My pre AFF Suzuki Cup final interview with Singapore fan, Yaz Banz, from 18th December, 2012.
Q - Please can you start by introducing yourself.
A - I'm Yaz Banz, a Singaporean in my 40s. Having spent over 15 years in the junior academy scene as a coach firstly and eventually managed a prominent academy for 10 years, I'm a firm believer of good foundation in youth development. I have also travelled extensively to Europe with my academy for camps & tournaments.I’m currently a facility manager for a brand new football and futsal hub in Turf City Sports Park.
Q - What is the capacity of the stadium?
A - 8,000
Q - How many tickets were reserved for Thai fans?
A - Apparently, only 400.
Q - How did the local fans feel that the FAS handled the selling of the tickets?
A - Obviously there were disappointments, bearing in mind the limited capacity, but I do feel that in fairness, adequate security or simple barricades at a certain stretch should have been employed to deter queue-jumpers as reported. As with the semifinal, there was more demand than supply for the fever that engulfed the football masses, the FA should have anticipated it.
Q - Have you got your ticket for the first leg?
A - Unfortunately, no. My job requires me to host a first-ever live screening of the final in my facility.
Q - How confident are the Singapore fans of winning the final?
A - Although being tagged as the underdog, most fans I believe are pretty confident that Lions are capable of getting a positive result in the 1st leg. That would then set the stage for a thrilling 2nd leg and optimism for an upset of sorts.
Q - Would you be happier playing the first leg away?
A - Although fans' support is always crucial for a team to lift their game to emerge victorious, ultimately it is the players' effort on the day that truly counts. Having said that, playing away or home in the 1st leg never would really be seen as an advantage for the better team on the night should prevail.
Q - Do you think the artificial surface will benefit the home team?
A - Familiarity with the surface and close proximity with the fans (a compact stadium without a running track) duly serve a slight advantage for the home team. It'll be interesting to see how quickly the away team adapt and impose their playing style on such a surface.
Q - The domestic game seems to be having a few problems at the moment, do you think success for the national team will help the local league?
A - There's no doubt that a national team success would certainly boost the spirit of the entire football community but in truth, it will only be temporary. There are many factors affecting the SLeague which require improvements for the longer term but as in other sports, football need icons and what better way to gain enhanced support from fans with a record-setting winning national team. Achieving that is possible but sustaining the interest is another ball game altogether. Hate to say this but administrators do have a tough task in hand.
Q - What were the expectations for the national team ahead of this tournament?
A - As preparation, we're all aware that results in friendlies prior to this tournament didn't really give fans high hopes but as the tournament progresses, Lions have shown they are hungry to come out top with their uplifting performances. They are very close now and do sense that the players themselves want to be recognised as the nation's heroes by emulating the previous teams.
If reports are true that it'll be Raddy Avramovic's last stint with the national team, I'm certain the players would want to present him a memorable parting gift of which he could be proud. However, win or not, it's time for a change to refresh Singapore's football.
Q - How much coverage has the tournament had in the local press?
A - As expected, bountiful coverage was granted for the team before and during the tournament almost daily. The fever catches on during the semifinals with tickets being sold-out although one would wish for a bigger capacity stadium for it to be a better evaluation.
And again, I do wish the print media would grant the same coverage for the SLeague for help is needed to liven it with the hope that it would garner enhanced interests from fans and sponsors, alike. A league is a platform where ideally talents are nurtured and discovered for future national teams.
Q - What do the local pundits think will happen in the final?
A - The vibes I get is that it'll be tough for Lions to overcome the War Elephants but it is not mission impossible, surely.
Q - Which team have impressed you most in the tournament?
A - My personal favourite has always been Thailand. At youth level, I have always been impressed with their approach to the game. In this tournament itself, Thailand have been displaying what I expected of them. The team to beat, I would say.
Q - Which players have impressed you most in the tournament?
A - Teerasil Dangda, for obvious reasons. He's an exceptional player with great technique and clinical finishing. Another favourite is Lions' captain, Shahril Ishak.
Q - Which Thai players do you think will cause you problems and why?
A - It has to be Datsakorn. Although others alongside him are threats in their own ways, I rate his distribution of passes very highly.
Q - What are your impressions of the Thailand coach?
A - My stark observation for the difference between him and others before him (Withe, Reid & Robson), is that he has his own coaching team, who assist him greatly.
Q - How often do you go to watch the national team?
A - Only once this year, the 2-2 draw versus Malaysia in Jalan Besar. It was to me, an experiment, that nearly failed on the night. But with hindsight, I can see it was part of the building process.
Q - What have been your highlights watching the national team?
A - Emergence of younger players who are finally finding their feet in this current set-up, especially the goalkeepers. Much has been said of the predictability in Lions' game and for betterment, I do wish for an improved style of play.
Q - Which Singapore players should we look out for and why?
A - Shahdan Sulaiman - if he is especially given a free-role. He has been rather restricted in most matches.
Q - Will you be coming to the second leg?
A - Would love to, for I've attended numerous matches in Supachalasai but work commitment mean I have to settle for the telly. A final's atmosphere usually more electric than the norm.
Q - Would you care to give us an overall score prediction?
A - I usually abstain from making predictions. All I'm hoping for is a thrilling two-legged final. A showcase for Asean football.
Q - Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A - All along, for obvious reason, this is the final I wished for, We’ll see who'll gain the bragging rights to be the undisputed 'King of Asean football' with a 4th title until the next AFF Cup comes along.
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