Zaiful warns against complacency ahead of derby clash with the Stags

Following an impressive surge up the Singapore Premier League table, Geylang International will be fired up to continue their fine form when they host Tampines Rovers in the Eastern Derby clash at Our Tampines Hub (OTH) on Wednesday.

But skipper Zaiful Nizam is careful to remind all in the team that they have to keep their feet firmly on the ground and maintain the same attitude for every fixture if they are to finish as high as possible on the AIA Singapore Premier League table at the end of the season.

Fresh off a convincing 5-0 win over Tanjong Pagar United last weekend, Geylang International moved to fifth place on the back of a seven-game unbeaten run that has produced 17 points out of a possible 21.

The Eagles are just six points off the third position currently occupied by Tanjong Pagar, which potentially rewards them with a place in next year’s AFC Cup.

“Following a difficult start, we have fought hard to get out of it and have put ourselves back on the right track. Now it’s up to us to maintain that form we’ve been hitting so far,” said Zaiful.

“After each match, we have got to stay focused, start from zero again.

“We can’t afford to get complacent, especially during this crucial stage where the changes from one game to another make a difference to a team’s position in the standings.

“We may have moved up to fifth, but let’s not forget we’re also just one point ahead of Tampines in sixth and they still have a game in hand.

“This is the best form that we’ve been in this season, and it’s imperative that we keep this confident form and confident mood going for as long as we can.”

Geylang International will be out to break the duck against the Stags after losing both their two matches this season.

In April, Geylang were beaten 3-2 before going down 2-0 two months later.