Best friends Stjepan Plazonja and Dejan Racic hope to turn Hougang United’s fortunes around

SINGAPORE – Since joining Hougang United in mid-June, Dejan Racic has developed a strong partnership on the field with Croatian winger and fellow new signing Stjepan Plazonja.

Of the Montenegrin striker’s four goals in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) this season, three have been assisted by Plazonja, who has also netted four times.

And they are looking to build on their impressive start when Hougang face third-placed Geylang International at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Aug 2.

The duo’s performances have been one of the few bright sparks for the struggling Cheetahs, who are second from bottom in the nine-team league with a sole win from 10 matches.

Racic, 26, said: “We understand each other well on the pitch and it’s good when you have teammates who know your movement. His crosses are all on-time and it’s a good start for us. If we win some of the next games too, it’ll be good for the club.”

He described it as a telepathic connection on the pitch and Plazonja, also 26, agreed, adding that he likes “playing with this type of strikers”. 

He noted: “The two of us score goals together, and expect more in the next few games because we have a very good friendship.”

Both men also spend much of their time outside of football together, going for coffee after training and visiting local attractions on their days off. “We are best friends here,” Racic said.

Coach Marko Kraljevic highlighted the pair’s importance, saying: “Stjepan has very good size. He can also deliver good crosses and beat opponents one on one. Dejan is good in the box, he’s always in there scoring goals.

“(But) they can do much better, because they’re just starting to play together and need some time.”

The 58-year-old will have to continue counting on them, after a dismal start to the season for the 2022 Singapore Cup winners sees him under pressure.

Injuries to key players at different points, including influential midfielder Kristijan Krajcek, who has been out with a joint problem since September 2023 and is set to return in October, have disrupted their season.

Giving opponents too much space, poor defending and new players needing time to gel have also been factors, Kraljevic explained.

“You need to build a house from the foundation,” he added. “We must build up from behind and be tough, to close down opponents quicker. This is the starting point.”

While taking down the high-flying Eagles may seem like a mammoth task, he insists that Hougang have to target a win.

He said: “We go into every game to win. We have to solve the defensive issues, then we need to score goals to win the game.”

Geylang will be licking their wounds after surrendering a 3-0 lead to draw 4-4 with 10-man Balestier Khalsa in their last outing. The Eagles are still undefeated but have lost ground on the top two, BG Tampines Rovers and Lion City Sailors.

Geylang vice-captain Vincent Bezecourt said: “The key is to focus on ourselves and make sure we bounce back from our disappointing result last Sunday. We know Hougang’s strengths. If we manage these well and manage the game better, we’ll have our chances.”

Sailors v DPMM (Aug 3, 6pm, Bishan Stadium)

The home side looked back to their best after being trounced 5-0 by Tampines three weeks ago, rebounding with back-to-back six-goal-margin victories, while displaying fluid attacking play. They will look to extend that run against the struggling Bruneians.

Tanjong Pagar v Tampines (Aug 3, 6pm, Jurong East Stadium)

The Stags look unstoppable at the moment, especially with their forwards linking up well and everyone stepping up to score. Still unbeaten with eight wins and two draws, they should have too much firepower for the Jaguars, who have conceded 10 goals in their last two games.

Albirex v Young Lions (Aug 4, 6pm, Jurong East Stadium)

The White Swans’ title defence is pretty much over. Bottom of the league with just six points, they lack cohesiveness and attacking ideas. The Young Lions are coming off a morale-boosting 3-1 win over DPMM and in-form striker Itsuki Enomoto will fancy his chances.