SUNDAY PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON 17 KICKS OFF

Season 17 of the Sunday Premier League got underway with an action-packed opening weekend that saw six of the nine Division 1 teams take to the field. With every match now being officiated by FAS Match Officials, the new campaign promises quality football under the watchful eyes of Singapore’s top referees. The first clash of the season saw newly promoted Druzhba FC announce their arrival in Division 1 with a commanding 4–1 win over That Team. Despite conceding early through Gino’s third-minute opener, Druzhba hit back in style. Spanish forward Nilo Mata Cervera levelled in the 23rd minute before running riot in the second half, netting twice more to complete a superb hat trick. Teammate Cheikh Boukal Ahmed, better known as Bassem, also got on the scoresheet in a dominant display that sent a clear message to the rest of the division. Over at another ground, RTSBFC, who narrowly missed out on the title last season, produced a thrilling comeback to edge Seletar Celtic 4–3 in a seven goal spectacle. Celtic, last season’s Division 2 champions, looked on course for victory after goals from Krishnan, Rasool Tajud and Rafiq Tajudin turned around Pe Chin Kiat’s opener. But RTSBFC showed real character and match fitness in the second half, clawing their way back through Josiah Phua and Ken Ji before Richard Kua fired home the late winner just three minutes from time. At Clementi Town Secondary, Bukit Timah AS opened their campaign with a dramatic 2–1 victory over Acolytes FC. Wei Li put the home side in front before Aqil Sohani levelled early in the second half. Just as it seemed both sides would share the spoils, Muhamad Sholihin struck two minutes from time to seal all three points. Special mention to Eric Shaun Pereira of Acolytes, whose standout display earned him the Man of the Match award. Season 17 of the X-League is proudly sponsored by Agent Azhar Sulaiman, Hombre, Dendeng Duo and Grandsport Singapore