Indera-Kasuka match abandoned

Nadzirah Malek-Webb

Bandar Seri Begawan

Monday, March 28, 2016

THE Brunei DST Super League match between former two-time champions Indera Sports Club (SC) and newly-promoted Kasuka FC was abandoned due to a heated argument between the two teams yesterday.
The incident occurred just two minutes before the half-time whistle blew when Kasuka’s Afindi Yati Tuah laid on the pitch at the Berakas Sports Complex after being challenged by Indera’s Sahrin Momin.
The referee then approached the two players and sent off a different Indera player, Hardi Bujang – the decision sparked heated exchanges between the players and match officials.
Sahrin, who was left dissatisfied with the referee’s decision tried to make his way to the referee in rage.
However, he was then pulled away and restrained by Afindi’s fellow teammate, Pg Shahruddin Pg Hj Md Tejuddin.
Frustrations between the two teams loomed and the incident then provoked a disruption amongst Indera’s supporters who called for proper decision from the match officials.
The decision to call off the match was then made by the referee who was concerned of his and other match officials' safety, 15 minutes after both teams were led back into their respective changing rooms.
National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) has confirmed that the match will be rescheduled in due time and the incident will be under investigation by the governing body’s tournament department.
Meanwhile, the other DST Super League match saw Wijaya FC beat The Royal Brunei Police Force Sports Council (MS PDB) 2-0 at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.
Early goal from Ak Anaqi Sufi Pg Omar Baki in the 10th minute and second half goal from Shah Azahar Abdullah sealed Wijaya’s first win of the season.
Lun Bawang fell 3-1 against Tabuan Muda Under-21 (national under-21 team) in another DST Super League match held in Batu Apoi Sports Complex, Temburong.
Goals from Nursyazwan Halidi and Abd Afiq Roslan in the first half sealed Tabuan’s first three points of the season.
Lun Bawang’s Amir Bujang pulled one back in the 60th minute, before Tabuan Muda’s Abd Khair Hj Basri scored four minutes later.

The Brunei Times

Kota Ranger beat Jerudong, pick up first win

Nadzirah Malek-Webb

Bandar Seri Begawan

Sunday, March 27, 2016

NEWLY promoted Kota Ranger FC picked up their first three points in the DST Super League after beating Jerudong FC 4-2 at the Berakas Sports Complex last night.

The former DST Premier League champions broke the deadlock in just 40 seconds of the game – the fastest goal scored so far in the league after Ak Ammar Hanafie Pg Hassanuddin eased his shot into the net.

Jerudong did not let the early goal shook them as they pulled one back after through Hidayatur Rahim Aliuddin five minutes later.

Both teams gained momentum after the early goals, however, Kota Ranger rued their missed chances, notably in the 23rd minute when Md Hairun Ikhwan Kusno was awarded a free-kick just outside of Jerudong FC’s penalty box where his shot went off wide.

Kota Ranger regained their lead in the 32nd minute after team skipper, Abang Nor Sillmy Abang Taha’s header went past Jerudong’s goalkeeper, Abd Hafiz Hj Musadi who stretched but failed to save the shot.

Second half saw Md Hairun Ikhwan redeemed himself after he scored a bracer in the 52nd minute and his second goal two minutes later making it 4-1 for Kota Ranger.

Despite trailing 4-1, Jerudong FC pushed for another goal and challenged Kota Ranger through out the end of the second half - where they scored a second consolation goal in the 92nd minute after Md Arif Ali Rahman’s header went past Kota Ranger’s goalkeeper, Mohd Faizal Hashim.

Despite the win, Kota Ranger's assistant head coach, Abang Nor Hillmy Abang Taha felt that the pressure from the playing in the DST Super League was overwhelming.

“The DST Super League is Brunei’s top-notch league and this match against Jerudong FC showed us that,” said Abang Nor Hillmy in a post-match interview with The Brunei Times.

“It’s only been two games so far and we definitely feel the pressure, especially when we lost 5-1 in our first game against Tabuan Muda (national Under-23 football team).

“There’s a huge gap in terms of the quality of the matches and the sport between the DST Super League and the DST Premier League.

“We have to set aside of when we were unbeaten last year and were crowned champions in the DST Premier League, but that was then and this is now.

“We have seen how top clubs such as Indera Sports Club (SC) have played and we have to give 100 per cent of our efforts in just challenging them.

“It’s too early to say anything now, but we have to remain focused,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the other DST Super League match saw defending champions, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) edged Najip I-Team 1-0 after Pvt Abd Azizi Ali Rahman scored the only goal in the 26th minute at the Tutong Sports Complex.

The Brunei Times

DPMM FC up to second

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, March 12, 2016

DPMM FC shrugged off a poor first half performance to secure a 2-1 comeback victory over Home United FC in the Singapore League (S-League) to move to second last night.
Ambroise Begue gave Home the lead before Rafael Ramazotti equalised from the penalty spot in the first half at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
Azwan Ali Rahman netted the winner after the break to ensure DPMM FC kick off their six-game home stretch on a winning note.
The triumph propels the reigning champions from fourth to second in the nine-team table, tied on eight points with leaders Albirex Niigata (S) FC but having played a game more.
Home, meanwhile, are at the bottom of the table with two points from four games.
DPMM FC coach Steve Kean felt that they weren’t at their best but was pleased to notch maximum points.
“The good thing is that we managed to grind it out even though it wasn’t an attractive second half display from us,” said Kean in the post match interview.
“I felt that we played well in the first four games and should have more points.
“But tonight (Friday night) we didn’t really play as well as we normally do and got the points.
“That is a good sign that you can turn it on in the second half and do much better to get the points against a very good Home United team,” concluded the Scotsman.
Both sides came out playing with a similar game plan – pressing high up the pitch when without the ball and moving the ball to keep possession.
Azhar Sairudin produced the first shot on target from the edge of the box in the ninth minute but it went straight to DPMM FC goalkeeper Wardun Yussof.
Sirina Camara delivered a dangerous ball into the box three minutes later but none of the Home players were there for a simple tap in.
Home grabbed the lead in the 19th minute after an initial shot by Azhar was blocked by Ak Yura Indera Putera Pg Yunos, only to drop nicely for Begue to score from close range.
It took the wind out of DPMM FC’s sails and Home could have added another just four minutes later.
A good through ball by Ken Ilso sent Khairul Nizam through, but the latter’s effort – which was heading towards the bottom corner – was saved by Wardun.
Ilso picked out Aqhari Abdullah inside the six-yard box in the 26th minute but somehow his shot was deflected over the bar.
Ilso had a shot saved by Wardun two minutes later and the Dane was on target again in the 31st minute after he connected on a Begue cross, but his effort was denied by Wardun.
DPMM FC were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute after Brian McLean was fouled by Camara while defending a set-piece.
Ramazotti stepped up and made no mistake from 12 yards out to make it 1-1.
Home skipper Juma’at Jantan sent a cross from the right two minutes after the interval but Azhar failed to capitalise inside the six-yard box.
The Protectors threatened again in the 55th minute with Khairul Nizam firing from inside the box but it was too weak to trouble Wardun.
Juma’at launched a pile-driver from 40 yards out four minutes later but it was caught by Wardun.
DPMM FC made a double change by sending in Shahrazen Said and Md Najib Hj Tarif in place of Maududi Hilmi Kasmi and Sairol Hj Sahari respectively in the 63rd minute.
It proved to be the difference and the hosts grabbed the lead after Sergio found an unmarked Azwan to head past Home custodian Zulfairuz Rudy in the 72nd minute.
Home almost responded immediately but substitute Irfan Fandi’s effort was deflected over.
The visitors came forward again four minutes later but Aqhari fired just wide from 25 yards out.
At the other end, Sergio missed the mark from a deadball situation in the 77th minute.
Camara crossed for Irfan from the left five minutes later but he was off target.
Ilso unleashed a good shot at goal in the 84th minute but Wardun once again was to his equal.
DPMM FC could have killed off the match in the 87th minute after Sergio dribbled into the box from the left but could only fire to the side netting.
Home had a chance to grab a point out of the match two minutes later with Ilso firing a free-kick into the bottom right corner, but Wardun kept his effort out to seal all three points.
The other match saw Balestier Khalsa FC play out to a 1-1 draw against Warriors FC at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
DPMM FC will next host Tampines Rovers FC next Saturday in the second of six straight home matches.

The Brunei Times

DST Premier League kicks off today

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, March 11, 2016

THE DST Premier League 2016 season will start today with a match between Panchor Murai FC and Setia Perdana at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas at 4pm.
Brunei Shell Recreational Club Football Team (BSRC FT) will go up against Besa FC tomorrow at the Tutong Sports Complex at 8.15pm.
Meanwhile, the DST Super League is also set to kick-off tomorrow with two matches.
Two-time champions Indera Sports Club (SC) will take on Jerudong FC at the Balapan Track and Field at 8.15pm, while, Tabuan Muda (national under-23 team) will go head to head with newly-promoted Kota Ranger FC at the Berakas Sports Complex at the same time.
Three DST Super League matches on Sunday will cap off the first week’s action of the country’s national football competitions.
Wijaya FC will meet the tournament’s defending champions Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) at Berakas Sports Complex.
Najip I-Team will face newcomers Kasuka FC at Balapan Track and Field while Lun Bawang will host the Royal Brunei Police Forces Sports Council (MS PDB) at the Batu Apoi Sports Complex in Temburong.
All three matches are scheduled to start at 4pm.
The complete fixtures for both DST Super and DST Premier leagues are available at the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam’s (NFABD) website at www.nfabd.org.
Kota Ranger were crowned champions of last year’s DST Premier League, ending the season with unbeaten record of nine wins and one draw to earn their spot in the elite DST Super League.
Tabuan Muda Under-18, the country’s football development team, finished second but they are restricted to only play in the DST Premier League.
Therefore third-placed Kasuka FC were promoted instead.
Kilanas FC and Al-Idrus are the new teams competing in the second-tier of the national football league.
Kilanas were relegated from last season’s DST Super League after finishing at the bottom of the league with only six points to their name while Al-Idrus are promoted to the DST Premier League this year after winning the Brunei-Muara District Football League on Wednesday.


The Brunei Times 

DPMM FC held to draw

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, March 5, 2016

DPMM FC were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Hougang United FC in the Singapore League (S-League) last night.
The reigning champions remain fourth position in the nine-team table with five points from four matches while Hougang are sixth.
Albirex Niigata (S) FC lead the table with seven points, followed by Geylang International FC (six points) and Tampines Rovers FC (five points)
DPMM FC centreback Brian McLean was out for the match due to a knee injury and the defending champions resorted to an all-local backline, inserting Abdul Aziz Tamit in his position at the Hougang Stadium in Singapore.
According to the S-League Twitter updates, Rafael Ramazotti headed his attempt from inside the box over the bar in the 26th minute.
DPMM FC were given a let off six minutes later as Jozef Kaplan’s effort was denied by the post.
Paulo Sergio tried one from the edge of the box in the 37th minute but was denied by Hougang custodian Khairulhin Khalid.
A minute after the interval, Ramazotti had a close range shot cleared by Nazrul Nazari.
Sergio found Azwan Ali Rahman inside the box in the 78th minute but the threat was dealt with by Delwinder Singh.
The Brunei side almost stole all three points in the 89th minute after Ramazotti got his head to Sergio’s cross, but the effort was off target.
Over at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium, Warriors picked up their first win of the season after a 2-0 triumph over the Young Lions (Singapore national under-23 football team).
DPMM FC next face Home United FC at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on Friday.

The Brunei Times

DST Super League champs to represent Brunei in AFC Cup

SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, March 3, 2016

DST SUPER League champions will be eligible to represent the country at next year’s Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup for the first time.
Currently in its 16th edition, the AFC Cup is the region’s second-tier club football competition for developing football nations – with clubs from top-tier nations playing in the AFC Champions League.
Malaysian side Johor Darul Ta'zim are the reigning champions after beating Tajikistan’s Istiklol in last year’s final.
If the DST Super League champions are unable represent the country, the league’s runners-up will then take their spot.
The news was one of the many topics brought up during the team manager’s meeting for the DST Super League and DST Premier League which was held at the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) House in Berakas on Monday.
“On behalf of the NFABD committee, we hope that we will have a better competition this year,” NFABD Acting Competition Director Dayem Haji Ali said in an interview with The Brunei Times.
“We also hope that players and clubs will comply with all the tournament rules and regulations established by the (organising) committee.
“Hopefully this year we can make football to be one of the most popular sport again in the country,” he continued.

Dayem also stressed that players are only allowed to play for one club in any league competition sanctioned by NFABD.
Players and clubs who failed to obey the rules and regulations will be brought forward to the disciplinary committee, with action to be taken as agreed upon by the tournament’s organising committee.
Teams that have already registered and wish to withdraw from the competition are required to notify the organisers through writing at least 14 days before the tournament starts.
Action will be taken against teams which withdraw without any valid reason, and they will be handed a fine of not less than $500.00.
The manager and the relevant players will not be allowed to join any of the other teams involved in any of the leagues organised by NFABD.
The second transfer window will open mid-way through the season which will be announced at a later date.
Players and managers who wish to go through the transfer procedure will be required to fill in a form given by the organisers and pay a total of $100 administration fee for each player.
Also attending the meeting was NFABD Executive Member Rosdin Haji Abdul Aziz, who emphasised that players and club officials are required to wear their identification pass given by NFABD during the duration of every game.
The 2016 DST Super League is slated to kick off on Saturday with the Sumbangsih Cup clash between last season’s DST Super League champions, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB), and runners-up Indera Sports Club (SC).
The game at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas is set to kick off at 8.15pm.
Meanwhile, IKLS FC will face T-11 at the Berakas Sports Complex on March 11 at 4pm in the DST Premier League.

The Brunei Times

Zamri Retires as NFABD Gen-Sec

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (4 March 2016) – MUHD Zamri Dato Paduka Hamdani has retired as the general secretary of the National FA of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD).

According to a press statement released by NFABD yesterday, the position left vacant by Muhd Zamri will be filled by assistant general secretary Pg Mohd Amirrizal Pg Mahmud as the acting general secretary.

“I’m sad to leave but it was a choice I had to make because I want to spend more time with my family, do other things privately and help my wife,” said Muhd Zamri.

“I want to thank HRH (NFABD president His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah) and I appreciate the opportunity that was given to me. Under his guidance, I was able to fulfill my responsibilities.

“I also want to credit HRH for his outstanding leadership, guidance and vision to help NFABD rise to this height.”

Muhd Zamri was appointed NFABD general secretary on 1 March, 2014

http://www.aseanfootball.org/v2/?p=22588

DPMM FC clinch first victory of the season

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, February 28, 2016

REIGNING Singapore League (S-League) champions DPMM FC barged into the win column after a 3-1 victory over Warriors FC last night.
All the damage was done in the first half with the trio of Brian McLean, Maududi Hilmi Kasmi and Azwan Salleh getting their names on the scoresheet in their first triumph after three matches – moving them up to fourth position on four points tied with Tampines Rovers FC, who have a game in hand, in the nine-team table.
On the other hand, Jonathan Behe netted early in the second half for the Warriors in a losing effort at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
DPMM FC got off the best of starts and grabbed the lead in the sixth minute.
Azwan Ali Rahman curled a tricky corner kick resulting in Warriors goalkeeper Yazid Yasin getting a hand to it only to fall nicely for McLean to tap in from close range.
Warriors did get the ball in the net in the 13th minute but Syaqir Sulaiman was flagged for offside.
DPMM FC almost doubled the lead four minutes later after Azwan Ali’s freekick from 40 yards out missed everyone but bounced inches wide off the post.
Another chance came begging in the 19th minute but Rafael Ramazotti headed just wide.
Warriors were on target in the 22nd minute with Fazli Jaffar firing from inside the box but DPMM FC custodian Wardun Yussof dived down to keep the ball out.
DPMM FC skipper Rosmin Hj Md Kamis connected on a header off a corner in the 25th minute but it was not enough to trouble Yazid.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 27th minute with Paulo Sergio setting up Maududi to blast past Yazid from inside the box.
It was 3-0 two minutes later with Azwan Salleh unleashing a thunderbolt from over 20 yards out to bulge the net.
Warriors had back-to-back chances to get back into the tie in the 37th minute but Kento Fukuda’s header was deflected just wide.
Jonathan Behe got a free header at the far post off the ensuing corner but couldn’t place it on target.
DPMM FC were pressing high up the pitch and could have added to the scoresheet in the 39th minute but Azwan Ali’s effort from over 20 yards out bounced off the woodwork.
Warriors got one back just two minutes after the interval with good work by Behe down the left to fire off Wardun from close range.
Behe got in a similar position in the 58th minute but this time his effort met the side netting.
At the other end, Sergio got the better of Poh Yi Feng before curling his shot from the edge of the box over.
Things got a little hectic as things got physical with the whistle not getting blown.
DPMM FC manager Ali Hj Momin was even sent to the stands in the 69th minute for contesting with referee Sukhbir Singh for a handball-incident.
Behe got another opportunity in the 75th minute after beating Sairol Hj Sahari but his shot was off the mark.
DPMM FC almost added to the scoresheet the next minute with Sergio setting up Azwan Ali down the middle but the latter’s shot was saved by Yazid.
Behe placed two shots on target in the 80th and 82nd minutes but Wardun was to his equal to deny him twice.
Substitute Shaiful Esah struck a freekick from 25 yards requiring Wardun to tip over in the 90th minute.
Warriors were awarded a penalty on the ensuing corner kick as Azwan Salleh was judged to have handled the ball inside the box.
Behe stepped up to take the spot kick but his attempt was saved by Wardun.
The other game saw Balestier Khalsa FC and Albirex Niigata (S) FC play out to a 1-1 draw at the Toa Payoh Stadium in Singapore.

The Brunei Times