Even before that, our #14 was an ever-present during SSFC’s early years, forming the core of SSFC, following them from Marina South, to Redhill and finally to the Alexandra field.
A fan of then-Tottenham’s David Ginola, Melvin began as an attack-oriented, eager dribbler, using his quick feet, strong change of pace and tall built to rush thru defences.
Going thru the waves of generational change, Melvin stuck to his task whenever called upon to play. Despite our evolving football approach and the demands of his work-life schedules, he always tried his best for SSFC.

Adapting his game, he transited to a greater physical presence higher up the park, often winning possession robustly higher up the field. His long run in the 2010 and 2011 was much appreciated, as he once again formed a key pillar in the D2D, Night League and many friendlies. As the footballing gods would have it, Melvin’s contribution to SSFC was rudely interrupted during a night game in Nov 2011 – thrusting his body in the way for a block tackle and ending up worst – as he suffered a metatarsal injury.

On behalf of Schwarz Star FC and all past and present players, Many Thank You and Back slaps to our bro, Melvin. For the many good years of football before, and to our countless years of comradarie ahead.

All the best overseas and a good recovery please.
Cheers!

Note: and now, SSFC has friends in China, Germany (Dennis), Australia (Adrian), Malaysia (Satnam and Yan Zhang).

1) Hello Dyn, how have you been? Can we know how did your affiliation with Schwarz Star FC come about?

Hi, I’m fine, thank you. After Happy Feet disbanded, ex-Manager Brandon contacted me and asked if I was interested to join SSFC. I said ‘Yes’ and the rest was history.

2) We understand that you had the option to join other more decorated teams, such as Vipers FC upon your departure from Happy Feet. So, what were the factors which brought you to join Schwarz Star instead?

I guess I wasn’t really picky over which team I joined. Brandon made the approach and I wasn’t really playing much football at that time, because of work, so I took up the offer. It has been so far so good for me in the team.

3) Having been involved in a few training sessions so far, how have they been for you?

It has been quite interesting so far in training. It’s a pity the lovely weather recently has disrupted most of the training sessions, so I haven’t been able to get more sessions under my belt.

4) What do you aim to achieve with Schwarz Star FC, say in the next 2 to 3 years?

It would be great if we could win the league or secure promotion.

5) Before we end off the interview, what do you wish to say to the adoring fans, who are excited about your transfer to the club?

Thank you for the support and cheers!

• The Falcons are reportedly trimming down the size of the squad to ensure competitiveness. According to ex-manager, Brandon who is now taking on an adviser role to newly appointed manager, Weiyang, a majority of the players have been retained for the upcoming season. However, a number of players have been dropped due to their lack of commitment or interest to the team.

  Fringe players who are not selected in the two squads for the upcoming D2D season will still form a bulk of the squad and will be part of the development plans for Schwarz Star FC as plans are underway to prepare them for one-off friendlies and tournaments.

• There will be an unveiling of the latest Schwarz Star FC kits for the coming season soon. Early reports are saying that it will break away from the traditional colours of the Falcons of red and yellow.

Also note that will be team training this Sunday, 30th October at Alexandra Hospital. Training starts from 4:45pm.
Be there sharp!

Team manager for the past 4 years, Brandon Sng will step down to spend more time with his family and infant daughter. Lim Wei Yang will step into his shoes and assume the role of team manager. Wei Yang will now oversee all SSFC’s operations.

A new team captain and vice-captain were also elected in the team meeting. Thava Kumaran was voted to be captain by his peers and Andy Ong will assume the role of vice-captain.

We wish them all the best and may the Falcons rise higher under their leaderships.

• The recent friendly for the trialists ended in a 1-1 scoreline with YQ scoring for the trialists.
• There will be no training this weekend (9.10.11) in view of the recent torrential rains over the past few days. This is to allow the field to rest.
• Recent rumours of Brandon stepping down as team manager from 2012 has been confirmed by the gaffer himself.
  “Yes its true and official that I will be stepping down as Manager for Schwarz Star FC in 2012 but rest assured that the next upcoming manager will continue to be the bridge between players and the coaches as well as to ensure that all administrative matters are handled efficiently, I have the utmost confidence in his abilities to manage the team.”
  
  
  
  As to the reasons why he decided to step down he quashed all further qualms that it was due to the recent years of lack of trophies for SSFC under his charge. 

  “After 7 years of managing SSFC since 2004, it’s time for a breath of fresh air into the management and with my main focus to play once again in 2012, it will be tough to juggle playing and managing on 2 fronts which will in a way affect my judgement and management of how things will be run for the team.”

  Team Manager Brandon will however continue to be the SSFC Chief Recruitment Officer with the aim of looking at new and young players as his main priority.

Date: 16 October 2011

Time: 1.30pm to 5.00pm (This will be followed by training at the field till 7.00pm)

Venue: Alexandra Hospital, Seminar Room

Do keep this day free for this important session for all players and should you have any queries, do contact Brandon for clarifications.

Schwarz Star FC has recently sent two teams to take part in the AC United 7-a-side Tournament, held at Singapore Khalsa Association. The tournament rules indicated that games will be played for 7 minutes per half, with no breaks in-between.

SSFC 1, captained by Ray and SSFC 2, captained by Malcolm, were grouped differently in the group stages, thus avoiding the possibility of a face-off between teammates.

Despite both teams keeping clean sheets in all but one game in their respective groups, their fortunes were different.

SSFC 1 emerged second from their group with 10 points, and advanced to the semi-finals of the Cup tournament. On the contrary, SSFC 2 emerged fourth from their group with 5 points, and managed to secure the final semi-final spot in the Plate tournament.

Malcolm’s side was first up in the semi-finals of the Plate tournament against The Cage, and were unfortunately knocked out by a single goal.

Ray’s side had much better luck in the Cup tournament, pushing their way past their opponents in the semis. In the final, AC Untied were the last obstacle that Schwarz Star had to overcome, to clinch their first tournament win. A evenly-contested match between the sides, meant that it would all be down to penalties to separate the sides.

Yet, as luck would have it, the Falcons were denied the win. The Falcons saw their first two kicks saved, and despite scoring the third penalty, the shoot-out scoreline was 3-1 in favour of AC Untied.

Once again, the Falcons would have to settle for silver, but the learning experience from this tournament was certainly valuable to both Ray and Malcolm’s team.

For tournament photos, do click here.