Jerudong FC captain returns to call of duty

JERUDONG FC are banking on inspirational captain Md Radzi Tamat's return to steer the team to a point against the Royal Brunei Armed Forces' Sports Council (MS ABDB) at the Berakas Sports Complex tonight.

Md Radzi was unavailable for Jerudong FC's last two matches due to personal commitment. Taking into account that the team are about to face their biggest task in the season so far, Jerudong FC head coach Julkifli Hj Hitam hopes the skipper will finally be able to wield the armband tonight.

"Hopefully he will be able to play tomorrow (tonight). With him on the field, the youth will really benefit from his experience," said the Jerudong FC head coach.

"All the other players are looking good for the match against MS ABDB. I also hope that the weather will be good, the field to be in good condition, so that we can all enjoy a good match," he added.

The downpour in Berakas last week had already caused two matches to be abandoned. It also affected the condition of the already battered field which was further compounded by the daily matches.

Even though all the factors do go in Jerudong FC's favour prior to the clash, Julkifli is under no delusion that the armymen will be a walk in the park. The head coach is well aware of the threat MS ABDB pose in their quest to break through into the Top Three at the end of the season.

The armymen are in top form, leading the nine-team table with three wins from as many number of matches.

"MS ABDB had won by a huge scoreline in their last couple of matches. Hopefully, we will be able to give a good fight. Our main focus will be to collect a point from the match while a win will be a bonus," said Julkifli.

The armymen came out with all guns blazing against newly-promoted teams LLRC FT and Prisons Department in their last two matches.

MS ABDB hammered LLRC FT 4-1 before thrashing Prisons Department 6-1. Both matches were contested on home turf at the Penanjong Camp in Tutong.

After their season opener against Indera SC on March 9, which they won 3-1, MS ABDB manager Suhaimi Jamali said they were having problems upfront because striker Md Sardillah Hj Abdullah had been ruled out for an indefinite period due to injury.

The armymen seemed to have found the answer in Md Isa Hj Bahar, who scored a hat-trick against both LLRC FT and Prisons Department.

Currently the top goalscorer in the top-tier league with a total of six goals, the 23-year-old will definitely be one of the players Jerudong FC want to keep an eye on tonight. Kick-off is at 8.15pm.The Brunei Times