By Song Sung Hai

Vice-Captain Hafiz Osman is perhaps the most bemedalled local player in the team with four S.League titles, two Singapore Cup winner medals, one AFF Cup winner medal and even a bronze medal at the SEA Games.

The only medal he does not have in his trophy cabinet is the Starhub League Cup champions medal and his desire to add that to his collection was manifested through his stellar performances in all the games leading up to the final.

Alas, a second yellow card picked up in the semi-final means that Hafiz Osman will be forced to watch from the stands. Hafiz Osman, however, chose to be happy at the achievement instead of sulking and expressed no surprise at the feat, knowing fully well the quality of his teammates.

He said to tpufc.org, “ I am proud that I have contributed and helped the team to reach the final even though, sadly, I will be missing the game. However it could be a blessing in disguise for me. It is also something to be happy about though because it is the first for the club and some players in the team to be in the League Cup final.”

Hafiz O also described the Starhub League Cup journey for the team as having been “fantastic as the team deserve this for what we went through at the beginning of the season.”

“I am not surprised we made it this far though,” he added. “Along the way, we conceded only one goal so far in this tournament and it is something we should be proud of. For me, the game against DPMM FC in the final is not about revenge but to prove to some people that we, as a team, are capable of winning titles. Never say no to Jaguars.”

DPMM FC however will present a very stern obstacle for the Jaguars in our bid for glory but Hafiz Osman is confident in his teammates. He believes firmly that his mates will put up a good show even in his absence and hopes that the Jaguars will be the ones to lift the Cup at the end of it all.

He also has got one thing to say to his teammates.

“Smile and enjoy the game. I will be cheering you guys from the stands. #neversaynotojaguars”