We are proud of you Singapore Cubs !!

A big congratulations to CR Flamengo for having won the 23rd Lion City Cup. Deservedly crowned champions, the Flamengo team was always the favourites, having come all the way from the land of joga bonito. Nearly every kid on the streets and beaches of Brazil play football by the way, so it wasn't a surprise to see the Flamengo players dance and play football with such comfort and style amongst their fellow peers from Singapore, England and Italy.

But the biggest winners of this tournament must be Singapore. We have witnessed entertaining football on our shores, not least coming from our very own Singapore cubs. After watching the Singapore cubs clinich 3rd place at the last Youth Olympics, I was frankly not the most excited of Singaporeans. I refuse to be carried away by the media attention. The Lion City Cup has however revealed that we have a future in football, yes... Singapore has a future in football, our young boys can play football. If they are given a chance, and if they are coached properly.

We might not have won the tournament, but the Under 16s and the Under 15s clinched 2nd and 3rd spots respectively, no mean feat considering the opposition of Juventus, Everton and Newcastle. What has impressed me most is that our boys played positive football, attacking and inventive football. Most notably, we had young boys who are skilful and determined i.e. Hanafi Akbar and Adam Swandi and we also had strong and steady players who work extremely hard for their teammates, i.e. Dhukilan, Aaravin and almost everyone else on the team roster.

Well done Singapore Cubs, you've shown that you are worthy of wearing the national colors on your jersey. You've taught the Singapore fans (a hard bunch to please by the way) that you are worthy of their support, that you can be something more than your seniors. While this might be a loss today, let it spur you on to be even better players. Who is to say we cannot beat the Brazilians. We nearly did today.

So FAS, please continue your good work with the Cubs, pour resources into these teams, send them overseas for trials, expose them to European and South American football, build a Singapore team that is going to do Singapore proud in 5 years time. Perhaps we could have a go at the World Cup then, but instead of cubs, we will see the Lions roar.