Singapore internationals Daniel Bennett and Madhu Mohana might be out of action in 2017 S.League season as both their league contracts - with Geylang International and Warriors FC, respectively - have run out.
While the Lions had a disappointing run in the ongoing AFF Suzuki Cup tournament, both Bennett and Mohana came up with strong performances. Singapore were dumped out of the tournament as they finished last in Group A after securing only one point from three games.
However, the four-time winners' defensive discipline was on display against teams with quality frontline in the "group of death" of the biennial tournament. V Sundramoorthy adopted a defensive tactics, against stronger teams of the likes of Philippines and Thailand, which was well implemented on the turf by Bennett-led defense.
Also, the 36-year-old, who joined Geylang ahead of the 2016 season after plying his trade with the Warriors for nine-long seasons, also impressed with the Eagles, who finished fifth in the recently-concluded season. Bennett himself has stressed that he would love to be a part of the S.League club.
Club chairman Ben Teng revealed that they would want to retain the most-capped Singapore footballer despite his passing years. However, with the league's funding and budget for the next season not confirmed yet, doubts over his future have cropped up. Notably, league powerhouses, including Tampines Rovers, have released some of the big names in S.League due to budget constraints ahead of the new season.
"If the budget allows, we would want to keep Dan because he is one of those who has justified his salary. We still have 12 players on a two-year contract that we gave last season and, before the budget is announced, we are holding off signing any players for now," Teng said, as quoted by The New Paper.
"That said, I believe we can all see Dan's quality. He is a good player and I had a talk with him. We wanted to look for a player/manager role for him as he had indicated interest as an administrator after he retires from playing."
On the other hand, Mohana is looking forward to opportunities from foreign clubs after impressing with the Lions in their shortened Suzuki Cup campaign. The 25-year-old apart from impressing with his aerial ability and clearances, created opportunities with his long throws from the touchline, which proved crucial to the team, which had parked the bus more often than not.
With football leagues in the Southeast Asian region, including the Thai Premier League - which has introduced an Asean player slot, looking for foreign talent the Singapore right-back has it in him to attract an offer or two. However, the right-back is not excited by the possibility and said he was willing to be part of local clubs as well.
"I am definitely looking for an opportunity to test myself in an overseas league. But, if that does not come through, I hope to find a good local club to help them achieve greater heights," Madhu revealed.
