Veni Vidi Vici

'Veni, Vidi, Vici!'

Like Julius Caesar in 47BC, Patrick Vallee could have said the same sentence at the end of the 2010 Sleague season. The Etoile FC coach won 2 titles that year and his name can be remembered in the local stadium stands as the Etoile FC squad was playing the most exciting game with a bunch of unknown players. Today everybody knows players like Frederic Mendy or Flavien Michelini, thanks to coack Vallee.

Well, good news! It seems we can expect some more outstanding football to come back in our shores.

Here is a recent interview from footballopod.com with Patrick Vallee where he shares his love for Singapore and football: click here

Patrick Vallee and Pierre (ULTRAS)

Forza Etoile! ULTRAS forever!

We support referee K Kalimuthu!

Last night the Sleague fixtures got plenty of drama on the refereing side as 6 penalties have been awarded. Four in the Young Tigers vs Woodlands game and two in the Tampines vs Gombak game.

This monday morning the newspapers and the local internet forums are buzzing with anger towards referee K Kalimuthu who was the star of the Young Tigers vs Woodlands game. He awarded 4 penalties. Many spectators and officials have been very critical with Kalimuthu's decisions as they seemed to be somewhat 'dubious' (article).

Well, we the ULTRAS we support Kalimuthu!

Just kidding! But we support the referees.

K Kalimuthu has a very heavy record of 'dubious' calls over the years in the Sleague, he even got suspended for a month in 2007 for awarding a non existing penalty during a Gombak vs albirex game (article). In 2009, no suspension but he got his butt kicked by DPPM players in another heated game (article).

The lack of professionalism and talented referees is a known matter by the Sleague and FAS officials. Last year 23rd Lion City Cup was a prime example where local referees showed their limits while refereeing International U16 teams (article). As Sasi 'To be fair' Khumar said after the competition, we may look into having foreign referees next year. Well it seems it won't happen in 2012 and we may once again have the local team to make the ESPN commentators laugh when funny referee calls in favor of the locals will be awarded.

So I said we support the referees and I stand by this sentence. Why?

Well for any of us who have played to a certain level in a team (football, basketball etc...) we know that we must respect the referee decision and never discuss his calls. These are golden rules. But every weekend, in every football pitch across the world there are shocking stories of referees being insulted, attacked etc... It is important that supporters, players and parents understand that such violent behaviours is not acceptable and should be punished.

The referees are under the spotlights in every game, local game or Champions League game, they sometimes make mistakes and we have to accept that.

How many of us have been refereeing a game? Not many. How many of us have been vehement towards a referee during a game? I reckon we all have been at least one time.

I remember an Etoile FC game last year, where the referee Abas Daud made some calls against the French team that I think were 'unfair'. After the game I bumped into him on a parking lot and we talk for a few minutes. We shared our views and shook hands with a smile. I believe after our discussion I had a better undertanding of his work and challenges on the pitch.

So Support our sleague and support Kalimuthu, he really really really needs it! Who knows maybe next game he will award 5 penalties.

Easter Football Clinic

The Etoile Football Academy is growing fast and offers now a unique wide range of football training in Singapore.
The recent launch of the Goalkeeper school with Yohann  Lacroix has been successful and a Football Clinic is now available for boys and girls.

Singapore football scene is lacking of experienced and qualified coaches (there is no football coach school or training program), luckily the Etoile Football Club and its academy have a UEFA certified coach that has a proven record in Europe and more recently in Canada.

For those who can read and understand french we invite you to read this article about Nicolas Possetti.

We wish Nicolas and Yohann all the best in their efforts to promote and educate the next Singapore football generation.

Forza Etoile! ULTRAS forever!

Singapore - Bangkok - Goa

What sounds like a plane flight plan is actually the various locations where ex-Etoile FC players are playing this year.

The latest one being Julien Durand who has joined Gombak United and already scored a goal in his debut! Congrats Juju!

Julien Durand during an Etoile FC training session at Queesntown stadium in 2011.

Serge Souchon - Tanjong Pagar.



Antonin Trilles - Goalkeeper - Bangkok United FC.

Frederic Mendy and Franklin Anzite - Home United FC.

We wish them all the best and to score lots of goals and/or save a lot. ;)

Forza Etoile! ULTRAS forever!



Finally a goalkeeping school in Singapore!

Believe it or not but until today there was no proper goalkeeper school or specific goalkeeper training course in Singapore.

The Etoile Football Club Academy is the first football academy that offers such a training course, and it is overlooked by Yohann Lacroix. He is the best Sleague goalkeeper of the past 2 seasons with a record of 11 straight games without conceding a goal and the lowest ratio of goal conceded per game in 2010 and 2011.
Yohann is also the 2010 Sleague Champion with Etoile FC and the 2011 Sleague champion with Tampines.

More info here

Forza Etoile! ULTRAS forever!

The ULTRAS remember the Tohoku earthquake and Tsunami.

A year ago on the 11th of March 2011, a 9.0 (richter scale) earthquake followed by a tsunami devastated the eastern shoreline of Japan main island. Thousand of people lost their life and many more lost their homes.

Last year, a few days after the tsunami, Etoile FC was facing the Albirex team. Deeply affected by this event the ULTRAS collected money and donated it to Albirex Singapore president Daisuke Korenaga at the end of the game. It was an emotional moment for all of us, players and fans.

Today we remember and would like to show our full support to the victims of this tragedy.

Our prayers for Japan!

(photos courtesy of @gale)

Forza Etoile! ULTRAS forever!

More Etoile players shining abroad. ULTRAS visiting Arema / Jatim.

Recently Maxime Belouet signed with Salgaocar, the 2011 Indian champion. Maxime is currently with his team in Oman preparing his first AFC game.

Bangkok is becoming also the new home of Antonin Trilles, the 2011 Etoile goalkeeper has joined Bangkok United FC last month and played a friendly against another Ex-Etoile player team, Flavien Michelini's Bangkok Glass. Here is a video of the game:

In the meantime some ULTRAS flew to East Java and experienced the 'Arema fever'.

The ULTRAS are proud of the boys and we wish them all the best.
Forza Etoile! ULTRAS forever.

'Rusty' Hornets Sting Rhino at the Warriors' Arena

If a team is judged by how well it plays on the field, and not the results of the game, then perhaps, Brunei DPMM would had already won the S-League in just its second outing, first in Singapore soil, for season 2012 (better known as Version 2.0).

On a night where more than 1,300 fans turned up on the eve of a new working week at Choa Chu Kang Stadium, the Warriors found themselves stung by the Hornets and seemingly unable to get a rhythm against the 2009 League Cup Champions. The Warriors started with Hassan Sunny in goal and the defensive pairing of Daniel Bennett (who returned from an injury) and Bah Mahmadou. The Japanese Trio of Sakurada, Inui and Sato were tasked to boss the midfield room. Last season golden boot scorer Karolgan and local striker Fazrul were given the burden to score the goals. The visitors meanwhile, pin their attacking hopes on Rodrigo Grahl and Basiru Osman. The defense, in the meanwhile, was laid on for Tales Dos Santos to control.

The Hornets found themselves in the lead midway through the 1st half after Sunny parried a header from a corner kick and Basiru slotted the loose ball home. However, while the Hornets continue to boss possession on the field, a free-kick awarded in the 2nd half saw Inui scoring his first ever goal for a Singapore side. Most in the stadium thought that the goal would mark a Warrior comeback, but despite shouts from their cheerleaders, a freekick taken saw Shah Razen burying the loose ball into the net.

Watching the game from the stand, one cannot help but recall that Simunic had claimed that his team were not playing competitively for 2 years after the Stags game, which ended 2-2. Their performance at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium last night (19 February 2012) suggested that if there was any rustiness, the Warriors looked more like a team not playing competitive football for more than 2 years.

Etoile FC player to play in the 2012 Asian Champions League.

Breaking news!!!

Maxime Belouet has signed with the 2011 Indian Champion Salgaocar Sports Club yesterday.

The talented midfielder, who was already shortlisted by several Thai clubs last year, will be playing the ACL and will gain tremendous experience as a result.

Maxime Belouet scored 7 goals in the 2011 Sleague championship and his left foot was feared by all goalkeepers.

With this signing, Etoile FC clearly shows they have been bringing talented players over the past 2 years and the club has made a strong footprint in South East Asian football.

Congratulations Maxime!

Forza Etoile! ULTRAS forever!

Join the Etoile FC Football Academy

The Etoile FC pro team is sitting out of the 2012 Sleague but that does not mean the club is not involved into local football.

Started last year, the Football Academy has now reached its full strength is recruiting/looking for local talents to join their U8/U10/U12/U14/U16 and U18 teams.

The trainings are taking place at the Bukit Timah pitch which is located near the Swiss club (not at Queenstown stadium).

(photo courtesy of Ko Po Hui)

The ULTRAS would like to congratulate the following players:
Serge Souchon joining Tanjong Pagar (Sleague),
Franklin Anzite joining Home UTD (Sleague),
Jonathan Toto joining Young Lions (Sleague),
Sirina Camara joining Young Lions (Sleague),
Kevin Lefranc joining Gravelines (France CFA2).


Forza Etoile! ULTRAS forever!

Etoile FC to Sit Out of 2012 Season

Following the official decision by Etoile FC to sit out of the 2012 S-League season, the Etoile Ultras Committee unanimously agree with the decisions made by the management of Etoile FC. While Mr Johan Gouttefangeas' appointment as Deputy CEO is a contributing factor towards the sitting out, other factors that are primarily linked to the same person also meant Etoile FC would find it hard to remain competitive for the 2012 season.

It is worth noting that the Etoile Youth Academy will still be running its course and the Etoile Ultras have pledged to give their continuous support to the Youths of Etoile FC.

Also in the pipeline, to show our continuous support to the local footballing scene, Etoile Ultras are in the midst of discussion to 'adopt' a team to support in the absence of Etoile FC. However, Etoile FC Youth Teeam would still be the priority in every instance.

While we hope that the standard of local football would improve despite the absence of Etoile FC, we believe that the loss of the Stars this year would be bane to local footballing scene.

Etoile Ultras Committee

Reply from FAS with regards to the Letter Sent

We got a reply from Mr Nordin after a few days. Here goes....

Dear Mr Kong,

Thank you for the email dated 13 January 2012, and I appreciate your feedback on our appointments of S.League CEO and Deputy CEO.

I would like to assure our fans, including you, that the shortlisted candidates went through a rigorous selection process which included several rounds of interviews conducted by a panel comprising experienced personnel in the sporting fraternity, including A/P Ho Peng Kee, Ms Jessie Phua and Mr Lim Teck Yin.

In line with our longstanding practice, we subsequently performed due diligence on the prospective CEO and Deputy CEO candidates.

We eventually appointed Mr Lim Chin and Mr Johan Gouttefangeas as we are confident that they possess the required skill sets and abilities which will help us achieve our desired goals including the successful implementation of new initiatives in the upcoming season.

I am pleased to share with you that the club chairmen have also, in general, expressed their support and confidence in the new management team. Going forward, we are confident that Mr Lim Chin and Mr Johan Gouttefangeas will work closely and harmoniously with the respective clubs as we strive to build on the success of the S.League.

On behalf of the Football Association of Singapore and the S.League, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your support of the S.League. We hope that you will continue to do so, and let us work cohesively as a united family to bring Singapore football forward.

Thank You.

Yours Sincerely, 

 
Zainudin Nordin
President, Football Association of Singapore 

A Letter from a Member of Etoile Ultras to Mr Zainudin Nordin

Recently, news have surfaced over the footballing fraternity in Singapore over the appointment of a new S-League CEO and Deputy CEO. At the same time, there were news coming out from the media that our club, Etoile FC, is considering the prospect of withdrawing from the S-League Season 2012 in protest of the appointment of the new Deputy CEO.

The below letter is non-reflective of Etoile Ultras' stance, and is written on a personal basis by a member of the Etoile Ultras:

Dear Mr Zainudin Nordin,

First and foremost, I would like to send out my heartiest congratulations to the S-League for their appointment of Mr Lim Chin as the CEO of the S-League. However, the same cannot be said of the appointment of the Deputy CEO of the S-League on the same day, Mr Johan Gouttefangeas.

Mr Gouttefangeas was the founder and chairman of Etoile FC since 2010, but had since left the club in the middle of the 2011 season. Etoile FC was introduced into the S-League to bring "European flavours" into the League. The move had also stirred interest into many locals, who have otherwise expressed non-interest in the S-League. In fact, the youngest known Etoile FC fan is a primary school student who attends Etoile FC games on a frequent basis.


Having erected a strong foundation in the club's debut year, lifting the League Cup and S-League title in the same year, fans cannot be faulted for expecting the equivalent, or more, from the club in the following year. However, the fans were left to rue what was an uneventful season for the club in 2011, culminating with the departure of Mr Gouttefangeas, with Mr Hicham Moudden, taking over the helm.

Contrary to reports and claims that Mr Gouttefangeas was close to the fan club is without basis. Mr Gouttefangeas, had during his tenure, had minimal contact with the fan club. Materials that were used by the "Ultras" were all paid for by the fan club's members, and merchandises produced were at the fan club's own initiatives. The "Ultras" became the first club to produce a scarf and shirt specifically catered for Etoile's fan club as a result. The "Ultras" were also independent of the "Gouttefangeas Management".

In the 2011 season, Mr Gouttefangeas spoken to the Ultras' fanclub head and we were informed that season tickets were priced at S$99 each. However, each season ticket holders were entitled to 'perks' that were written clearly in the membership form. Not only did Mr Gouttefangeas not fulfill the terms & conditions of the season tickets, the 4 season pass holders had to make do with the membership registration form for the whole 2011 season as the 'season pass'. Apart from that, season pass holders had to face the agony of a decision by the new management, thereafter, that ticket prices would be lowered to $5.00. This meant that fans, loyal fans who followed the team thick and thin, were paying a higher price. But the season ticket holders kept quiet.

Apart from not honoring his promise to fans, Mr Gouttefangeas was also more famous for declaring in 2010, that he would be appointing David Ginola as the club ambassador. 1 year on, Mr Gouttefangeas indeed brought a "superstar" in the form of Sidney Govou to the shores of the sunny island. But that was after failing to land Laurent Robert to the team. Thus, the promises that Mr Gouttefangeas made to the league pertaining to European Club linkage would be as good as saying that Thierry Henry would be playing for a S-League club soon.

After assembling a winning combination in 2010, Mr Gouttefangeas then made wholesale changes to the team. Recruiting players who were virtually unknown, only the capture of Jonathan Toto was able to set pulses running. The team managed to do well, but owing to the "Curious Incident of the Cheetahs and the Stars", Etoile FC's league adventure were de-railed from its original path. The elections (General & Presidential) did not help the cause of the Stars, not forgetting the international call-ups (Serge Souchon and Frankin Anzite for the Central African Republic National Team). Currently, apart from Etoile FC, the only country to call up players from S-League team is the Singapore National Team.

It would not take a rocket scientist to figure out that after numerous attempts, Mr Gouttefangeas would probably not be able to deliver his promises that he made during his interview with the FAS-appointed committee and would probably be another case of "I tried but..." scenario. Further, this would make fans label S-League as a League that "promises", but never delivers.

For the better of the S-League, I would say, remove this man from his current position. The fact that Mr Gouttefangeas was not around in the signing of the sponsorship deal with Great Eastern augurs well for the League. We do not need a person who is driving a BMW, travelling to-and-fro Europe when the club was perceived to be in a financial turmoil to further destroy the league, which is already in a very uncompromising condition.

All this, and I have not touched on players whose wages were owed since 2010 or the fact that FAS had promised to certain officials that Mr Gouttefangeas would not be selected for any position in or within the FAS.

I urge the S-League Committee and yourself, Mr Zainudin, to reconsider the decision made. In the meantime, I can confirm that there are a group of fans (called the "Ultras") who would be agreeable and supportive of Etoile Fc wanting to sit out of the S-League season 2012, should the FAS and/or its committee persists with hiring a man who is not of utmost good reputation to within its rank.

This is not a selfish move, or allowing 'the tail to wag the dog'. I think, this is the consequences of appointing somebody with dubious character into an important position. As the saying goes: If you cannot even tidy your own house, you do not have the right to tidy other people's house. This is a very good statement to describe the man, the FAS had employed to be a Deputy CEO.


I am a Singaporean who had watched the S-League since the S-League All-Stars, fronted by Sundram and Fandi, played against the Thailand Team at the National Stadium in Kallang. However, this is the first time I had seen the S-League shot itself in the foot so badly, by appointing a person who is not deserving of the position of Deputy CEO.

Yours faithfully,

Joel, a true blue Singaporean, and a member of Etoile Ultras

S-League Awards - Not for Winners

S-League Champions Tampines Rovers woke up this morning realising that all their nominees for the S-League Awards 2011 did not end up with a single trophy, much like the Etoile team of 2010.

Steven Tan, winning the S-League on his debut season as head coach (just like Patrick Vallee), was deemed not good enough when compared with Koichi Sugiyama - the Japanese in his 2nd season with the Albirex Niigata (S) FC  and clinching the club's 1st trophy this year.

Aleksandar Duric, the only "Singaporean" nominated for the awards and constantly scoring against the top clubs, was deemed inferior to Miroslav Karolgan. For the record, Miroslav had not been banging in the goals against top clubs and most of his 33 goals hauled against teams from the wrong half of the table.

While the curtains have already been drawn down on a long and packed schedule for clubs, one thing is certain: There could be rallying cries to support 'our' league. But until and unless the management bucks up, I do not see why the S-League would be visibly happy with being the "Top 10 League in Asia".

Etoile Pipped Singapore SEA Games Squad

Etoile FC ended their season in the best possible way with a 3-2 win over a depleted Young Lions missing skipper Hariss Harun, Khairul Nizam and Safuwan Baharudin, in soggy Queenstown Stadium.

The match was postponed for 15 minutes as match officials checked on the pitch conditions to ensure that it is 'playable'. However, once Abbas Daud blew the whistle to start the game, both teams ignored the pitch conditions and attacked with intent to net the early goal.

Theo Raymond drew first blood - volleying home the lead for the Stars to pave the way ahead for the Stars. But just like previous encounters, the visitors would find an equaliser through a free kick which Hadama Bathily missed completely. The home side were able to bring a 2-1 lead into the dressing room at the end of 1st half after some good footwork by Sinira Camara saw Kamel Chaauonne heading into the net.

In the 2nd half, the Cubs managed to test Hadama many a times but were largely unsuccessful until when a mistake from the Etoile defence saw the equalizer, and the unbeaten record against Etoile FC this season.

Substitute Kevin LeFranc had other ideas in ending the season and a spectacular overhead kick sealed all 3 points for the Stars.

Etoile Ultras would like to thank the players who had played their last game for the team and wish them all the best in their footballing career. Etoile Ultras would also wish to send our best wishes to the 2 players joining the Malaysian League Singapore team.

No matter the result, no matter the playerss, Ultras will always be behind Etoile FC.

S-League Awards 2011

So Tampines Rovers had sewn up the S-League title before the last games of S-League kick off. Home United were crowned Champions of the Singapore Cup and Albirex Niigata (S) FC restored foreign contingent pride with a win in the League Cup (continuing the trend of foreign clubs winning the League Cup before going for greater things).

The S-League season saw many surprises being sprung up:
(a) the emergence of Hougang United as a team to be reckoned with;
(b) Albirex Niigata (S) FC makes their best ever finish to a S-League season;
...and the list goes on.

However, a look at the nominees of the S-League Awards 2011 did not seemed to acknowledge contribution of the "Shock" factor by the selection committee. After depriving off Mr Patrick Vallee the "Coach of the Year" award despite leading the Stars to 2 trophies in his debut season, the committee went one better.

Let's look at the nominees:

Great Eastern Player of the Year:
1) Aleksandar Duric - Tampines Rovers
2) Mislav Karoglan - Singapore Armed Forces FC
3) Frederic Mendy - Home United

Ultras' Choice: Frederic Mendy for his long-awaited award.

Frederic Mendy was the key man in Etoile FC last season but apart from the Golden Boot Award (which the Selection Committee had no say), the lanky Frenchman was not accorded with awards like Player of the Year or Young Player of the Year. The fact that no local footballers made it as candidates shows the contribution of foreigners in the S-League (that is unless you take Aleksandar Duric as a local born and bred).

YEO's Young player of the Year:
1) Safuwan Baharudin - Courts Young Lions
2) Hariss Harun - Courts Young Lions
3) Tatsuro Inui - Albirex Niigata (S)

Our Choice: Tatsuro Inui

Just like how Raddy Avramovic selected Ridhuan Bahrudin and Jasper Chan into the National Team setup, the Selection Committee, once again, was compelled to place Hariss Harun as a candidate for the Young Player of the Year. National Duties and S-League performance should not be construed as ONE. Do we not have other brighter talents deserving nominations apart from Courts Young Lions?

Mikasa Coach of the Year:
1) Koichi Sugiyama - Albirex Niigata(S)
2) Steven Tan - Tampines Rovers
3) Lee Lim Saeng - Home United

Ultras' Choice: Steven Tan (at best)

With all nominees garnering at least 1 trophy apiece, this award would not be like last season, where the recipient did not win any awards but went on to claim the accolades. However, that said, if the award is 'not only the trophies that are won but how the club perform on the field', then Aide Iskandar should be nominated for the immense work he has done for the club - wooden specialist to mid table team. The biasness of the Selection Committee?

Great Eastern Referee of the Year:
1) Abdul Malik
2) Abas Daud
3) Leow Thiam Hoe
4) Muhd Taqi
5) Sukhbir Singh

Ultras' Choice: We did not think that he will get it. But when you see Sukhbir Singh's name in the nomination list, you know that he may get a chance to get it. We would be lucky if someone else's get it.

While each category had 3 nominees, this category have 5 nominees. Perhaps, this is an indication of how Singapore is a "hub" for top-notch referees, or the lack of it. Abdul Malik, like Hariss Harun would be seen as an enforced choice considering that he is the representative of Singapore in Continental tournaments. What puzzles the write most is the inclusion of Muhd Taqi in the category. Unable to hold games well, and more often than not, relies on his cards to control the game, Kalimuthu would had been a nominee if the criteria is pegged to Muhd Taqi.

WAGA Assistant referee of the year:
1) Edwin Lee
2) Eugene Chan
3) Jeffery Goh
4) K Surindranath

5) Tang Yew Mun

Ultras' Choice: Is there any other choices?

This award should see our World Cup Assistant Referee winning the award. The other 3, perhaps, makes up the number.

Polar Fan Club of the Year:
1) Albirex Niigata (S)
2) Courts Young Lions
3) Singapore Armed Forces FC
4) Gombak United

Ultras' Choice: Albirex Niigata (S) without a doubt.

This must be the most shocking nomination list to come out. No Hougang Hools (who the Hougang United players claim to be a pillar to their success on the field this year), no Home United fan club (for the many NSFs they bring to the stadium game in game out) and not Tampines Rovers. Wait, Tampines Rovers and Home United are being represented by Gombak United (since the 3 clubs share almost identical personnel for fan club).

Courts Young Lions' nominations must be a joke. The fans are made up of the parents of the players and organised by a professional events company. If they do not get the award, then something is wrong, very wrong.

How credible is the S-League Awards?

If a Coach who wins the S-League title and League Cup title at the 1st attempt with his team who are playing for the 1st time in a foreign land, and he does not get the award, then you question the criteria of selection. Paul Lee of Home United was suspended for his recent fracas in the Singapore Cup encounter.

Let us see what 'surprises' will spring up in this Awards Night 2011.

Etoile FC Thumped Tanjong Pagar United FC 6-1 on "Spritual Ground"

If territorial ownership is determined by battles, then Etoile FC have proven to be the landlord of Queenstown Stadium without a doubt, after winning the latest 'Battle of Queenstown' 6-1. Talks of an upset was pretty evident when Coach Arena named a team that were missing Jonathan Toto, Theo Raymond Serge Souchon and more notably, Captain Antonin Trilles. The match would see the debut of Hadama Bathily in what was termed as an 'Etoile Second Stringers' from some tweets.

However, the 'upset' calls were squashed within 6 minutes of play time as Etoile FC were awarded a penalty for alleged handball by the Jaguars off a corner kick. Maxime Balouet converted the penalty with style, and it was service as usual for the Stars. To their credit, the challengers were quick to stifle the Star's attacking play and was able to deny the Stars over and over again.

But the signs were present that this was the night of the Stars and Wilson Grosset managed to grab a double just before half time to allow the Stars to enter the half-time break at 3-0. In truth, the Singapore National Team 3rd Choice Custodian was playing pretty poorly and the 3rd goal conceded summed up his night, until Julien Durand volleyed a sweet goal into the net right after half time that he managed to gain his composure.

After a goal by Aly Doumbouya and a consolation goal by the Jaguars, the stage was set for Wilson Grosset to grab his first hat-trick in Singapore and end the game in 6-1.

If the adage is that "Queenstown Stadium is the spiritual ground of Tanjong Pagar United FC", then the spirit is certainly with its new owners now.

Host of Queenstown Stadium Clashes!

S-League action resumes for Etoile FC as the Stars welcome the 'original' incumbent of Queenstown Stadium, Tanjong Pagar United FC, to the "House of the Stars". After being stopped by Frederic Mendy's Home United on 2 occasions - League Cup & Singapore Cup - it is now Cyril Bagnost's turn to try and de-rail Etoile FC in their upward climb of the S-League table.

Despite cries in cyber space that Etoile FC should return the 'spiritual home' of the Jaguars, Etoile FC Chairman Hicham Moudden has apparently spoken to the landlord, Singapore Sports Council, to build a clubhouse in the vicinity.

Catch the action live at Queenstown Stadium tonight, 26 September 2011.

Etoile FC managed 1-1 draw against Home United in 1st Leg, Looks Set to Dominate 2nd Leg

Etoile FC extended their unbeaten run against Home United in regulation time to 4 games, as a fortuitous penalty converted by Sherif El-Masri gave the Protectors a 1-1 draw with Etoile FC. While Etoile FC is not new to referees' decision going against them, this game would certainly bring such bias to a whole new level.

Sirina Camara scored his 2nd goal in 2 games to give the Stars the lead, and the Stars had at least 3 more chances to open up a 2 goal advantage. However, the brilliance of Lionel Lewis kept the scoreline respectable. The 2nd half saw the Protectors trying to look for the elusive penalty that would help them to level the scoreline, and they did so in the 88th minute.

Overall, the Stars showed hunger and desire to win Home United and the tie is very much alive with the 2nd League scheduled to be played this Thursday (22nd September 2011). The winner will face off with the winners of the Albirex vs Hougang United tie in the finals.

Etoile FC Poised to Reach 1st Singapore Cup Finals

Etoile FC will play in their 2nd Singapore Cup Finals in 2 years, squaring up against Home United for a berth in the Finals at Jalan Besar Stadium. Having failed in their previous attempt in the semi-final, the Singapore Cup is also the only real chance that Etoile FC have in clinching some silverware - and more importantly, the one that got away in last season's successful debut.

Etoile FC are riding on a high after beating Hougang United 3-1 previously, with a double from Kamel and an irresistible free kick from Sirina Camara disposing off the Cheetahs. The League Cup finalist are a potential challenger with Etoile FC should the French outfit reaches the finals of the Singapore Cup.

Etoile FC would be playing Home United for the 4th time this season, after beating the Protectors 1-0 (14 April 2011) and 2-0 (11 July 2011) in the S-League, while defeated by the Protectors 6-5 on penalties, having tied 1-1 in the League Cup on 21st July 2011. Trilles had missed his spot kick on that occasion.

Home United reached the semi-finals by overcoming Tampines Rovers on spot kicks (4-2) after drawing 3-3 over 2 legs. Etoile FC, meanwhile, overwhelmed Gombak United 4-1 over 2 legs to reach the Semi-Finals.

Etoile FC would be looking to get a good result at Bishan Stadium before killing the tie off at Queenstown Stadium 3 days later. As away goal rules do not count in this tournament, any number of goals scored by the away team would not give a significant advantage to the away team.