“Finally, we are back in our Rightful Abode in Hougang!!”
The Hougang Boys are finally back at where they belong to – in the heartlands of Hougang @ Hougang Stadium, when they take on the Tigers of Balestier Khalsa on a Tuesday night.
The Cheetahs had a twelve day competitive break, where the first team decided to have friendly games against the MSL Runners- Up, LionsXII, and Malaysian Premier League Side Johor FA during the break. The Cheetahs won both games convincingly, with a 2-1 and 1-0 scoreline respectively.
During the break, there was a “change of command”, with Prime League and Assistant coach Johana Johari now taking charge of first team affairs on a temporary basis.
Coach Johana’s takeover on April 1 saw stunning victories against a LionsXII sides without their National Team regulars, and also a MPL Premier League side. It seems that the Cheetahs have recovered the Hougang Spirit, however, everything will be much be back to normal services, if the Cheetahs managed to win Balestier at Hougang Stadium.
Liam Shotton will be the much needed man to lead the attack for the boys. The Englishman had scored two goals in the friendlies, and he would be the lead scorer for the Cheetahs in the league, if not for two controversial infringements that went against our way. Looking to assist the lanky striker, will be another six footer in Jerome Baker, who looked like regaining his confidence after a much improved display against Geylang International. His partnership with Shotton will be much anticipated to breach the stubborn Tigers defence.
However, Mamadou Diallo remains a doubt for this game, after sustaining an ankle injury against Geylang, and was out of the team during the friendly games. Tom Beattie and Fairoz Hasan will be back in the game after missing their last games, with a thigh injury and chest pains respectively.
The Cheetahs will be most wary of Korean striker Kim Minho, who is currently the Tigers’ leading scorer. Together with Qiu Li and fellow Korean Park Kang-jin, the Cheetahs will be looking to stop the trio from causing all sorts of problems at the back.
The Cheetahs met the Tigers in pre-season at Toa Payoh, with the Tigers winning 2-1 from goals from Kim Minho and Park Kang-jin. However, with this being a competitive league game, and the Cheetahs in need to turn around their season, this will be an exciting game as promised.
