Domestic Competitions ● Nov 22, 2012
Women’s Challenge Cup 2012
With the S.League 2012 season all wrapped up on 4th November, competition is heating up over at the FAS Women’s Challenge Cup.
This year’s edition of the annual tournament sees the introduction of the 3rd/4th placing match, allowing for more motivation for teams to compete.
The spirit of the women’s football teams was showcased throughout the tournament that served others as inspiration. Despite the injuries and clash in commitments, these women play with passion for the sport and never gave up.
That being said, kudos to Arion FA and Middle Rangers FC; two teams in the same group that had to play each other days after news came upon them that they were no longer in the running for top four in the tournament. Both teams still fought hard but it was Arion FA who came out on top with a 2-0 long-awaited win. The hardworking yet luckless team came to the match with the mentality of playing “for pride” despite having nothing to play for.
Other teams that are worth a mention include Petra FC and Winchester FC; both are new to the women’s football scene but deserve a pat on the back and a round of applause for their effort. Both teams were at the wrong end of the FAS Women’s Premier League table and suffered major losses in the Women’s Challenge Cup but they never backed out. Winchester FC went without a win in the 2012 Women’s tournaments but still, they held on with hope. Petra FC is by far the most disciplined team and most will wish that they stay together and continue playing in the future seasons.
Moving onto the top 4 teams of the 2012 Women’s Challenge Cup, we have the Combined University Team that will be taking part in the 2012 ASEAN University Games this December. Comprising of local university students, this team is taking it slow and steadily. They may not be the most experienced team around, but the team unity they possess will surely make it difficult for their opponents, Young Women in the 3rd/4th placing match.
Young Women as the name suggested, comprises of girls of the age ranging from 15 to 22, with an average age of 18 years old. While they may have been playing together for a few years now, some of the more experienced players have since “graduated” to other teams. A few others are juggling the POL-ITE (Polytechnic-Institute of Techical Education) competition together with their examinations. However, these young ladies are not easy opponents, thanks to their superior fitness, which allows them to launch quick counter-attacks.
The final will see top guns Tanjong Pagar United FC and Police Sports Association women’s teams battle it out for the trophy. Both teams met earlier in the group stages and were left to share the spoils, with the game ending in a 1-1 draw. The latter may have lost out on a top three finish in the FAS Women’s Premier League by just one point, but will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with. With the likes of Nuriah Noor in attack, Mastura Jeilani in midfield and Captain Shida Baker holding the fort; Police Sports Association could just emerge victorious if they play their pieces well.
With the league trophy already in the bag for Tanjong Pagar United FC, they will be looking to the double this year.
That said, they do possess key players like top scorer Miku Sakurada, who scored eight goals in just five matches. Assisted by Luo Jian Zhen and a team of elite players, Tanjong Pagar United FC is the undoubted favourites. For what they lack in fitness, they make up for it in skills and experience.
Match Details:
Date: 25 November 2012 (Sunday)
3rd/4th Placing Match kicks off at 5pm
Final Match kicks off at 7.45pm
Venue: Jalan Besar Stadium
Ticketing: Free Entry
