Four DPMM FC players for HBT

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

DPMM FC yesterday confirmed goalkeeper Azman Ilham Hj Md Nor will be in the national Under-21 football squad for the upcoming Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy.
The team was hit with a dilemma after first choice goalkeeper Md Fakhrul Zulhazmi Yussof was dropped from the squad last week after he pleaded guilty to stealing three gas cylinders.
The DPMM FC trio of Adi Said, Mohd Hendra Azam Mohd Idris and Najib Hj Tarif – who, like Md Fakhrul, won the 2012 HBT – were originally selected to lace up for the country at the August 8-23 biennial competition as overage players.
Azman’s only competitive game of the year came during DPMM FC’s first Singapore League (S-League) match of the season on Feb 23 against Albirex Niigata (S) FC.
Replacing first choice Wardun Yussof, who was carrying a suspension over from last season, Azman did well to keep a clean sheet in the 1-0 victory over the Japanese side.
DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean feels that the quartet’s loss is not the best situation for the club considering they will be without them for the next two S-League matches, but he understands the impact the players are capable of providing at the prestigious HBT – a regional tournament in which the country will be going up against the best players in Southeast Asia.
“They are the four allowed to play, and we hope they will go on to help the country get a positive result,” said Kean in an interview at the Jerudong Mini Stadium yesterday.
“It is not ideal to be totally honest, but we try to understand that we want a good team for the country and also utilise our squad.
“Others get the opportunity when we miss good players around the squad, and we have to try to juggle both so that we can continue to keep winning and that the national team can also do well,” continued the former Blackburn Rovers manager.
DPMM FC are coming off a 2-0 victory over Tanjong Pagar United FC in the final of the Singapore League Cup at the Jalan Besar Stadium last Friday, their third triumph in the competition after winning the trophy in 2009 and 2012.
The Sultanate’s only professional team are currently enjoying a short break for Hari Raya Aidil Fitri before returning to training on Thursday in preparation for their S-League match against Hougang United FC at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on Sunday, a key game for the S-League table toppers.
The Brunei side currently lead the 12-team table on 38 points from 18 matches, with three-time defending champions Tampines Rovers close behind on 35 points.
Warriors FC are a further point back while Albirex Niigata (S) FC are on 33 points, while Hougang complete the top-five just another point adrift.
Though Kean is more than happy to give his players some time off to celebrate Hari Raya with their loved ones, he knows how important it is for them not to “slip up on Sunday”.
“Now we have the trophy sitting in the room, we can leave that there and enjoy few days off,” said Kean.
“The boys will have a break and have some time with their family now. Obviously this is an important time, and I respect everybody’s culture.
“We’ve a very fit side shouldn’t have any problems when we start training again.”

The Brunei Times

DPMM FC are champs

Yee Chun Leong

SINGAPORE

Saturday, July 26, 2014

DPMM FC were crowned champions of the Singapore League Cup after a 2-0 victory over Tanjong Pagar FC in the final last night.
A goal each by Roberto Alviz and Adi Said in each half cemented the win at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
The Cup was the third for Brunei’s only professional team and head coach Steve Kean’s maiden trophy.
DPMM FC kicked off the match on the right foot and got their first opportunity in the 12th minute after Azwan Salleh ran past his defender to put the ball through to Azwan Ali Rahman.
The latter fired a good shot but Tanjong Pagar goalkeeper Aurelien Herisson came up with a fine save.
Adi Said got the next chance for the Brunei side after he received a good pass from Azwan Ali but saw his shot cannon off a Tanjong Pagar defender in the 15th minute.
Tanjong Pagar had a golden opportunity in the 20th minute after going on the counterattack.
However, defender Boris Raspudic rushed back fast enough for a tackle on Etiemble to stop the danger.
The Jaguars should have broken the deadlock in the 22nd minute after Sebastien Etiemble delivered a good cross from the right but Monsef Zerka failed to get a touch on it at the far post despite at full stretch.
Roy O’Donovan responded the next minute after he was given space to shoot from just inside the box but saw his effort fly wide.
DPMM FC goalkeeper Wardun Yussof was not taking any chances in the 27th minute, pushing the ball over the bar after Tengku Mushadad fired a weary long freekick on goal.
DPMM FC were fortunate not to concede in the 33rd minute after Ahmad Latiff rose highest for a header on target but his attempt flew straight at Wardun.
DPMM FC finally broke the deadlock after Raspudic headed home a Md Hendra Azam Md Idris corner in the 35th minute.
Tengku once again struck a good freekick in the 43rd minute but his shot was just inches off the post for the last chance in the opening half.
DPMM FC came out strongly in the second half and added to the scoreline just two minutes in.
Azwan Ali did well to shake off his defender down the left and delivered a pin point cross into the box to Adi who calmly blasted the ball into the net.
O’Donovan got an opportunity two minutes later after skipping an onrushing Herisson but couldn’t fire past a Tanjong Pagar defender.
Tanjong Pagar played with a sense of urgency but DPMM FC were doing well, soaking up the pressure.
Asraf got a good shot off on the hour mark but the attempt went straight into the arms of Wardun.
Jaguars looked to have pulled one back in the 68th minute after substitute Firdaus Idros got the ball into the net but he was flagged for offside.
He got another chance in the 72nd minute with a powerful strike from inside the box but Wardun put up an acrobatic save to keep the ball out.
The DPMM FC custodian was up to the task again five minutes later to save an Asraf shot from inside the box.
Wardun was at his best and came to the rescue of DPMM FC twice in the 81st minute.
Etiemble struck a freekick from just outside the box but Wardun got his fingertips to it to see the ball bounce off the crossbar.
Ahmad headed the rebound but the DPMM FC goalkeeper scrambled to the other post to keep the ball out.
The keeper injured himself in the process but decided to stay in the game.
Adi almost scored a brace in the 88th minute but Herisson did well to parry the shot away.
Brunei’s only professional team would hold on to their lead to win the trophy, erasing memories of their heartbreaking 4-0 final loss to Balestier Khalsa last year.
O’Donovan was named the Most Valuable Player and DPMM FC were awarded S$30, 000 for winning the competition.
The squad will return to Brunei at 2.15pm at the Berakas International Airport today.

The Brunei Times

Indonesia to send Under-19 squad

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

bandar seri begawan

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

INDONESIA will be sending their Under-19 team for next month’s 5th Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) for ASEAN Youth Football Championship.
“We don’t have much information from Jakarta but I heard that Indonesia will be sending their national Under-19 team with some players from the Under-21 team,” said Deputy Ambassador of Indonesia to Brunei Pribadi Sutiono after the draw ceremony at the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) House along Jalan Persidangan in Berakas yesterday.
“I was told that the team is a good one and I am looking forward to the tournament,” he said.
“I think we are in a very challenging group but the countries in the other group (Group A) are just as strong… there are a lot of good teams.”

Brunei are in Group B alongside Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and now Indonesia.

Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Timor Leste and two-time champions Thailand are in Group A.

“We have always competed in this tournament since the beginning in 2002. We were champions at that time and that showed how important the tournament is to us,” said the deputy ambassador.
“This is a very good tournament and a very good one for the Indonesians living here,” he said.
In a previous report by The Brunei Times, national coach Kwon Oh-son said that Thailand and Myanmar are the top contenders in the tournament.
“Both groups are very tough but I think it is a very good draw for Brunei,” said Kwon.
“Vietnam and Singapore are strong and we have not heard much from Cambodia, but they can be a surprise too,” he said.
“I see Thailand and Myanmar as the top contenders in this tournament and it is good that they are in the other group.”

That could have very well changed with the inclusion of Indonesia – the finalist of the last edition of the tournament – in Brunei’s group.


Each country will be able to field five overage players, and DPMM FC have agreed to lend striker Adi Said, midfielders Mohd Hendra Azam Mohd Idris and Mohd Najib Hj Tarif to assist the national team.
The two others are centreback Reduan Hj Petara and goalkeeper Md Fakhrul Zulhazmi Yussof.
All five players laced up for Brunei during the last edition as well.

Only three countries: Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei, have won the tournament since its introduction in 2002.
Brunei beat Indonesia 2-0 to win the last edition of the tournament in 2012.
Thailand, who sat out of the competition two years ago, won the tournament back in 2007 after beating Myanmar 5-4 on penalties.
Thailand beat Myanmar to win the 2005 edition while Indonesia won the inaugural competition in 2002.

The Brunei Times 

Indonesia drawn in Brunei’s group

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

INDONESIA will be competing against Brunei, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam in Group B at next month’s 5th Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for ASEAN Youth Football Championship.

A draw was held for the 2002 champions yesterday after the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) confirmed Indonesia’s last-minute entry for the tournament on Sunday.



Brunei, as the hosts of the competition, were given the option of choosing which group to be drawn in during the draw ceremony held on July 12 and the defending champions chose to be in Group B.
Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Timor Leste and two-time champions Thailand are pooled in Group A.

NFABD Vice President Pehin Datu Indera Sugara Brigadier General (R) Dato Paduka Hj Mohammad Yusof Abu Bakar told The Brunei Times after the draw ceremony at the NFABD House along Jalan Persidangan in Berakas that Indonesia’s participation is one that is very exciting.
“Indonesia are a very important team in the tournament and one of the strongest team in ASEAN and we will always welcome them,” said the vice president.
“It is good to have all the countries competing in the tournament this year and in one way this showed the spirit of unity in ASEAN,” he said.
Thailand were the only team missing from the last edition of the tournament in 2012.
“We have consulted the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) for Indonesia to be included and they were very supportive of it,” he added.
Indonesia was represented by Deputy Ambassador of Indonesia to Brunei Pribadi Sutiono at the draw ceremony.
“The decision to join the tournament was made by PSSI (The Football Association of Indonesia),” said Sutiono.
“There was an internal arrangement made two days ago by them, but from our side at the Indonesia embassy, we just received the news only yesterday,” he said.
The inclusion of Indonesia will affect the fixture of the August 9-23 regional Under-21 tournament.
The tournament will now kick-off with three matches on August 8.
The Philippines are scheduled to play Laos at the Berakas Sports Complex at 8.15pm in Group A.
Myanmar will go up against Thailand at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex at 8.15pm in the other Group A match while Malaysia take on Indonesia at the same venue at 4pm in Group B.
Hosts Brunei will start their campaign against Cambodia at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on August 9 before playing Indonesia on August 11.
They will go up against Singapore two days later on August 13 and face Vietnam on August 16.
Brunei will end their group stage matches against Malaysia two days later.

The Brunei Times

DPMM FC into final

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

WARDUN Yussof saved two penalties to propel DPMM FC to their third straight Singapore League Cup final after defeating Geylang International FC 3-0 a penalty shootout last night.
After a goalless 120 minutes, Irish striker Roy O’Donovan converted the first spotkick before Wardun saved the first Geylang attempt by Leonel Felice.
Brazilian forward Rodrigo Tosi had his shot saved but Geylang failed to take advantage, with their second effort by Khairulnizam Jumahat denied by the crossbar.
Midfielder Roberto Alviz then made it 2-0 before DPMM FC glovesman Wardun put up another save from Hafiz Nor at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
Irish midfielder Joe Gamble then converted the next kick to send the two-time champions into the final.
Not only will Friday’s final against Tanjong Pagar United FC be the third consecutive Singapore League Cup final for Brunei’s only professional team, it will also be the fourth in as many years they have participated in the tournament.
Tanjong Pagar defeated Hougang United FC 4-2 on penalties at the Queenstown Stadium in Singapore in last night’s other semi-final.
The game also ended 0-0 after the end of extra-time.
When contacted by The Brunei Times, Wardun said he knew the importance of making the first save and credited his teammates for putting up a strong showing leading to the victory.
“I’ve seen the first penalty taker before in a previous game,” he told The Brunei Times after the triumph.
“I knew that the first save was important because it is a big confidence booster for the team.
“Overall I thought we played well.
“Geylang were very stubborn in defence and looked to go on counterattacks,” he added.
Including both meetings in the Singapore League (S-League), last night’s result was the third straight draw for the Brunei side against Geylang.
DPMM FC drew 1-1 against their opponents at the Bedok Stadium in Singapore on March 28 and their second encounter of the year saw them play out to a goalless draw at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium in Berakas on June 14.
Current Singapore League (S-League) leaders, DPMM FC won the Singapore League Cup in 2009 and 2012 and reached the final last year only to lose 4-0 to Balestier Khalsa FC.
According to Geylang International FC’s facebook page, O’Donovan had a good chance to break the deadlock in the 68th minute of last night’s semi-final but Geylang custodian Joey Sim got his hand to push the ball away.
DPMM FC substitute Mohd Hendra Azam Mohd Idris had a good chance to put DPMM FC in front in the 77th minute but Sim was his equal and put up another save.
Hafiz Nor was put through on goal in the 84th minute but was brought down by Wardun just outside the box.
The latter was shown a yellow card for the challenge, which put Geylang in a dangerous position to score.
Felice took the ensuing deadball but saw his effort just over the crossbar.
The Argentine came close to breaking the deadlock in the 90th minute but saw his header saild off the crossbar, with the ball then being cleared away for a corner.
DPMM FC earned their spot in the last four after they outscored Woodlands Wellington FC 3-1 last Thursday.
Geylang booked their berth in the semi-final following a 3-1 win over Albirex Niigata (S) FC last Friday.
DPMM FC started out their Group D campaign in the Singapore League Cup with a 2-2 draw against Balestier Khalsa FC at the Jalan Besar Stadium on July 11.
They then defeated Hougang United 3-2 at the Hougang Stadium in Singapore last Monday to top the group.
The Brunei side scored three goals in the final 10 minutes to secure a 3-1 comeback win over Woodlands Wellington FC in the quarter-finals at the Jalan Besar Stadium last Thursday.
On the other hand, Tajong Pagar United FC kicked off their Group A campaign with a 4-0 victory over Albirex Niigata (S) FC at the Queenstown Stadium on July 7.
They finished top of the group with a 7-1 thrashing of the Police Sports Association at the same venue on July 13.
They advanced into the semi-finals after a 1-0 extra timer winner over Singapore League title contenders Warriors FC last Friday.

The Brunei Times

DPMM FC to play Geylang in semis

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, July 19, 2014

DPMM FC are set to face Geylang FC in the semi-final of the Singapore League Cup next week.
The other semi-final will see Tanjong Pagar United FC lock horns with Hougang United FC.
The Sultanate's only professional team earned their spot after they outscored Woodlands Wellington FC 3-1 on Thursday.
Geylang FC booked their berth following their own 3-1 win over Albirex Niigata (S) FC last night.
Kento Fukuda found the net in the 20th minute ahead of Leo Felice's penalty in the 54th.
Hafiz Nor scored their final goal in the 90th minute.
Albirex Niigata (S) FC sole goal came from Norihiro Kawakami in the 70th minute.
The other match of the night saw Tanjong Pagar beat Warriors FC through a Firdaus Idros extra-time goal in the 116th minute.
Hougang United FC secured their spot after knocking out Home United 2-1 on Thursday.

The Brunei Times

National team set to suit up in new kit

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, July 18, 2014

THE national football team received a timely boost ahead of next month's 5th Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) after the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) signed a three-year sponsorship deal with Sport Partnership Pte Ltd yesterday.
Sport Partnership Pte Ltd is the Singapore and Brunei licensee and distributor of Italian sportswear manufacturer Lotto, and they are set to provide NFABD with attire and equipment for national and junior team players and officials not exceeding the amount of $50,000 per year.
Present as guest of honour at the event was NFABD President His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah and his son YAM Pg Muda 'Abdul 'Aleem.
Also present at the Multipurpose Hall of the NFABD House in Berakas for the ceremony was the Minister of Culture Youth and Sports Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah and other officials from the ministry and NFABD.
“This is good news for the players and they were happy when they heard about it,” said national coach Kwon Oh-son in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.
“Lotto is a well known brand and the quality of their equipment is very good. I am very grateful for the support,” added the South Korean.
National youth team goalkeeper Mohd Fakhrul Zulhazmi Yussof was equally impressed with the sponsored equipment.
“It feels very comfortable and the material of the jersey is quite good - and we are very happy with the sponsor,” said the 23-year-old.
“This is our first time trying out the jersey so we have not tested it for matches,” he added.
Signing on behalf of NFABD was its Vice-President Pehin Datu Indera Sugara Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Hj Mohammad Yusof Abu Bakar, while representing Sport Partnership Pte Ltd was its General Manager, Johar Jasman.
“I would like to note that this sponsorship is well-timed as the apparel will be worn by our national team for the HBT tournament next month,” said Pehin Datu Indera Sugara Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Hj Mohammad Yusof in a speech.
“I also hope that today will mark the beginning of what we hope will be long-term cooperation and commitment between the company and NFABD,” he added.
Also under the agreement, Sport Partnership Pte Ltd will at its own cost provide NFABD with negative photographic prints or camera-ready artwork of the company’s logo, and information about the correct use of the logo, in respect to the display of the company’s logo in accordance to their rights.
The company also agreed to sell to NFABD other products bearing Lotto trademark at a purchase price after 50 per cent discount.
Meanwhile, NFABD agreed to purchase from the company products bearing the Lotto trademark at a minimum amount of $15,000 per year, and they have also agreed to not to engage in anything that is prejudicial to the good image of the company.
NFABD is also to notify the company insofar as possible the dates and times of matches to be held in the football season, and they also need to let the company be aware of any rules and regulations imposed by authorities that could affect the grant of sponsorship rights.
According to its website, major sponsorships “have always been the keystones to success stories Lotto’s history”.
This tradition continues today with footballers such as World Cup winner Joan Capdevila and Luca Toni.
Among the more well-known football clubs it sponsors include Genoa in Italy, Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany, Queens Park Rangers in England and Sochaux in France - as well as the Panama and Costa Rica national teams and many others around the world.
Lotto has also been present in tennis since 1973, sponsoring players such as Boris Becker and Martina Navratilova.

The Brunei Times

Police set their sights on DST FA Cup glory

Syarif Rasani

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

THE Royal Brunei Police Force Sports Council (MS PDB) head coach Sahrin Hj Mohd Jaya is looking to reach the final of the upcoming DST FA Cup following a disappointing DST Super League season.

MS PDB currently sit fourth in the league table with seven wins, two draws and seven losses - completing their 16 games in the nine-team competition.

Four more games still remain, but the outcome won't affect MS PDB's results.

Despite aiming for top honours, MS PDB will not be seeing the field until a week after Hari Raya celebrations.

"There will be no training during the fasting month as all the players are back at work and we'll only start training after a week of Hari Raya," Sahrin told The Brunei Times.

"From watching the 2014 Brazil World Cup, we have to learned about some tactics (so) we'll execute them during training," added Sahrin.

MS PDB's last showing at the FA Cup saw them get knocked out through penalties by Indera Sports Club (SC) in the semi-finals.

The match up saw the two draw 1-1 before Indera SC went on to win 5-3 via penalty shootout.

The DST FA Cup will feature the other DST Super League teams; Liang Lumut Recreational Club Football Team (LLRC FT), Wijaya FC, Qaf FC, Kilanas FC, Najip FC, Jerudong FC, Indera SC and defending champions Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB).

Expected teams to join from the DST Premier League are Lun Bawang, IKLS, Brunei Shell Recreational Club FT, Setia Perdana, Perkasa, Tunas FC, Kota Rangers and Rimba Stars.

The FA Cup is open to all registered team in all four districts.

Clubs who are intending to join the biggest football tournament in the Sultanate have until 3pm tomorrow to hand in their completed entry forms along with the $150 entry fee.

Entry forms can be obtained from the NFABD House, which is located along Jalan Pusat Persidangan opposite the International Convention Centre in Berakas.

Organised by the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD), the second tournament of its kind is scheduled to kick off in September.
The inaugural edition held in 2012 saw a total of 44 teams sign up for the clash.

It saw the MS ABDB knock out Indera SC 1-0 to walk away with the challenge trophy, gold medals and a cash prize of $4,000.

Indera SC's runners-up position sealed them a trophy, medals and $3,000 in prize money.


The Brunei Times

FIFA World Ranking July - Brunei number 192

Brunei in Group B

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh & Yee Chun Leong

Bandar Seri Begawan

Sunday, July 13, 2014

BRUNEI have chosen to be in Group B at next month’s 5th Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for ASEAN Youth Football Championship.
The Sultanate, as the hosts of the competition, were given the option of choosing which group to be drawn in and the defending champions chose to be grouped alongside Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.
Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Timor Leste and two-time champions Thailand will be pooled in Group A.
Last year’s finalist, Indonesia, are the only ASEAN country missing at the August 8-23 regional Under-21 tournament.
Present as the guest of honour during the draw ceremony at the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam House in Berakas yesterday was National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) President His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah and his son YAM Pg Muda ‘Abdul ‘Aleem.
HRH believed that Brunei will have a good chance at doing well at the biennial competition.
“I hope Brunei can do well as we have chances to win. I feel that we are in the easier group and the toughest team should be Vietnam,” said HRH.
“It depends on the players as they have to work hard and be committed.
“There are no excuses such as fasting in Ramadhan. The important thing is the mental side when they are ready to play. There is no choice,” added the NFABD President.
Also present at the ceremony was the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah.
The tournament will kick-off with two Group A matches on August 8.
Philippines will play Laos at the Berakas Sports Complex while the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex will see Myanmar go up against Thailand.
Both matches will start at 8.15pm.
Brunei will kick-off their campaign against Cambodia at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on August 9 before playing Singapore four days later on August 13.
They will face their biggest test in the group when they play Vietnam on August 16 before ending their group stage matches against Malaysia two days later.
Brunei beat Indonesia 2-0 to win the last edition of the tournament in 2012.
The HBT is the brainchild of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, who desired that an Under-21 football tournament be organised with the aim of improving friendship and understanding between Southeast Asian youth through sports.
The tournament aims at attracting the best football teams in Southeast Asia, and at the same time, to expose ASEAN to the world in sports.
Only three countries: Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei, have won the tournament since its introduction in 2002.
Thailand, who sat out of the competition two years ago, won the tournament back in 2007 after beating Myanmar 5-4 on penalties.
Thailand beat Myanmar to win the 2005 edition while Indonesia won the inaugural competition in 2002.

The Brunei Times

Coach Kwon happy with Brunei’s grouping

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

Bandar Seri Begawan

Sunday, July 13, 2014

HEAD coach Kwon Oh-son is happy to be in Group B following the draw ceremony for the 5th Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for ASEAN Youth Football Championship yesterday.
Brunei, as the hosts, chose to be in Group B alongside Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam at the August 9-23 regional Under-21 tournament.
Group A comprise Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Timor Leste and two times champions Thailand.
“Both groups are very tough but I think it is a very good draw for Brunei,” said coach Kwon in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.
“Vietnam and Singapore are strong and we have not heard much from Cambodia, but they can be a surprise too,” he said.
“I see Thailand and Myanmar as the top contenders in this tournament and it is good that they are in the other group.”
Team Manager Hj Feisal Hj Eusoff echoed Kwon’s sentiments but insisted that either group is just as tough as the other.
“It is still not going to be easy as we will be facing Vietnam, who is one of the strongest in the region and we also have received information that Vietnam have just got back from a two-month training stint in Japan,” said the manager.
“Malaysia and Singapore also have been very active with their own local leagues and tournaments and I don’t think that this is an easy group to be in,” he added.
The national team have been training continuously since January and there are currently 26 players in the squad.
“When we first started, we hadmore than 300 players, but now we have only 26 players remaining. At the end of the day we will only need 18 players,” said assistant coach Hj Mohd Rosanan Abdullah Samak.
“There is still no date for the final selection of players and, for now, we are just going to focus on our training,”
“Most players came from clubs from the national leagues (DST Super League and Premier League), mainly from Indera Sports Club (SC), Najip FC and some from IKLS,” he said.
The organisers announced on Wednesday that each team will be able to bring in five overage players, and DPMM FC have agreed to lend striker Adi Said, midfielders Mohd Hendra Azam Mohd Idris and Mohd Najib Hj Tarif to assist the national team.
It was revealed by coach Kwon yesterday that the two other overage players are centreback Reduan Hj Petara and goalkeeper Md Fakhrul Zulhazmi Yussof.
“I am very thankful to DPMM FC for allowing their players to help us in the tournament. They are the best team in the country and they got the best players,” said Kwon.
”We have prepared for the tournament, we will try our best,” said Kwon.

The Brunei Times

Thailand set eyes on semis

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, July 13, 2014

TWO-time champions Thailand are aiming to make it to at least the semi-finals of the 5th Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for ASEAN Youth Football Championship.
Champions in 2005 and 2007, the ASEAN football powerhouses were the only team who didn’t participate in the last edition two years ago.
This year they have been drawn in Group A together with Myanmar, Laos, Timor Leste and the Philippines.
Hosts and defending champions Brunei chose to be in Group B alongside Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Previous runners-up Indonesia will not be participating in the tournament this year.
Chuchart Puentaing, the Thailand team coordinator, is hoping his charges can progress into the last-four and is happy to be drawn into Group A.
“I think that we are lucky. I’m happy that we are in the first group,” said Chuchart after the draw ceremony yesterday at the NFABD (National Football Association Brunei Darussalam) House in Berakas.
“We hope that Myanmar will be bringing the Under-19 team to compete. We will be playing against them in the same group at the Under-19 AFC tournament.
“I feel that Group B is tougher with Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore as well as the hosts Brunei,” he added.
“We have been working for over the past one month and we have our players from the Premier League ready as well.
“We know what we have to do. We cannot say anything in football especially on what happened to Brazil (in the 2014 World Cup semi-finals).
“But we are aiming to at least make it into the semi-finals. We are expecting a good tournament,” he concluded.

The Brunei Times

DPMM FC held to a stalemate

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, July 12, 2014

DPMM FC played out a 2-2 draw with titleholders Balestier Khalsa FC in their Singapore League Cup Group D opener last night.
Brunei’s only professional team went in front twice through Rodrigo Tosi and Roy O’Donovan, but a brace by Goran Ljubojevic ensured that the two teams would share the spoils at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
The result was a far cry from the last time the two teams met in the tournament.
Balestier beat DPMM FC – who were the then reigning champions – 4-0 in last year’s final, preventing Brunei’s most successful football team a hat-trick of Singapore League Cup victories after lifting the cup in 2009 in 2012.
Last night’s stalemate means that DPMM FC only require a draw or a loss by less than three goals against Hougang United FC at the Hougang Stadium on Monday to progress to the quarter-finals after Hougang beat Balestier 3-0 in their on Tuesday.
DPMM FC were the better team in the first half but failed to convert any of their chances in front of goal last night.
It could have been disastrous for Balestier in the third minute after Ljubojevic deliberately handled the ball inside the DPMM FC box, but was fortunate not to receive a booking.
The Tigers had the first real chance of the match in the 10th minute after a counterattack, but Muhaymin Salim could only see his attempt sail inches off the post.
DPMM FC midfielder Roberto Alviz struck a good free-kick from the edge of the box five minutes later but his effort went straight into the hands of Balestier goalkeeper Zaiful Nizam.
O’Donovan should have got his name on the scoresheet in the 21st minute but his shot was just wide off the post.
The Irishman then had the best chance for the Brunei side in the first half in the 34th minute after captain Rosmin Hj Mohd Kamis put him through on goal. However, Zaiful prevailed in the resulting one-on-one situation.
Tosi had a volley from outside of the box on target in the 39th minute but Balestier custodian Zaiful once again made a stop to keep the match goalless.
Another opportunity came begging two minutes later but Adi Said failed to connect on O’Donovan’s cross at the far post.
DPMM FC continued to push forward in the second half and Tosi put O’Donovan through on goal, but Zaiful came off his line to deny the former Sunderland striker.
DPMM FC were awarded a penalty after Nurullah Hussein handled the ball inside the box in the 53rd minute, with Tosi converting the ensuing spot-kick to break the deadlock despite Zaiful diving to the right direction.
The match sprung into life and Balestier were desperate to keep their hopes of making it into the next round alive.
Balestier substitute Ahmad Syahir should have scored from Kim Minho’s cross into the box in the 65th minute, but the hosts would finally equalise four minutes later with Ljubojevic converting a Syed Thaha cross from inside the box.
Park Kang Jin was given plenty of space inside the box to fire one past goalkeeper Wardun Yussof only to be denied by the post in the 73rd minute.
The woodwork came to DPMM FC’s rescue two minutes later after another attempt by Ahmad.
DPMM FC regained the lead off a counter-attack with O’Donovan finishing off a Joe Gamble cross in the 78th minute, but Balestier replied once again in the 83rd minute when Kim had his shot denied by Wardun - only for Croatian Ljubojevic to pounce on the rebound.
Tosi almost produced a winner two minutes later but his header was denied by the crossbar.
DPMM FC nearly stole all three points two minutes into injury-time after substitute Shahrazen Said pulled the ball back for an unmarked Boris Raspudic inside the box.
However, the Bosnian defender saw his effort go agonisingly wide over the bar.
The night’s other match saw Woodlands Wellington keep their quarter-fnal hopes alive after edging Singapore Recreation Club 1-0 in Group B action.
A goal by Bah Mamadou in the 29th minute separated the two sides at the Woodlands Stadium in Singapore.
Woodlands were thrashed 6-1 by Home United FC in their opener at the same venue on Tuesday.
The competition continues today with a rescheduled Group C match between Tampines Rovers and Warriors FC at the Clementi Stadium in Singapore.
The match that was initially scheduled for Thursday was abandoned due to technical faults and safety reasons. Kick off is at 8pm.


The Brunei Times

Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy set for next month

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, July 10, 2014

THE highly anticipated Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy has been confirmed for next month.
Organised by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports (MCYS) and the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD), except for Indonesia, every other ASEAN country - plus Timor Leste - have already confirmed their participation for the August 9-23 regional Under-21 tournament.
Joining hosts Brunei in the fifth edition of the tournament are Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor Leste - and all the participating countries are expected to arrive in the Sultanate on August 6.
The draw for the tournament will be held on Saturday.
Brunei beat Indonesia 2-0 to win the last edition of the tournament in 2012, and organisers are still awaiting news of their participation.
“Indonesia is a very important team as we all know that they are the finalist of the tournament two years ago, but we are not sure whether they will take part in the HBT this year - but we will find out in the next few days,” said MCYS Permanent Secretary Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid Hj Mohd Jaafar at a press conference yesterday.
“The tournament will be sanctioned by the AFF (Asean Football Federation) and we and NFABD have consulted the AFF for the best time to organise this tournament, and it was very challenging for us to accommodate… (the) schedule and timing for the tournament,” added Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid, who is also the chairman of the tournament’s organising committee.
Among other issues that were raised during the press conference at the Conference Room of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas were tournament venues, ticketing and crowd control.
The matches will take place at three venues: the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, the Balapan Track and Field at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex and the Berakas Sports Complex.
“The issue regarding crowd control is one of the greatest challenge for us as we all know that the current capacity of the stadium (Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium) is quite limited, but we have identified a couple of measures to avoid problems in the future,” said Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid.
“We also addressed the issue of tickets distribution and security control to ensure a better and safer environment this time around, and we are hoping to have another successful tournament again this year,” he added.
Organisers spent nearly $1.7 million to ensure the 2012 edition of the tournament would run smoothly.
The HBT is the brainchild of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, who desired that an Under-21 football tournament be organised with the aim of improving friendship and understanding between Southeast Asian youth through sports.
The tournament aims at attracting the best football teams in Southeast Asia, and at the same time, to expose ASEAN to the world in sports.

According to a previous article in The Brunei Times, it was back in 1997 when His Majesty first mooted the idea of a football tournament among the ASEAN member states.
An extract of His Majesty's Titah when he visited the Institute of Diplomatic And Foreign Relations, Kuala Lumpur on August 27, 1997, as follows:
“Having our best and brightest students, our future leaders, immersed in another ASEAN country will deepen their understanding and allow them to form valuable networks.”
“Second, I observe that sports can reach out to people in all walks of life. Of all spectator sports, soccer has the greatest following in Southeast Asia.”
“Having an ASEAN or Southeast Asian soccer league will deepen the awareness of ordinary people of ASEAN countries.”
“Let all the best teams of our region compete in the league. If Europe can have a European League, Latin-America a Latin-American League and Africa its African League, why is there not a Southeast Asia League?”

The Brunei Times

HBT team target semi-final

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, July 10, 2014

THE national Under-21 football team is targeting a place in the semi-final of next month’s Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy.
Coming into the tournament as the defending champions after defeating Indonesia 2-0 in the last final in 2012, Brunei is looking to replicate their success at the August 9 to 23 tournament.
Second-half goals from Md Aminuddin Zakwan Tahir and Adi Said at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium helped Brunei to lift their first HBT title since its inauguration in 2002, and there is no doubt that there is pressure on the hosts to perform well.
“The tournament will be quite tough and expectations from the public are very high as we have won the previous edition of the tournament,” said the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports’ (MCYS) Permanent Secretary Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid Hj Mohd Jaafar, who is also the chairman of the tournament’s committee, during a press conference yesterday.
“We are hoping that we can qualify for the second round and play in the semi-final, and we also hope that we will get the full support from the public in the tournament.
“Anything can happen in football but the national team has been practicing since January under national coach Kwon Oh-son.
“Currently we have 26 players training in the team and the number will be cut down to 20 players, and then we will have the final selection to choose 18 players.
“But the main challenge for the management of the team will be putting the best 11 players for the tournament,” he added.
Most of the players have laced up in regional tournaments such as the Malaysia Games (SUKMA), Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) and tournaments oganised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
The organisers also have announced that each team will be able to bring in five overage players, but only three will be allowed to play in each match.
“DPMM FC have cooperated to let three players - Adi Said, Mohd Hendra Azam Mohd Idris and Mohd Najib Hj Tarif - assist the national team,” continued Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid.
“We also will be getting sponsorship from Lotto, a company from Singapore to supply the sports facilities and equipment for the national team in the tournament,” he added.
Najib captained the side that won the tournament in 2012, during which he and Hendra played key midfield roles.
Adi, meanwhile, finished with five goals to his name alongside Indonesia's Andik Vermansyah – with Myanmar captain Kyaw Zayar Win ending as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals.
The striker was named the best player of the tournament, his 75th minute goal in the final giving Brunei a two-goal lead which secured victory.
Except for Brunei's final group stage game against Timor Leste, which Adi had to sit out due to suspension, he was on the scoresheet in every other match the Sultanate played in during 2012 -scoring a goal each against Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia in the group stage and finding the net during the 3-2 win against Myanmar in the semis.
Only three countries: Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei, have won the tournament since its introduction in 2002.
Thailand, who sat out of the competition two years ago, won the tournament back in 2007 by beating Myanmar 5-4 on penalties. Thailand also beat Myanmar to lift the 2005 edition of the trophy while Indonesia won the inaugural competition in 2002.


The Brunei Times

MS ABDB out to defend FA Cup

 

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Defending their DST FA Cup crown will be the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council’s (MS ABDB) top priority this year.
The armymen are looking forward to repeating the glory of winning the first edition of the tournament when they defeated Indera Sports Club (SC) 1-0 in the final two years ago, but first, they will need a massive revamp in the squad.
“We need to build a better squad for the DST FA Cup this year and we also must bring in young players to replace the old ones if we are to defend our title,” MS ABDB manager Major (A) Pg Mohd Mufid Pg Umar Ariffin told The Brunei Times yesterday.
“We also need to come up with new tactics and style of play for the tournament as other clubs keep on improving from year to year,” he added.
Currently second in the nine-team DST Super League with 31 points - six behind defending champions Indera SC - MS ABDB know it is almost impossible to catch up with the leaders, who only need to win one of their three remaining matches to defend their DST Super League title.
“The chances are too slim for us to compete with Indera for the league title this year, but we must continue to fight until the very end,” continued the manager.
“We are currently having our break for the fasting month of Ramadhan and there is no training at the moment, but we will start training after Hari Raya to get ready for our remaining league matches and the DST FA Cup,” he added.
Organised by the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD), the second edition of the tournament is slated to take place in September.
Teams have to submit their completed entry forms as well as an entry fee of $150 before 3pm this Friday.
Entry forms can be obtained at NFABD House, which is located along Jalan Pusat Persidangan opposite the International Convention Centre in Berakas.
The tournament is open to all registered football clubs in all four districts.
The DST FA Cup will feature the other DST Super League teams; Royal Brunei Police Force Sports Council (MS PDB), Liang Lumut Recreational Club Football Team (LLRC FT), Wijaya FC, QAF FC, Kilanas FC, Najip FC and Jerudong FC.

DST Premier League teams such as Lun Bawang, IKLS, Brunei Shell Recreational Club FT, Setia Perdana, Perkasa, Tunas FC, Kota Rangers and Rimba Stars are also expected to join.
The Brunei Times