Tanjong Pagar United VS Loyola Meralco Sparks FC
25 July 2013
Queenstown Stadium

By Ong Jiing Yih

The focus for the continually-positive Tanjong Pagar United shifts to the RHB Singapore Cup, as the season approaches towards the end of July.

Following a tough league programme, the Jaguars have reasons to be quietly confident of their chances in a competition in which they last won in 1998.

The Jaguars weathered a brief storm in the preliminary round, before an eventual 4-1 triumph of Cambodian side Boueng Ket Rubber Field FC.

Having already overcome an invited side another one on the horizon beckons; in fact, the upcoming opponents lying in wait at the quarter-final stage pose a different threat altogether.

Standing in the way is Loyola Meralco Sparks FC, who are one of the biggest teams in their own country and have been challenging at the top for several years.

Founded in 2006, the club evolved into its current guise when taken over by both Meralco and MVP Sports Foundation.

The Philippine side returns to Singapore this year, armed with rather impressive credentials in the competition, wowing compatriots and presumably neutrals alike in their semi-final run during the 2012 season.

That eventually led to fourth place in the Cup, set against the backdrop of a domestic campaign which oversaw a third-placed finish in the United Football League (UFL).

Currently, Loyola are on a decentrun of just one defeat in eight matches which included a 3-0 whitewash of Harimau Muda B.

Some of the chief protagonists include the Hartmann brothers – Mark and Matthew – and the prominent Younghusband brothers James and Philip.

At the same time, a clutch of other team members of from South Korea, Italy and Cameroon complete the lineup alongside a core of local players.

The Cup may represent a decent opportunity for the Sparks to sparkle, but never discount the Jaguars who are fully committed to the Winning Mentality.

Despite a return of only two goals in their last three matches, the attacking triumvirate of Monsef Zerka, Kamel Ramdani and Ismael Benahmed are keen to increase their goal tally for the season.

Kickoff is at 8 pm.