If you are looking for an expert regarding football in Singapore and Malaysia, you should look no further than John Duerden. He has worked as an Asian football correspondent for some of the world’s most prestigious outlets, including BBC Radio, ESPN, The Guardian, The New York Times, World Soccer, and The Associated Press. It’s no wonder that world-class publisher Marshall Cavendish signed Duerden up to write the definitive text on the sport in Singapore and Malaysia, Lions and Tigers: The Story of Football in Singapore and Malaysia.
The text doesn’t disappoint as it covers the sport in those two nations with tremendous detail, covering the footballing history of both countries with plenty of depth.
It is an entertaining read, one that will give you a deeper appreciation for the beautiful game in Asia, particularly in Singapore and Malaysia. You’ll learn about the rivalry between nations and the background that created it in the first place.
It was quite engaging from start to finish as Duerden tells stories about each country’s greatest games, players, and coaches. You’ll learn why Aleksandar Duric, Mokhtar Dahari, Awang Bakar, and Fandi Ahmad have become household names along with Zainal Abidin Hassan, Mirko Grabovac, Egmar Gonçalves, John Wilkinson, and Daniel Bennett. We enjoyed learning about the story of Eastbourne Borough standout Darren Lok, a player we remembered with great fondness from his time in England.
The title offers a very thorough discussion that brings years of research together in one place. It is easily one of the best titles on Asian football that we have ever read. Anyone wanting to know more about football in Singapore and Malaysia have to buy this book. It will give every reader a deeper appreciation of why the rivalry exists and why Malaysia v. Singapore should be known all over Asia and the entire world. Both countries certainly deserve more exposure, recognition, and respect and this book delivers each. It’s absolutely brilliant and any football fan can learn a great deal from the experience.
