NATIONAL football team captain Rosmin Hj Md Kamis has urged his teammates to be fully focused on their AFF (ASEAN Football Federation) Suzuki Cup 2016 qualifying campaign in Cambodia this week.
Brunei will face Timor Leste, Cambodia and Laos in the qualifiers to be held from October 15-21, and only the winner of the four-country competition will progress to the tournament proper which will be co-hosted by Myanmar and the Philippines from November 19 to December 17.
The Wasps open their tournament against Timor Leste tomorrow, play hosts Cambodia on Tuesday and face Laos three days later.
“I want more concentration and focus from all the players,” said Rosmin in an interview with The Brunei Times prior to the national team’s departure at the Brunei International Airport yesterday.
“We cannot afford to lose focus — not even for one second — especially in this kind of tournament.
“The other countries have prepared well for this tournament so we need to concentrate more, otherwise we will be punished for it,” Rosmin (pic) warned.
The DPMM FC skipper highlighted the importance of getting their campaign off to a winning start if they are serious about qualifying for the tournament proper.
The qualifier will advance into Group B where they will play Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam. The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia make up Group A.
“The first game is always vital, especially when competing in a format like this,” Rosmin said.
“There are four teams in the group but only one team will progress to the next round, so we have no choice but to win if we want to get through.
“It is always nice to start the campaign strong, and then we can build from there.
“All the teams in the group are ahead of us in terms of ranking, but I am very sure that it will be a 50/50 game once we step onto the field.
“I also believe that at the end of the day, whoever gives more will be able to win this qualifier.
“As of now, on paper, Cambodia have been tipped to win the tournament. They are playing on home turf so they have the advantage,” he added.
Brunei assistant coach Ali Hj Mustafa is happy that the squad has gelled well together in training.
However, defence remains a concern for the team, especially after losing Reduan Hj Petara to injury during the two-match friendly tour against Malaysia’s Under-22 team last week.
Reduan has been replaced by Ak Yura Indera Putera Pg Yunos, who will partner Muhammad Hanif Hamir in the heart of defence.
“Reduan’s injury is a big loss for us because he is a good defender,” said Ali.
“For this tournament, we are emphasising more on defence and we also have worked on our transition to attack… So I hope everyone will be able to fulfill their role and work as a team.
“The players work well together and some have adapted to their new role quite comfortably, especially after the friendly matches against the Malaysian Under-22 team — so that is a very good sign for us,” he added.
The national team have also been boosted by the arrival of Faiq Jefri Bolkiah for the qualifiers, the forward — who plies his trade with English Premier League champions Leicester City — set to earn his first senior cap in Cambodia after previously playing for the national Under-23 and Under-19 sides.
He arrived in the sultanate on Saturday and joined his first training session on Monday.
“Faiq is a talented footballer and a very good addition to the team,” said Ali.
“He will play an important role in the team so I hope Faiq and the rest of the squad will work well together,” added Ali.
Present to send off the 23-player delegation led by team manager Hj Md Noor Hj Hamid was National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) acting deputy president Hj Madli Mohamad Yusuf.
The Brunei Times
Brunei will face Timor Leste, Cambodia and Laos in the qualifiers to be held from October 15-21, and only the winner of the four-country competition will progress to the tournament proper which will be co-hosted by Myanmar and the Philippines from November 19 to December 17.
The Wasps open their tournament against Timor Leste tomorrow, play hosts Cambodia on Tuesday and face Laos three days later.
“I want more concentration and focus from all the players,” said Rosmin in an interview with The Brunei Times prior to the national team’s departure at the Brunei International Airport yesterday.
“We cannot afford to lose focus — not even for one second — especially in this kind of tournament.
“The other countries have prepared well for this tournament so we need to concentrate more, otherwise we will be punished for it,” Rosmin (pic) warned.
The DPMM FC skipper highlighted the importance of getting their campaign off to a winning start if they are serious about qualifying for the tournament proper.
The qualifier will advance into Group B where they will play Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam. The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia make up Group A.
“The first game is always vital, especially when competing in a format like this,” Rosmin said.
“There are four teams in the group but only one team will progress to the next round, so we have no choice but to win if we want to get through.
“It is always nice to start the campaign strong, and then we can build from there.
“All the teams in the group are ahead of us in terms of ranking, but I am very sure that it will be a 50/50 game once we step onto the field.
“I also believe that at the end of the day, whoever gives more will be able to win this qualifier.
“As of now, on paper, Cambodia have been tipped to win the tournament. They are playing on home turf so they have the advantage,” he added.
Brunei assistant coach Ali Hj Mustafa is happy that the squad has gelled well together in training.
However, defence remains a concern for the team, especially after losing Reduan Hj Petara to injury during the two-match friendly tour against Malaysia’s Under-22 team last week.
Reduan has been replaced by Ak Yura Indera Putera Pg Yunos, who will partner Muhammad Hanif Hamir in the heart of defence.
“Reduan’s injury is a big loss for us because he is a good defender,” said Ali.
“For this tournament, we are emphasising more on defence and we also have worked on our transition to attack… So I hope everyone will be able to fulfill their role and work as a team.
“The players work well together and some have adapted to their new role quite comfortably, especially after the friendly matches against the Malaysian Under-22 team — so that is a very good sign for us,” he added.
The national team have also been boosted by the arrival of Faiq Jefri Bolkiah for the qualifiers, the forward — who plies his trade with English Premier League champions Leicester City — set to earn his first senior cap in Cambodia after previously playing for the national Under-23 and Under-19 sides.
He arrived in the sultanate on Saturday and joined his first training session on Monday.
“Faiq is a talented footballer and a very good addition to the team,” said Ali.
“He will play an important role in the team so I hope Faiq and the rest of the squad will work well together,” added Ali.
Present to send off the 23-player delegation led by team manager Hj Md Noor Hj Hamid was National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) acting deputy president Hj Madli Mohamad Yusuf.
The Brunei Times
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