S-LEAGUE
Geylang International v Warriors FC
Jalan Besar Stadium, 7.45pm
Previously a tough-tackling midfielder and now an equally passionate Geylang International coach, Hasrin Jailani loved nothing more than being in the thick of the action.
But he will be reduced to the role of a spectator in tonight's clash against Warriors FC as he serves a one-match touchline ban after his fiery temper resulted in a sending off two weeks ago.
The absence of Hasrin, 40, will be felt by the Eagles, who together with Tampines Rovers are the only undefeated sides in the S-League.
Said veteran forward Indra Sahdan Daud, 37: "When they see that the coach is very fired up and enthusiastic about the game, they will have that same positive mentality."
There is a fine line between passion and losing control, admitted Hasrin, an assistant coach with Woodlands Wellington (2010) and Hougang United (2011) and in his rookie year as head coach.
"I will learn from my mistake. It was just on the spur of the moment and I will try to control (my temper) in the future. I have spoken to one of the referees and there are no hard feelings about the incident."
With four straight draws and no goals in their last two outings, Hasrin's explosion was only a matter of time, chuckled his assistant Noor Ali.
"I have worked with Hasrin for so many years so that outburst (in the last game) was not a surprise... During his playing days, it was worse, but he has toned down a bit since he went into coaching.
"We are young coaches so the emotions will be there. Even the top coaches lose it sometimes. We just have to take this as a learning point."
Both men would have studied the threat posed by Warriors danger man Jonathan Behe, 27. The former French national Under-17 player has scored in all five matches and has been key to the nine-time league champions' solid start.
He said: "I have adapted very nicely to Singapore and I'm very happy with my goals. But it has all been down to teamwork and my goals were just the fruits of our labour."
Noted Hasrin: "Warriors are having a good run. In their last game where they beat Albirex, they did not create a lot but they took their chances."
While Hasrin will have to be content with a place in the stands, Warriors defender Hafiz Osman, 32, will be looking to channel his frustrations on the Jalan Besar pitch and prove a point against his former employers.
He said: "When Geylang didn't want to keep me at the end of last season, I didn't hear anything from them.
"I thought I had a good season and I gave my all for the club. And I think the way they pushed me away was just not very professional.
"Most people already know my quality and what I can give for any club, and I hope I can show Geylang what they are missing out on.
"One man's loss is another man's treasure and now I just want to have a good game against Geylang."
GEYLANG V WARRIORS
StarHub Ch112/205 & 76.25MHz, 7.30pm
