The Return of The Replacements

The Replacements, winner of the inaugural Champions Cup (Winter 2009 Tournament) and current reigning champions, have officially registered their attendance for the Spring 2009 Tournament. They are returning to not only defend their title, but are looking also to improve on their performance during the last tournament.

The Replacements had an extremely successful campaign last tournament and were undefeated in the entire tournament. The only game they did not win was a qualifying round match against Sh*t Kickers which they drew 1-1. They topped the qualifying round with 13 points and with Camion Lichien, the eventual runners-up of the Winter 2009 Tournament, trailing in second place with 10 points.

In the semi-finals, The Replacements faced Tombeau Bay FC. It was a deserving semi-finals match full of rivalry (Jason Cheong is originally from Tombeau Bay, Mauritius) which also pitted kin against kin. The Replacements team captain, Jason Cheong, and, rookie Michael Whan Kan, who are cousins, played against Tombeau Bay FC's veteran player, Edouard Whan Kan, their uncle. It seems the youngsters did not let familial relationships deter them as The Replacements comfortably defeated Tombeau Bay FC 6-1.

In the finals, The Replacements played against Camion Lichien, who defeated Sh*t Kickers 4-1 in the semi-finals to secure their place in the finals. The Replacements won the finals, and the Champions Cup Winter 2009 Tournament, by defeating Camion Lichien 5-3.

The Replacements Winter 2009 team was composed of the following players:
Jason Cheong (captain)
Nicholas Sin
Cameron Holmes
Dean Singh
Michael Whan Kan
Kenny Lam (goal-keeper)

In the upcoming Spring 2009 Tournament, The Replacements have registered a very familiar team, the only change being new goal-keeper, James Bush:
Jason Cheong (captain)
Nicholas Sin
Cameron Holmes
Dean Singh
Michael Whan
James Bush (goal-keeper)

The Replacements is determined to emerge triumphant in this tournament. Jason Cheong, the team captain, had this to say about The Replacements in the upcoming tournament:

"The Replacements is back again this season and is hoping for some fresh new challenges and hoping the previous teams have been able to strengthen their sides. We are going all in with no mercy this time!"

The Replacements looks like a favourite to be champions once again this tournament, however, it's still early days. It's been 4 months since the last Champions Cup, and hopefully, the teams from the previous tournament have improved and are ready to rise to the challenge put forth by The Replacements. There has also been some new teams that have been invited to the tournament. At this point, there's no telling what the Spring 2009 Tournament will bring.


The Replacements, Winners of the Champions Cup Winter 2009 Tournament.
From left to right: Michael Whan Kan, Dean Singh, Cameron Holmes, Nicholas Sin, Jason Cheong, and Kenny Lam.