By Les Tan
Muhd Khairil glances in the winning goal for VJC in second half stoppage time to ensure a 3-2 victory. (Photo 1 © Les Tan/Red Sports)
Jalan Besar Stadium, Monday, May 25, 2009 – Victoria Junior College scored a stoppage time goal to eke out a 3-2 victory over Meridian Junior College.
The 3pm start time under the scorching sun plus the adrenaline of a national football final meant fitness would come into play in this game. Added to that the heart-pounding and ear-splitting cheering from supporters of both schools – the loudest cheering you’ll hear at a football game on this island – the stage was set for an exciting game.
A blistering start saw VJC take an early 1-0. Alex (#10) found some space on the left flank and his cross was met by Asyraf who placed his header over Edmund Wong in the (#32) in the MJC goal. 1-0 to VJC.
But MJC came right back. Their constant pressure yielded them a free-kick from 30m out. Up stepped their captain Fazli Hisham (#7) who hit it straight at the VJC keeper Ifwat Wafiy. It was not a hard shot and everyone expected the keeper to pluck it safely from the air. To his and the collective horror of the VJC crowd, it squirmed from his outstretched hands and bounced over the line. 1-1 and the MJC crowd roared their approval.
Man for man, MJC had the measure of the VJC team, nullifying any attack, while their constant probing left VJC fans with the gnawing dread of another MJC goal.
Alex (VJC #10) then missed a one-on-one situation to leave the score unchanged and the miss would haunt VJC.
VJC’s Jasper gave away another free-kick to MJC and this time Attah Joseph (#21) stepped up. Of all the people in the VJC wall, Joseph’s blast chose to take a wicked deflection off the head of Jasper and the ball hit the back of the net while VJC keeper Ifwat was left flat footed. VJC, and Jasper, were feeling particularly unlucky by now.
With MJC holding their first lead of the game at 2-1, VJC did not look likely to score. But an individual piece of finishing by Alex changed the scoreline. VJC keeper Ifwat’s kick upfield was met by the head of Anders Aplin (VJC #9). Another teammate met Anders’ header with another flick on and the ball landed nicely in the path of Alex who bore down on the right side of the MJC penalty box.
VJC fans wondered: Was he going to shoot? His answer was instantaneous – a blast with his right leg that arrowed across the diving body of MJC keeper Edmund Wong to nestle in the far corner of the net. A predator’s goal and the score was now 2-2. Game on.
After the excitement of the first half with four goals and lots of action, the second half was an anti-climax. The 3pm start was taking its toll as players from both teams started going down with cramps. The most pained sufferer was Attah Joseph (MJC #21) whose cramp was so severe that his bulging thigh muscles were rigid with cramp and he had to be carried off the pitch.
With the injuries, the game was going nowhere as a spectacle but with the passing minutes, the tension ratcheted up. A goal at this late juncture would surely spell the winner.
MJC had two golden chances to score through Joseph Tai (MJC #23), the second of which was a header that was headed for goal but Ifwat pulled off a stupendous save to make up for his first half error.
The miss of the game though, was by Alex (VJC #10), this year’s top scorer with 16 goals.
A blistering shot by Anders (VJC #9) from outside the box was not held by MJC keeper Edmund. The ball spilled loose and bounced up nicely into the path of the onrushing Alex. However, from less than 2m from the goal line and with the whole goal gaping before him, he somehow contrived to put the ball over the bar.
Even though the ball fell to his weaker left leg, he pounded the ground in extreme frustration while the VJC bench saw coach Tan Yew Hwee sprawl to the ground like he had been shot. The VJC bench must have thought this was going to be a repeat of the 2008 final where Alex also missed chances that cost them the championship title.
By this time, everyone was expecting extra-time but the final act was yet to be played out. In the second minute of extra time, a throw in by Cephas Ong was headed on by Anders Aplin. In the middle was the waiting Muhammad Khairil (VJC #5). Rising with him were two MJ defenders but Khairil got his head to the ball first.
It was not a hard header but the ball’s bounce fooled MJC keeper Edmund and went in to send the VJC crowd into delirium. 3-2 to VJC was how it finished, and VJC put to bed their 1-2 loss to MJC in last year’s final.
In an on-field incident witnessed by many and sure to be discussed for days on end, the MJC taunt to VJC to “go fly kite” got the better of VJC’s Khairil and he made a mocking gesture – putting his thumb on his nose and wiggling his fingers – to the MJC crowd in return after teammate Alex scored the second VJC goal.
After getting scolded by coach Tan Yew Hwee immediately after the incident, Khairil was marched to the MJC principal after the game by his coach and made to apologise.
“That kind of game, heart attack!” said VJC coach Tan Yew Hwee. “The chances they missed!”
The winning goal was unexpected.
“The goal was a soft goal,” he said.
For MJC, this was their fifth A Division final appearance in a row.
“That’s football,” said MJC coach Fabio Fanticelle Da Silva. “It was a loss of concentration in the last two minutes.”
“It was a very good save by the VJC keeper,” said coach Fabio, referring to the save from Joseph Tai (MJC #23) in the dying moments of the second half.
“Last year was our year, this year is their time. Our boys worked very hard and we have very good support from the principal and teachers.”
MJC are also well placed for A Division football honours next year.
“Seven of the players will be back next year,” coach Fabio confirmed.
“It’s really honourable to score in the final on such a big stage,” said Muhd Khairil, the scorer of the winning goal and who also bagged the man-of-the-match award. “Lucky the ball went in. We had many chances to score but we threw it away.”
Khairil finished the season with four goals, but that last one will live long in the memory for him and VJC.
Perhaps because I didn’t spend my college days in Singapore that I didn’t know “go fly kite” has got sexual connotations attached to it in Singapore – this is new to me! By “army”, I’m assuming its only the Singapore NS? Because “go fly a kite” is definitely only known to be a cliche way of saying ‘get lost’ in the rest of the world, at least that’s what idiom dictionaries say.
If it is true then I guess it spins a whole new issue to this saga and explains why Les considers ‘go fly kite’ a taunt and has to be brought to attention here. Because ‘Everybody go fly kite’ is indeed a very common cheer amongst JC/Poly/Varsity students here and its shocking if local schools have allowed students to incorporate explicit content into their school cheers?
As much as I feel that it is naive for anyone to point fingers at the opposition’s fans for triggering an athlete’s unrestrained behavior – because if you want to compete in sports, then you will need to master the art of self-restrain – but if ‘go fly kite’ does refer to masturbation according to Les, then there is reason for this to be highlighted in the story to show how crude, and perhaps ignorant, our school sports scene has become?
MJC has no chance at all next year.
Dilip Thapa Masrangi, Ryson Yap & Shuvod Rai
will kick ass!
I have been observing this thread since Les posted the article online. First of all, let me congratulate both VJC and MJC for having best represented their schools. It is an honour I’m sure, that all the soccer boys have worked hard for.
What I am very concerned about is the aftermath of the match that has plagued this thread. I am appalled at some of the vicious comments that our children are capable of making, thinking that the anonymity of the Internet will provide a cover for their maliciousness.
It is not school spirit when one group of people attack an individual online or in reality, but mob mentality. We must question what the schools are doing to educate the students on responsible usage of the Internet or whether the schools are even aware of this.
Reading through the comments, I assume some are by adults, maybe even teachers from the respective schools. What I appeal to you is to stop encouraging or condoning the children’s actions. We want our children to grow up with the right values instilled in them, and this includes graciousness, forgiveness and responsibility. Only then can we express confidence that the schools are doing the best job at moulding the future of the nation.
I say this in response to ALL the vicious comments on this whole site, because this does not only occur in soccer but in all other sports.
Thankyou Les.
both sides had their fare share of unsporting behaviour. its part and parcel of the game. anyway, khairil was the only person mocking the supporters. as compared to the whole MJ crowd boo-ing him later on.
Ah, finally you’re declaring your stand like a man.
This whole thread is made up of speculations and absurd accusations. What happened was plain to everyone who was there and in an objective frame of mind.
MJ taunted #10’s goal, #5 mocked the MJ crowd, Mr Tan scolded him and told him to focus on the game. He did just that, scored the winning goal, VJC wins. Afterwards, he apologised to the MJ principal. MJ booed him when he got the MoM award.
End of story.
I have watched the a division soccer finals for 5 years, including this year. For the last 4 years, we have met VJC 3 times, RJC 1 time and used the “go fly kite” cheer every single year.
This is the first time an opponent was provoked enough to do such a childish and rude gesture. (Of course, this is according to him – I wouldn’t be surprised if he just needed to justify his actions.)
For that, I would like to thank the MJC opponents in the past 4 years for their maturity and never losing their cool despite all the ‘taunting’. Perhaps their junior should learn from them.
And I would like to say – I love MJC! Hope my juniors cherish their time in MJC!
hoho. Talk? Scolding more like it… If he was really sincere in apologizing, would he need to be held my hand to MJC principal?
Yes, you are speculating.
And note that my rebuttal was to the phrase great courage that was used which is ridiculous. And the great courage part was about him apologizing, not about the game later on.
I didn’t want to side MJC but after reading your comment, yah, I am going to side MJC cuz now I know that the other side likes to take people’s words out of context.
Sorry was just needing some clarifications on this
“”A reader much earlier in the discussion is probably correct – the phrase “go fly kite†refers to masturbation. With most curses, it started in the army.””
Been in the army, gone back to reservist since the late 90s, never heard of fly kite being masturbation.
Anyone can clarify?
I wish to apologise if anyone who thinks that I am trying to bring forth my “high pedestal of morality†or “persecuting the boyâ€. Please understand that I am in no position to judge anyone. I would also like to clarify that it’s through the LOVE for the boy that I wrote this.
What we have witnessed is the wonderful display of soccer skills in this final. It is such wonder that brings forth HOPE for our nation who is in desperate need of talent in this arena. Our country has always been blessed with successes in almost all aspects of our lives and we are truly thankful to the unfailing wisdom of our Government and the unwavering hard work of our people.
These kids represent the future of our country and as long as they are able to continue to shine, our country has a future. The message that I wanted to bring across is that despite our successes, we must remain HUMBLE at all times. We must not allow ourselves to be trapped in our very own world and become worshippers of ourselves and hence, becoming self-centered individuals. That’s the danger and it is what I don’t wish to see in our younger generation.
Can you imagine if one day Singapore were to play against Brazil? Let’s say if we score the winning goal and beat them. Certainly this is a great celebration for the entire nation because of the tremendous amount of effort that the players had put in, not to mention the support of the entire nation. The victory will not be as glorious if one of our players were to put on such an infamous act. All it takes is for one person to tarnish the reputation of a nation, not to mention a college.
I sincerely hope that everyone can learn through this incident and be mindful that the world is watching our every movement and every action. It is, therefore, of paramount importance that we as Singaporeans carry ourselves in a manner that is worthy of such a wonderful country and to constantly bring glory to our country.
Please be mindful that I am not discussing any religious or racial issues. Please understand that I am truly grateful and thankful to our Government and our people who have worked so hard so that we are able to live harmoniously in a multi-racial and multi-religious society. The God that I mentioned is not religion-specific. Please don’t misinterpret as me trying to preach. With that, I wish both teams a ever-shining future ahead and to bring glory to Singapore.
Thank you Dawn, Les and the editors of Red Sports.
Your support is crucial in the building up of the Singapore sports scene and that includes preserving the fragile self-esteem of many of the athletes around so that they can focus on their sports instead of what the masses say of them. I’m sure Khai and his friends and family appreciate this gesture.
Ng
Just curious, did God say anything about overzealousness when it comes to the crucification of an individual at the hands of the masses?
All that matters is in the heart, not the actions. Your action here is in interpellating a boy that you do not know, and using God’s words to pass judgement on someone based on one single action. To quote God and use His words like that can be said to not only be presumptious but to be sanctimoniously arrogant.
So I suppose from your actions, we can deduce that your heart is not any more pure than the very boy that you persecute here, and is perhaps more steeped in sin for you do so with the intention to malign and with malice.
Give it a rest, buddy. This forum does not need your preaching. From what I can see, MJC has decided to withdraw from the negative energy created. I hope this puts an end to it.
Wow! NG, was that a self description of yourself? You are really humble to share theses words of wisdom with us. You are so right about the heart and we can see your heart clearly now. So please stop using God’s name in vain and get off your high pedestal of morality. And if you are christian, where’s your compassion and love?
Would khai have apologized if he wasn’t told? Maybe not, it was done in the heat of the moment, a burst of emotion. But that’s why we have teachers and coaches around. To instill right values and to teach us to do the right thing. He got a whooping from his coach and it still takes courage to go up to the MJ principal to apologize. Because of this incident, he has learnt a very important lesson. So please get off his back.
I have deleted the comments that have crossed the line into personal attack. All subsequent comments that referred to the individual’s personal history have also been removed to protect his privacy.
Red Sports has a policy of light censorship. Letting readers have their say and taking the heat that comes with it is how we all learn the boundaries of fair comment.
BUT we will not hesitate to remove comments that slander the character of individuals. Keep the discussion on point please.
It is our policy to remove comments that drag the personal history of a player into the discussion. Discuss the actions of the player on the field, by all means, but his personal history is off limits as far as I am concerned. It is bullying.
A reader much earlier in the discussion is probably correct – the phrase “go fly kite” refers to masturbation. With most curses, it started in the army. It is similar to the older American taunt “Go jerk off.” Another commonly understood interpretation of the phrase is “f*** off”.
Just because subsequent generations do not remember its roots anymore doesn’t mean it is not a taunt still.
It is similar to the word “butoh” that football fans shout at the National Stadium. Most do not know it is a crude reference to the male genitalia in the Malay language. If it was in English, it would be like 50,000 people shouting “d*ckhead” or “c*ck”. It’s stupid, isn’t it?
Sorry for this explicit explanation but if folks are shouting at the top of their lungs, the least anyone can do is to tell them what exactly they are actually shouting.
Therefore the phrase “go fly kite” is a taunt and is factually accurate. The taunt is wrapped up in a cheer, but it still is a taunt.
How do I know Khairil was reacting to the taunt? I checked with the VJC team.
But I also wrote that Khairil’s gesture is what it is – a mocking gesture. For which he received his coach’s immediate rebuke and then had to suffer the indignity of having to apologise to the MJC principal in front of a crowd and to have people coming in to this site to talk about it even BEFORE I wrote about it.
I was curious about why he had to apologise. I have never witnessed such an incident at school sports level myself. A few conversations with teachers also failed to yield any other similar incident. Hence my inquiry into the incident and my report above.
To those who say it’s just a cheer, the poll was done to show that regardless of how you may perceive your cheer internally, others perceive it otherwise. The numbers are indicative.
The phrase “go fly kite” also doesn’t pass the test of common sense and courtesy. If your principal set you a task you cannot stand to do, and you wish to decline, which phrase would you choose:
A. “Sorry I regret to say I can’t do it sir because I have too many commitments already.”
or
B. “Go fly kite.”
As for accusations of bias against MJC, I state again – there is no such thing as an objective sports story. I have seen enough stories go up and folks reacting in ways that no one expected because they are perceiving a bias no one else did.
Therefore, as some of you know, you are welcome to write your version of the game. We post everyone’s contribution wherever possible. You have seen their names at the top of the stories. Everyone has a different perspective and so we welcome contributions to balance our volunteers’ posts.
You send it, we post it.
And for those who have been supportive of Red Sports and I, thank you very much. We are grateful.
This site was set up to shine a light on the passionate world of Singapore sports, particular school sports. The 1,100 word story I wrote above and the 100 over pictures I took of a very exciting game should be the more important lasting memory for everyone.
That you are all passionate about your school is commendable and remarkable. No one seems interested in commenting about the S.League. But one A Division Football Final game, and * BOOM * everyone is going at it.
At this stage of Singapore’s sporting culture, school sports remain the high watermark for passion and pride. Nothing else comes close. No, not even the current day version of the Kallang Roar which is more like the Kallang Swear.
All the best to MJC and VJC for next year and thank you for a very good game that was generally played in good spirits on the field and supported by the best football crowd on this island.
Good game, guys.
“Z Says:
May 26th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Sportsmanship’s important which i think was not what MJ displayed in their taunt (& as an above reader mentioned, when VJ sang their sch anthem last year). Likewise, such a lack of sportsmanship was displayed in MJ Soccer Girls’ game against HCJC. The HC defender attempted to prevent the MJ girl from scoring but to no avail, falling inside the goal. The MJ girl pointed at her mockingly and laughed, then ran off, rather than helping her up.
well. ”
Regarding this comment,i think you saw only one side of the story. In actual fact, that player wasnt mocking at the HCI defender, instead the MJC girl was celebrating the fact that she scored a goal for her school.Wont you do the same,if you scored a goal for your team? She should have the right of celebrating the goal right? Furthermore,it was HCI who created ‘NAMES’for one of the players first. The fact that they actually bear with it and gave them a good and fair game is already good enough.But nevertheless,both teams played well. Thanks.
“The Devil, the proud spirit, cannot endure to be mocked.” – St. Thomas More, 16th Century
“God is stern in dealing with the arrogant, but to the humble He shows kindness.”
“Hatred of God comes from pride. It is contrary to the love of God …”
Overweening pride, arrogance, haughtiness: these have been the stuff of tragedy. These are all forms of self-delusion, and paper-thin masks over rotting features. Pride refuses the truth about who we are and substitute illusions for reality. Pride is based in a real desire to be God, at least in one’s own circle.
A strong indicator of pride is competitiveness. There is nothing wrong with playing to win, provided the joy is in the playing. If our happiness depends on defeating others or knowing our child is the star of the team, we are building a world of illusion.
At death, all illusions are stripped away. God’s judgment will not take into account our bank balance, how much we own, how smart our children are or how much self-esteem we have. All that will matter is whether He recognizes us.
As what others have said, would he have apologised if he is not being asked to? All that matters is the heart NOT the actions!!!
Guys,it’s over already….we are humans after all,we make mistakes…..don’t tell me u guys NEVER in your lives make a single mistake…..and all this tit-for-tat thingy….it’s so unlike JC students…..it’s making ITE or even Poly students appear better than you guys…..you guys might be better in studies,but with this type of childish behaviour,i don’t think you guys can go far…just think about it…by posting your comments here,can it change the past???i don’t think so….so just forget about it and move on….seriously….and i totally agree with mjc….let’s stop this guys….
Im pretty amazed at all the hostile comments by students or people from both schools. What happened in the match is suppose to remain just there, at the stadium and on the field.
For those who do not play the game, there is something called emotions. And they certainly do run high during games. Sportsmanship is something that all players usually show. But there are times where the taunting gets to players. Do we slate a player for attempting to get back at their critics? Yes, perhaps. But what is done has been done. It was a mistake and simply just get over it. They are afterall young adults and not robots.
Being 18 doesnt mean that one has to be OLD ENOUGH OR MATURE ENOUGH. Soccer players who are 30 have made similar mistakes or have responded in negative ways when provoked as well.
Focus on the beauty of the game and that electric atmosphere. Do not allow just one sign of impudence shown during the game to trigger off a war of words. That is the very least you could do as a sign of appreciation for the 22 kids who were on the field slogging their guts out for their team and schools. The amount of preparation and training that they went through to bring them all the way to the finals will only be understood by those who have been there.
Enjoy the aftermath of what was a thrilling game.
Oh and can the school officials just accept that losing is part of the game? MJC lost, be gracious about it. What’s this talk about filing reports and whatnot. I’m from MJ and I think whatever a certain male teacher said is ridiculous. Stripping off titles is not going to make MJC the champions. By even suggesting that, you’re bringing yourself down to the students’ level. Seriously. With the fervour surrounding the soccer boys, you’d have thought soccer was the only sport in MJ. What about the other sports that have brought glory to the school too? The soccer boys are overrated.
I personally believe that it was a trivial matter which was blown into a big “who-ha” It will be an incident which will go on for the sport in the division. On another note, sportsman would be more mindful of their actions, with eyes watching and the internet running, their actions will live for the next decade.
Lets move on.
Khairil (VJC #5)…
Gosh, you are getting popular overnight… hehe…
You must be an interesting, besides an excellent, player to create such storm in this forum. Impressive indeed!
Just wanna tell you:
Be strong, don’t bother about all those jealous people giving negative comments.
You are a fantastic player and this is part of growing up. We as human are not perfect and we learn from mistakes.
Hope all those comments give you the strength to build and make you a much better person/player.
Reap all the good advices and just turn a blind eye/deaf ear on those that are not.
What’s important are the support from family & friends who loves you.
Don’t let those negative remarks bring you down. It’s just a strategy to fiddle with someone’s mind and feelings.
Congrats to VJC.