Iskandar’s team were bronze medallists at the 2013 South-east Asian Games, and also recently competed at the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
The team finished with a record of one win, one loss and a draw against Tajikistan, Oman and Palestine, and came within a whisker of qualifying for the knock-out stages of the tournament.
Iskandar, who made his international debut for Singapore in a friendly with the All Whites in 1995 as a player, is excited to renew an old rivalry in New Zealand.
“We’re delighted to participate in the inaugural OFC President’s Cup competition. It provides our team with a new opportunity to play against different styles of football and to strengthen our football ties with Oceania.
“Our group looks like being very competitive with Auckland City FC the current New Zealand and Oceania champions. Bodden Town is an unknown quantity but it is interesting to face a club side from CONCACAF,” Iskandar said.
Singapore U-23 compete in their National League as a club called the Young Lions and they played a key role in the outcome of the competition when they beat title chasers Home United 3-0, effectively killing off their opponents campaign.
One man who knows what to expect from Singapore is former Waitakere United skipper and All Whites midfielder, Jake Butler.
The 29-year-old plies his trade in Singapore with professional outfit Tampines Rovers and he believes Auckland City FC may have the upper hand on their opponents.
“Singapore U-23 are quick and like to play attacking football. I think the majority of them are physically small but very mobile with good technical ability.
“Auckland City FC will be able to overpower them in most areas, especially at set piece time,” Butler said.
While Singapore U-23 are a team that carries a significant goal threat, their coach downplayed their chances of winning the President’s Cup.
“We will be without some key players as they have been selected for the senior national team squad who are participating in the AFF Suzuki Cup at the same time.
“However, this will also allow me to test out some other players. We will be competing with our strongest team possible. We are looking forward to the competition next month with enthusiasm,” he said.
Ends

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