Valdir, despite being crowned Grilled's Player of the Season, was unnaturally subdued as the UT Polar Bears' players celebrated their first stint in Division Two. He refused all approaches and walked stonily down the tunnel, pausing only to nod at the clusters of applauding fans.

Grilled coach Han Lik-Tsun attempted to cover for his goalkeeper. "This must be grating on him. He did his best, and penalties are a lottery." Han said. "I would appreciate it if you would leave him alone for now."

It was however clear that Valdir had not been up to his usual standards, as all three goals might have prevented. "Also, his predecessor Abed-Sulaiman did the job during penalties in far higher-pressure situations." longtime Grilled supporter Andrew Phang, 48, reminded.

The Bears will now play BBrookies, who survived with a 4-2 win over Yew Tea, in their opening league match of the new season, while the much-storied saiNts United FC and Geylang side DeathStar United F.C. also promoted into II.4