16 team
Back Row(from left to right): Danial,Amirul,Yazid,Alfiyan,Coach Winston,Ali Hassan.
Middle Row(from left to right): Aqil,Indra,Navin,Kaiser,Taufik,Ryan,Shahril.
Front Row(from left to right): Darren,Syafiq,Roy,Syafiq, Danial Afiq, Azri
Not in Picture: Yao Yang,Syafiq,Sshvin,Aqil.
The Jaguars U16 team is a newly formed team which probably started training two months ago, unlike its counterparts, Home United, Which have been training together for ages. The Jaguars raced to a two goal lead with less than 30 minutes on the clock thanks to Daniel Afiq, who scored both goals in the first half. Both the goals were goals that you’ll normally see Aleksandar Duric scoring. Tapping in the final ball inside the penalty area. It is highly commendable that a player at this age, can time his run, get the right position, and finish with such clinical instincts.
Daniel Afiq beating the keeper from close range
Tanjong Pagar led by two goals at the break and it was wholesale changes for Home United, that made bulk of the difference. Home United had 25 players at coach Aw Thiam Hor’s disposal while Winston Yap only had 16 players in total.
In a game determined by tale of two halves, much credit have have to be given to Winston’s boys for not giving up. One can’t blame them for getting tired as the game was played at 3pm, which was the hottest time of the day.
With limited substitutes on the bench, it seemed that the Jaguars were in for a footballing lesson in the second period but it didnt actually happen.
As regular Skipper Shahril was out for the game, the armband was given to Taufik, who played in the centre of defence. Taufik led his line well, and managed a cleansheet in the first half. His anticipation of the game can prove to be one thing that will benefit the Jaguars this season, as he is always quick to “react to different situations.” Taufik is a no nonsense defender, and his play allow his attackers to break on counter attacks. This is something which the Jaguars would like to capitalise on for the upcoming season.
Stand in Skipper Taufiq
Another player, which was really having a go at the Home United’s left side is a boy named “Botak”. This right winger, uses his pace as his biggest strength and supplied the break through for Daniel Afiq to score his first of the two goals for the afternoon. The young boy caused all sort of problem for the Junior Protectors in the first half and had two opportunities to even score himself. Probably due to the lack of composure, and the lack of support, things didnt go his way. But still, he’ll be one to watch in the coming season.
Right Winger Syafiq “Botak”
One other gem that is worth taking a look at, definitely with room for more improvement is another defender Aqil. Operating mainly on the right side of defence, Aqil’s committment to the game with Taufik, will prove a very stingy backline if they can get their combination to their fullest potential that they have in themselves. Aqil did very well despite the threats of the Home United left winger and left back, whom both i mentioned in the Home United feature earlier as the boys to watch. Aqil’s strengths will be his ability to win balls off opponents on the ground. His understanding with “Botak” can also be an asset to the team. One area he could work on will be his fitness, and be an overlapping right full back. Which will add attacking threats to his own team.
Aqil (in black) keeping his opponent in check
Last but not least, the Goalkeeper Yazid. I am not sure if Yazid is the first choice for the upcoming season. But his penalty save, and his willingness to challenge for the high ball floated in, showed alot of potential in this boy. The penalty save, in my opinion, was a result of a fairly well taken penalty. He will need to work on his composure and his judgement of the high balls. A commanding figure in the back line. Definitely one to watch in future.
Goalkeeper Yazid
According to Winston, the junior Jaguars have been unbeaten so far in pre season. They beat Hougang Selection team 3-0, Drew with Tampines, and beat Regent Secondary 5-2 before this match. Looks like a good team in the making. Probably a few more games for the team to gel, before heading into tournament proper.
