SINGAPORE – For the first half of the 2022 season, Tanjong Pagar United brought back memories of their halcyon days in the 1990s, even topping the Singapore Premier League (SPL) at one stage.
Led by 26-goal striker Reo Nishiguchi, the Jaguars raised eyebrows by beating the likes of Albirex Niigata and Tampines Rovers. But they fizzled out towards the end of the season and finished sixth in the nine-team table.
Hopes of another memorable run this term have been hit by the departure of several players including Nishiguchi, who was the SPL’s third-highest goalscorer last season. His replacement Marin Mudrazija, who has netted two goals in nine games, is having a rough introduction to his first stint outside Europe.
But having gotten used to the heat and humidity in Singapore, the 27-year-old Croat has pledged to emulate Nishiguchi and fill the Japanese striker’s big boots.
“It’s been four months now and I’m adjusted to it. It’s not a problem any more,” said Mudrazija, who will be eyeing Tampines’ scalp when the sides meet at Our Tampines Hub on Sunday, having been buoyed by his first SPL goal from open play in last Sunday’s 2-1 defeat by Brunei DPMM.
“I know the fans expect more from me in terms of (goalscoring) numbers. I’m adapting to the style of the league and the way we want to play. I want to get to the range of 15 to 20 goals for me to be happy with myself.”
Shy by nature, Mudrazija will have help from his team manager Noh Alam Shah, himself a prolific forward in his playing days, to develop a ruthless scoring streak.
Alam Shah said: “Marin puts a lot of pressure on himself to do well. It does not help that he has a big hole to fill left by Reo. But we are trying to make him understand it’s not for him to fill that hole but rather to express and enjoy himself. He has a very good character and personality. I’m confident everything will soon fall into place.”
Mudrazija can also count on teammate and his fellow countryman Mirko Sugic for support.
The duo first met at Croatian third-division club NK Vrapce in 2015 when they became locker room buddies and friends.
Three years later, Mudrazija moved to the second-tier with NK Dubrava and quickly pulled Sugic to join him when his new club needed a midfielder. Sugic returned the favour later by recommending his good friend to Tanjong Pagar’s coaching staff.
With five goals and four assists last term, Sugic had a creditable debut campaign. But the 29-year-old does not have any goal contributions in 2023 yet.
He said: “It’s probably the worst start of my career. I need to improve in many ways like in my passing, defence and setting the tempo... But I have been working hard to regain my momentum because my team needs me.”
On Saturday, Lion City Sailors drew 3-3 with DPMM at the Jalan Besar Stadium to leapfrog Tampines into second place on goal difference.
