Birds Strut Stuff
The latest end-of-season dinner would again have the hallowed S-League trophy on full display, alongside the Ruby Challenger Cup; while not quite the full double, it remainded a resplendent sight for the eyes, and a reminder of what could yet be. Certainly, with so many of the Birds' best still in their prime, and with
Eren Serpin definitely not scrimping on recruitment, there seems no good reason why Grilled should be anything less than favourites for the coming campaign.
The biggest uncertainty was still on whether Serpin - already the Birds' most-decorated head coach ever - would stay on, but he dodged it expertly as always, and instead turned the discussion on to the S-League newcomers. Little has to be said about The EV's return, not after they absolutely owned their Division Two league, as Farmer Bunnies can well attest to. Fellow oldies Robbie Football Club will also make a return after twenty-eight seasons outside the top flight, and their unique distance-shooting style must surely draw some specialized countermeasures from their opponents.
It was relative newbies Crypto Moon who were perhaps the most intriguing, as they conquered II.2 after five seasons in it, and then plotted an upset against UDNTK FC to near-perfection. To be entirely honest, UDNTK FC fully dominated that qualifier, but Salvador Ramos' 63rd minute penalty was all that mattered. Some analysts have suggested that Crypto were not entirely prepared for the big time, and that a season or two more of consolidation might have served them well. Serpin, however, was of a differing opinion.
"There's never being completely ready - Crypto Moon will be one of eight clubs that can become national champions come the new season, and as far as I am concerned, they have as good a shot as most."
A bombshell would, however, be dropped by Grilled International's Norewegian head coach
Roar Olaisen, who announced his impending departure after seven seasons at the helm. Expectedly, his nominated successor would be 38 year-old right-hand man
Didi Reidenbach, who should also be winding down his long playing career upon assuming managerial duties.
But back to the ceremony, Grilled's Player of the Season would be declared to be
Kalki Parvathaneni, which would for once have a dark horse winning; the clear favourites for the year would be Golden Boot winner
Vikram Mudaliar, and
Chan Ze Han as always, but Kalki had apparently won the regard of his peers, with his reinvention out wide. Then again, Kalki did have the numbers to back it up too, with his 16 goals from 19 appearances actually surpassing even Mudaliar's figures.
Chan was more than gracious at being passed over. "Kalki has been asked to do some very difficult jobs, and he has always come through for us." the club vice-captain said. "And his output came in spite of all that. He totally deserves it."
The Birds' Young Player of the Season would be academy Number Seven Ramesh Hegde, a brick house of a lad who is also deceptively speedy once he gets going. Usually unstoppable on the wings amongst his age group, Hegde may get a chance to prove himself amongst the men soon enough, with his graduation from the Chicken Wings scheduled any day now.
Farmer Bunnies honoured former Indonesian youth international
Djoko Tambusai as their best for the year, as the 24 year-old emerged as one of the players around whom the Buns' new backline will likely be built. Reliable and a calming influence whereever he went, Tambusai clocked more games than all but Tallapaka and Al-Maashany, and is as close to an automatic pick as it gets.
The just-departed AES Anchan was their YPOTS, and the enigmatic goalkeeper is already being badly missed by the Rancher Rabbits. While yet to make his debut in Croatia with HFC Luzitanija, Anchan is reportedly settling in well, and he might get a run-out versus Italian eighth divisioners Sabato Frittole in a training game tomorrow.
As for Grilled International, unassuming club captain
Safari bin Hj Jali finally received the recognition he deserved, as he like Kalki sacrificed his personal preferences for the team; despite filling in at central defence often enough, Safari remained one of International's most consistent contributors, and his excellent working relationship with incoming head coach
Didi Reidenbach should bode well for stability.
Bees youngster Fadlin bin Hj Mohd Salleh would be hailed as the pick of the young'uns, and even to the most jaded supporters, the 16 year-old has to be something special. Nearly unmatched by his mates and rivals whether in midfield or defence, Fadlin is the rare do-it-all gem, and he will definitely be receiving plenty of attention when he turns professional.
