The former Singapore international alludes to a title challenge after his side recorded a 3-0 win over Home United
As Singapore Armed Forces FC dished out a 3-0 whipping of rivals Home United on Thursday night at Jalan Besar Stadium, there was a hint of the club that once dominated the local football scene.V.Selvaraj, standing in for coach Richard Bok who was away on a coaching course spoke of the new found belief in his side after the match.
"[Matches against Home are] always a tough game," he began.
"We came here with a plan. I was afraid we didn't have enough time to prepare [after the last match].
"The boys tried very hard. Even in training we were very positive and everything came out well for us. They were very hungy, they showed a lot of passion. I definitely will say confidence played a very big part."
The former national striker also explained his decision to bring on 37-year-old Rezal Hassan, who was making his return to the field after nearly two years in retirement, before acknowledging his team's title ambitions.
"Shahril had some discomfort in his knee so I didn't want to to risk it," he said of the late substitution.
"I still belief we can make it in the league. We are six points behind the leaders."
Home United meanwhile were once again represented by assistant coach Baek Jong Seok and chairman S.Mahalingam at the post-match conference.
"I haven't got much to say about the game tonight," was Baek's opening statement when asked on the match.
"It was a difficult game with four players missing. They did their best, they were better [than in the previous match]. Today was just not the day for us.
Baek also explained that Qiu Li was left out of the starting lineup after complaining of a niggling knee pain the day before, while Shotaro Ihata, who was left of the match day squad altogether, had been excluded for poor form, and lacking passion.
The dominant performance by the Warriors did not go unnoticed by the Korean who heaped praise on his opponents, adding: "I can say SAF, I like their playing style. Their movement and passing is well organised. Also they have good stamina."
Home United's defeat meant they missed the opportunity to go joint-top in the S.League while SAF now move to fifth, six points behind leaders Albirex Niigata (Singapore)
