PRESS RELEASE
Bravehearts Soccer Academy were crowned the inaugural Danone Nations Cup Singapore Champion Sunday night after a dramatic 2-1 penalty shootout win over WSA Soccer Academy. The win means Bravehearts Soccer Academy will represent Singapore against the rest of the World this September in Poland.
Both Bravehearts and WSA were the teams of the tournament, finishing undefeated and joint top in the 5 team league phase of the tournament on 8 points, gaining progress to the final.
Having played out an evenly contested 0-0 draw in the league stage, the final was no different ending 1-1. WSA had taken the lead only for Bravehearts to equalise seconds later. With nothing separating both teams, only penalties could decide the winner, with Bravehearts holding their nerve and converting the winning penalty.
There was some cause for celebration for WSA however, as playmaker Khairul Hairie was named the Dr Futbol player of the tournament by FIFA Agent Yusliza Jamri.
The tournament was played in fine spirits and high energy with the ExcluSinga, the Danone Nations Cup Singapore's official supporters group, coming to support the whole event in full voice.
Fittingly Bravehearts who ended the tournament, also started it, kicking off against the Fandi Ahmad Academy picking up a 2-0 victory in the opening game. The match set the tone for the rest of the League phase which was packed with sublime goals, silky dribbling and audacious technique that showcased the beauty in Singapore football.
The 5 team League was played between Bravehearts Soccer Academy, FAA, Global Football Academy, JSSL Arsenal and WSA Soccer Academy.
Muhammad Idris Bin Basrun (Bravehearts Team Manager)
“We thank Dr Futbol for bringing to Singapore a competition like this because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity”
Yusliza Jamri, Event Organiser (Dr Futbol)
“Im really proud of the local children for putting up a great show and playing in the utmost fairplay. It was a great advert for the future of Singapore football. Bravehearts have become the first ever Champions but everyone who participated is a winner.
We thank everyone who came and showed their support at Yio Chu Kang Stadium, you gave the day an unforgettable vibe and I'm sure that transcended to every child participating.
We can only hope from now on that sponsors and associations start supporting tournaments like the Danone Nations Cup Singapore as these are what will help improve the landscape of grassroots football here drastically.”
Dominic Wong, ExcluSinga (Danone Nations Cup Singapore Official Supporters Group
“It's a wonderful experience for the young to explore their talent, develop their interest in the sport and cultivate them. Having the children at such a young age exposed to tournaments like this will inculcate passion and enrich their skills.
Molding them from young perhaps will make them grow in the sport and be a star. Definitely it will contribute to Singapore football. The New Generation. All it takes is to believe.”
