Season 2008 has been the best season which I have ever had gone through with my team. Altogether we played 19 games, we won 15, drew only 1, from all and only lost 3.
This season, we played as a team. Many people commented that we were the best team which should have been the champions. But, many thing happened between but we overcome it together.
As a result from last year’s lost our coach Mr Ng decided to get things going again by forgetting the past season and so focus on our upcoming season.
We had a lot of training sessions as our end-of-years holidays arrived.
(Jasvin doing warm up with the ball)
Actually, we started weeks before it and started building our teamwork.
Together in December, we had a series of friendlies and a mini-tournament (ISAAC). If I am not mistaken, we had at least 9 friendly games but only 1 lost and won the rest.
I was more confident in my team as we played more games together. I was happy with the result of our trainings and targeted the National Title for 2008.
Mentioning the mini-tournament, going against a few of the goods schools in Singapore, the German school and overseas family school, we finished 3rd in the tournament after losing to OFS 4-0 in the semis and defeating Victoria school on penalties in the 3rd/4th placing.
By the looks of our results, I was very confident of going far a I could not wait for season 2008.
(Warming up for the important semi-final)
West zone was around the corner as we arranged for 2 friendly games in January, but unfortunately it did not happen due to some reasons.
But, our coach Mr Ng said, ‘‘Don’t worry about the games. We are more prepared than other schools to snatch the West Zone Champion for the 2nd year. ’’
His words motivated the team as we planned ahead and tried a setting goals to achieve for ourselves. We aimed the top in west again and fought for it.
(A quick drink, some quick words, we're off again)
West zone (season 2008) kicked off as we topped the table after beating neighbours Hua Yi 5-1 in the opening game.
As confident rose in the team, we ended up as group champions smoothly with an unbeaten streak of 8 games, scoring 47 goals and conceding only 6 goals in total. We qualified for the sem-finals and was closer to our goal.
(Jasvin taking a shot at half-way line at the re-start)
I was happy after the group stages as we could achieve our goal and I was in the lead of the scoring chart of 11 goals after only eight games.
West zone semi-finals approached as we had to go against Regent Secondary School who finished as runners-up on the other side. 
(It was a proud moment.
Jasvin leading his team out of the tunnel to face Singapore Sports School)
Some of us, was feeling nervous as our first big game approached, but the scoreline turned out good after our first-half as we were already leading by 2 goals to nil.
That 2 goals scored by Fendy(13mins) and Syazwan(26mins) boosted up our confidence and made us stable to fight for another 30 mins. 2 mins from time, I scored the third goal which sealed the lead for us and confirmed ours spot in the finals getting to know from the result, we were facing rivals Jurongville again.
We had to beat them for the 2nd time as they would not want another defeat after their loss 3-1 in the group stages at our experienced side from the beginning we clinched the lead after only 5 mins by a goal scored by Firdaus from at least 3/4 of the field.
We were so motivated and tried to go for a 2nd goal which came 9 mins after. A goal scored by a left leg volley from the centre circle bounced over the goalkeeper and the game was ours to win. That goal is unforgetable as it was my first goal scored by my left leg.
I was so happy after I scored.
But unfortunately, lightning strucked at the wrong time and we had to postpone the game. My players took it lightly and started to focus on the upcoming replay of the final.
The team was energized for more after achieving our goal.
(The celebration was sheer joy. Jasvin had proved his ability against Singapore Sports School)
Up next, was our training tour to Medan (Indonesia). The trip was to boost up our spirits before our National Rounds had started. Over there, we did not do well, neither we were bad.
We had two games vs 2 of the Indonesian School Boys which were oldest than us. But age didn’t matter. Some was nervous after seeing the sizes of the Indonesian boys, but we played with no fear.
Both of our games was ended by getting trashed, but that did not affect the team as we learnt from our mistakes and picked up slowly. This training camp was useful to me and benefited me a lot as I got used to the playing style of bigger and tougher opponents.
I got nervous a little as the National Round approached as we would have to face tougher and stronger opponents.
This is one of the most exciting National Round to me as it was like a roller coaster rides of many ups and downs.
But we got through it one step at a time. 
(Bend it like Jasvin)
We started off beating Bedok view 2-0.
That game boosted our energy levels and motivated each and everyone to fight for more wins. But, we blew in the 2nd game after losing to Regent Sec by 4-3.
That game showed us how important every chance was.
After being defeated, we had to win the next game vs siglap to save our title hopes. 
(Some water please. We're going extra time)
That game was another tough game for us as we made it tough for us by conceding in less than 5mins. But we fought and got equaliser by Syazwan before the break by shooting from the flank.
At half-time the score was 1-1. but the 2nd half was tough, we conceded 10 mins before time and thought it was impossible for come back. Our feelings had been shaken off as we panicked.
But I continued to encourage to fight, and substitute Shafee scored 2 goals in 5 mins which won the game for us and killed the hopes of Siglap.
(That unbearable pain. Jasvin had never cramped so much in his life)
But, the following game, our hope was down again after losing 2-0 to Singapore sports school.
In that game, we played well but Sports School tore us apart by the mistakes we made. But, that game made us realise that we had no points to waste in order to qualify.
We beat Bartley 2-0 and drew with kent Ridge 1-1 after that.
The Kent Ridge game made us feel that our season was over. 
(Mr Ng took his eyes off to attend to Jasvin. He did not see the goal scored against Hong Kah)
But no. We had to win our last game vs Fuchun in order to qualify. It was tough as we held the lead 20mins in the game after Yue Seng scored his second overhead kick this year. But 4mins later, we conceeded through a defensive mistake.
But we never gave up. A minute before the break, Syazwan sealed the lead for us again with a header.
That goal won the game for us as celebration began as we proceeded to the semis. 
(Jasvin sharing his joy with principal Mrs Tan and vice principal Mrs Chua)
But I felt sad at this point of time, as I did not open my account after 7 games in a row. It was the longest I have ever waited for a goal.
But, preparations for semi-finals began. Preparations for the semis began earlier as we had to go against the defending champions of season 07, Greenview Secondary.
Some of my players began to fear them, but I encouraged them as I knew we could do it and Greenview was not as strong like how others had been talking about them. 
(Jasvin being congratulated by PE HOD Mr Yeo Yew Yong)
As days to the semi’s approached, confidence in my players rose as I motivated as much I could. We train so hard just to win it.
The big days had arrived, our boys got ready for war.
We started the game with an all-attack squad, attacking over and over again for goals.
5 mins only into the game, Syazwan scored a volley in the penalty box.
Celebrations began as Syazwan’s shot beat the keeper and hit the back of the net. But the game was not over. The strong Greenview team started to attack for an equaliser after conceding 16 mins, they scored the equaliser which they attacked for through a corner.
We were the more inexperience side as most of us did not play at such a stage before. But we did not give up.
We tried, they tried. The game was rather tight as both sides were strong.
The score remain 1-1 all the way to penalties. Player started to feel pressure as it all depended on the luck. 
(Jasvin with ex-Hong Kahlite Afiq Yunos who is a current national player.
Afiq Yunos was a "C" Boys captain for Hong Kah Secondary back in 2004)
I step up for the first spot kick, and finish it smoothly to the bottom right corner and it beat the keeper. After the both kicks from both sides, the score remain tied at 1-1.
But the second did not turn out good for us as Fendy missed his shot.
But none of us scolded him and we encouraged. The other shots all smoothly ended up in the back of the net.
The last shot was for them, if he scores, our season is all over.
I was so scared and prayed for a missed as I wanted to win.
As he stepped closer to the ball, I closed my eyes. 
(Jasvin collects the West Zone winners trophy from CCAB advisor for Soccer)
He shot, off the keeper and hit the upright.
It was a miss!
The Hong Kah players cheered as we could stand a chance to win again. It was sudden death penalty. The team who misses, loses.
Our 6th kicker Ammirul made it through smoothly and scored.
Now, the pressure is on them.
Their last player stepped up. From the way he stood, it seemed he was nervous.
The referee blows his whistle, he ran to the ball, he shoots ... directly in the centre !
HASBULLAH SAVED IT !
Celebrations began as we won and defeated the defending champions. Each and everyone was jumping and celebrating as we were going to Jalan Besar Stadium for the Grand Finals.
We celebrated together. This was the happiest moment that has ever happened to me in my life.
I could not wait for the National Finals.
I felt I was ready to lift it for Hong Kah Secondary School. 
(Jasvin doing a final check on his gears while receiving instructions)
The finals approached, we were more than prepared than any others.
We were facing Singapore Sports School again.
We didn’t fear them at all as we left the past as past and wanted to murder their hopes of being the best team in Singapore.
Not only we prepared, our supporters did too. The whole of the lower secondary was selected to witness our final live. Match day arrived.
It was the 22nd August (Friday).
Our game kick off at 3pm sharp.
(Jasvin captained his side for the West Zone final)
We left earlier as we have to warm up.
The moment I stepped on the pitch, I felt a spirit enter me to fight and win.
I wanted the gold badly.
We warm up and get ready for the game in the locker room. Everything was so professional, we line-up in the tunnel as we stepped out on to the pitch, hundreds of Hong Kah lites roar and cheer us.
I told the team, “This is our last game, lets play together, win together and celebrate together.”
(Jasvin stretching before the kick off for West Zone final)
The game kicked off and we seemed the better side. After only 2 mins, I stole the lead for Hong Kah after scoring a free kick on the left hand side of the pitch.
It cheekily passed the keeper into the tight angle of the top corner. We celebrated as we took a step closer of getting the trophy. I slid on the field as the other jumped on me. The goal came at the most crucial game in my life.
It motivated us to go for another goal. Moments before half-time, Sport School was awarded a penalty. 
(Jasvin in a relax mood before the semi-final against Greenview)
Many of us get frustrated over the referee’s decision. They score an equaliser which made the half time 1-1. The second half was ours. We dominated the game throughout.
Firstly, Syazwan came closest to a goal first with a 1 on 1 opportunity, but it was blasted wide. Our fans continued to cheer. Then, I came closest by rounding 2 defender and shooting, but it was tipped by the goalkeeper.
Lastly, it was Shefee. He lobbed the goalkeeper and the ball ended up in the back of the net. But the referee denied it as he said it was offside, which actually wasn't at all.
All the Hong Kah Lites were frustrated with the decisions made by the referee. But, they continued to cheer for us full heartedly. 
(One final cheer before extra time for the Champions League semi-final kicks off)
The game ended 1-1. We had to go in extra time as the winner has not been decided yet. Everybody started to cramp. The 1st half extra time remain 1-1, 2nd half started, 2 mins into the game, I cramped and dropped on the field.
It was the worst cramp that I ever overcome.
Mr Ng came to the pitch to stretch my right calf.
The next minutes, celebrations came from the sports school. They had scored the winner.
I dropped my head on the ground, cursing and swearing that we had lost the game.
But I never gave up. I got up and continued to fight for an equaliser. Mr Ng asked me to substitute for another player, but I said. “No, I want to play until the whistle is blown”.
The final whistle was sounded, tears was in every Hong Kah players eyes.
We dropped on the ground with sadness. But our supporters cheers us up.
We enjoyed together even when we lost.
Our Hong Kah supporters were the best!
That game will never been forgotten. Season 08 will never be forgotten.
I wish we could go through the season again. My team is the best team I have ever played in. Although we faced many tough obstacles, we sticked together and fight together.
It was rather tough leaving the ‘C’ Boys, and now to ‘B’ Boys.
But no matter what, we will stay as one Hong Kah Secondary, and win it the next season. Season preparations for season 09 have already began. But season 08 will never be forgotten.
Hong Kah all the way!
Captain season 08
Jasvin [07]
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