Matches key to improving

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, July 26, 2013

THE National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) Under 15 national coach Liew Chuan Fue believes that football practice alone is not enough to prepare the national football team for a bigger tournament in the future.

"During the football practice, the players will have the chance to improve their skills and techniques, but the most important thing is to be able to adopt it during the competitive football matches," said Liew in an interview with The Brunei Times recently.

"Match experience is very important in football. It is only by playing competitive football matches that you will be able to get the real football matches environment, atmosphere and pressure. Those experiences are precious and valuable," he said.

"I am very happy that we are able to compete in the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM)-Frenz Under-15 ASEAN Champions Trophy this year, this will be a very good experience for the team"

The NFABD Under-15 have not been enjoying a great of form currently as they are now lying at the bottom of the table with only a point to their name.

"We knew that we haven't won any games in the tournament yet but we talked about this earlier that our primary aim is to get as much experiences as we can from this tournament," continued Liew.

"What we trying to achieve is to provide opportunities for players to become more tactically aware and be educated in how a game is actually played," he added.

"The tournament also provides a realistic environment where players are able to practise and improve their skills under game-like conditions," said the coach.

"We knew that it is painful for the fans to see our national team losing in the games, but they are giving their best in every game and I can assure you that this team is the best that we have in the country.

"We need to keep this team. They have played nine competitive matches and they have experienced it together. Those experiences are very important and it will benefit them in the future tournament," he explained.

The Under-15 team 6-0 defeat to Frenz Indonesia at the Janda Baik Stadium in Pahang, Malaysia on Sunday was their eighth defeat in the tournament.

The national team will have their last chance to record their first win in when they play Lao Toyota FC at Chaoanouvong Stadium in Vientiane Laos in their final game of the tournament.The Brunei Times

Search continues for U-15s

YEE CHUN LEONG
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, July 14, 2013

THE slide continues for the National Football Association of BruneiDarussalam (NFABD) Under-15 team, who have yet to win a match in the inaugural tournament.

The side succumbed to yet another defeat in Group B of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM)-Frenz Under-15 ASEAN Champions Trophy after losing 4-0 to Myanmar Mandalay Academy at the Aung San Memorial Stadium in Yangon yesterday.

They are still in search of their first win with only one point to their name after seven games coming when they drew 2-2 with Myanmar Mandalay Academy in Brunei last month.

The hosts took a 1-0 lead at half-time before netting another three in the second half to claim all three points.

"We were equally matched in the first half but ran out of steam in the second," said NFABD Under-15 coach Liew Chuan Fue.

"The players lost their focus and got tired.

"The field was muddy with the heavy rain and our opponents played well," added the former national captain.

It was the fourth game in a row that the country has failed to find the back of the net, and the 1999 Malaysia Cup winner hopes they can turn things around quickly.

"Our chances at goal were very limited," explained Liew.

"We don't have a good midfield to help create chances for our strikers to score goals, but this is also because of a lack of experience," said Liew, who nonetheless is proud of the squad's efforts since they only had three weeks to prepare for the competition.

NFABD U-15 still have four more games left to try and conjure up a win.

They will next play Frenz Indonesia in Indonesia on Saturday.

Lao Toyota Academy, Philippines Global FC Under-15, Frenz Malaysia B are the other teams in Group B.

The Brunei Times

Philippines Global FC U-15 seek first win in Brunei

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, June 22, 2013

PHILIPPINES Global FC Under-15 may have lost all their four games in the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM)-Frenz Under-15 ASEAN Champions Trophy but they won't have much time to dwell on it as they are hoping to get their first three-points tonight.

The Philippines' side will face the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) Under-15 team at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas, and their head coach, Andres Gonzales, expects a tough game from the host tonight.

"We always try to get the best result in every game. Tomorrow's (tonight) game will be tough. But I hope that we can win," said the head coach during the match press conference at the NFABD House along Jalan Pusat Persidangan yesterday.

Philippines Global FC Under-15 have lost all of their games in group B and currently lie at the bottom of the six-team table.

"We have yet to record any points in the tournament. We lost 3-0 to Malaysia in the first game, and followed by 4-1 defeat to Myanmar. In the third game, we lost 2-1 to Laos and in our recent game, we lost to Indonesia 3-1," continued the head coach.

"We are based in Manila and the players are coming from few provinces in the Philippines. We still have two slots for players left for this tournament, and we are still in a process of scouting," he added.

NFABD Under-15 are not faring much better.

The national team have only one point to show after playing all three of their Group B matches.

They lost their first two games and drew the other, leaving them fifth in the six-team table.

Brunei lost their last game 3-1 to Frenz Malaysia B on Saturday, and their sole point came when they blew a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Myanmar Mandalay Academy two weeks ago.

They lost their opener with a 4-1 scoreline to Frenz Indonesia on June 1.

"We have added a number of players in the team and with that, there will be changes in the tactics and formation. We are aiming to get three points tomorrow," said NFABD Under-15 team manager Jamhari Hj Lani.

The tournament, which is the brainchild of FAM Deputy President Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and the Frenz United Football Academy of Pahang, Malaysia, offers a grand prize of US$50,000 for the champions and US$25,000 for the runners-up.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals.The Brunei Times

Brunei U-15 kick off campaign on wrong foot

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Continued on Page A36

Sunday, June 2, 2013

THE National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) Under-15 fell to a 4-1 defeat to Frenz Indonesia in their Group B opener of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) - Frenz Under-15 ASEAN Champions Trophy last night.

Both teams kicked off the game with a good pace at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.

Indonesia were trying their luck from distance but it was Brunei who struck first, Muhd Syahmi Rasyid giving the hosts a surprising lead after he scored on a turnaround shot.

The visitors equalised four minutes later after Imanes Novanrianto headed in a Syahviar Amril Jadid cross from the left.

Ichtio Nimatul Akbar tested Brunei keeper Muhd Ishyra Asmin Mohd Jabidi on goal with a long range effort three minutes later.

Indonesian captain Doddy Alfayed should have put his team infront after going one-on-one against Muhd Ishyra Asmin in the 39th minute. However, the latter cleared his line and did well to put up a save.

Haimie Anak Nyaring almost scored the second goal for the home side in the 42nd minute after his freekick from just inside the half way line saw Indonesia keeper Achmad Iqbal Bachtiar at full stretch to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Indonesia responded immediately in the next minute but Brunei were fortunate as Abdul Matin Norazlan cleared the ball off the goal line.

The visitors started off the second half brightly and were more patient in finding an opening.

They grabbed the lead just three minutes in after Ichtio Nimatul Akbar headed home a cross from the right.

Indonesia were in total control and the home side were on the backfoot much of the way.

Brunei couldn't push the ball up and were left catching their breath.

Indonesia found the back of the net again in the 72nd minute from a counterattack.

Dicky Rhomadhona Firmansyah had got around Muhd Ishyra Asmin to score but was flagged for offside.

After several chances, they finally extended their cushion in the 78th minute after a ball by Muhammad Dimas Hargiharso from their own half was met by Dicky on the left for an easy tap in.

The misery didn't end there for Brunei as substitute Abdul Ali Nahumarury got his name on the scoresheet in injury time to put the icing on the cake.

NFABD U-15 head coach, Liew Chuan Fue, is looking for better showings from his players for the upcoming games.

"This is the first game and it is good exposure for the kids. Most of them have never experienced something like that and I believe we can get better since there is a long way to go in the competition," said Liew.

"I feel the performance was alright considering the amount of training we have had. Our opponents were just a stronger and better team. We will just continue to work hard and also to better our weaknesses," added Liew, who only had his first training session with the team on Wednesday.

His counterpart, Encang Ibrahim, felt that it was their fitness that gave them the edge on getting the win.

"It was an exciting match. Brunei are also a good team but I guess we are a more experienced side," said Encang, who is also the team's manager.

"They didn't get to prepare as much as us and we were better in terms of physical. It was the advantage that we have to help us win," he concluded.

Myanmar Mandalay Academy, Lao Toyota Academy, Philippines Global FC Under-15, and Frenz Malaysia B are the other teams in Group B.

Group A is made up of Frenz Malaysia A, Singapore NFA, Vietnam PVF Academy, Phnom Penh Crown Academy, Thailand Chonburi Academy and Timor Leste U-15s.

The Brunei Times

U-15 team face stiff challenge

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Continued on Page A35

Thursday, May 30, 2013

THERE is still plenty of work to be done for the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) Under-15 team.

They had their first training session together last night and played out to a 2-2 draw against the Under-18 national side in a friendly at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.

The Under-15 squad could have ended on the winning end but saw their counterparts score in the last minute in the friendly.

Head coach, Liew Chuan Fue, was satisfied with the showing of his charges but knows there is still a lot of work to do in preparations for the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM)-Frenz Under-15 ASEAN Champions Trophy.

"We will need to work on our midfield and obviously there is a lack of gelling. We will need to play more games first," said Liew in an interview with The Brunei Times last night.

"The fitness level can be improved as well but overall I thought we did alright for our first game," he added.

"We focused more on defending and the players did well. Playing out to a 2-2 draw was a good result especially since we scored against a team that have been training together longer than us," continued the 1999 Malaysia Cup winning captain.

The NFABD Under-15 team will have only two days to prepare for their opener against Frenz Indonesia in Group B at home on Saturday.

"I believe we will have to do a lot of defending against them. We will work on our set pieces and be prepared," said Liew.

The team management also went on to thank Brunei Darussalam Sports School Council (MSSSBD), Brunei Sports School, Projek Ikan Pusu (PIP), Muara Vella and Al-Idrus for allowing their players to join the squad.

Meanwhile, the players on the team are grateful to be selected to represent the Sultanate in the inaugural competition.

Narsul Wafiy Hj Hassan, who laces up for PIP, is thankful to be given such a chance.

"I feel very happy to be picked for the team. This is a good opportunity for me and I'm looking to produce some goals during the tournament," said the 14-year-old attacking midfielder.

Muhd Syahmi Rashid of MSSSBD has had more experience under his belt after representing Brunei for the AFC Under-14 and ASEAN School Games.

"I'm looking to contribute as much as possible for my team. I'm also hoping to score a couple of goals," said the striker.

Myanmar Mandalay Academy, Lao Toyota Academy, Philippines Global FC Under-15, and Frenz Malaysia B are the other teams in Group B.

Group A is made up of Frenz Malaysia A, Singapore NFA, Vietnam PVF Academy, Phnom Penh Crown Academy, Thailand Chonburi Academy and Timor Leste U-15s.

The Brunei Times

Brunei set to challenge for FAM Frenz ASEAN Champion's Trophy

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, May 26, 2013

BRUNEI will kick-off their Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) Frenz Under-15 ASEAN Champions Trophy campaign on Saturday.

The Sultanate, to be represented by the NFABD Under-15, will go up against the visiting Frenz Indonesia in the group B of the inaugural tournament at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas at 8.15pm.

Twelve teams from eleven ASEAN countries and Timor Leste are divided into two groups of six for round robin matches played in both home and away matches.

Brunei's NFABD Under-15 and Frenz Indonesia will be joined by Myanmar Mandalay Academy, Lao Toyota Academy, Philippines Global FC Under-15, and Frenz Malaysia B.

Meanwhile, group A is made up of Frenz Malaysia A, Singapore NFA, Vietnam PVF Academy, Phnom Penh Crown Academy, Thailand Chonburi Academy and Timor Leste U-15s.

The May 25-Sept 8 tournament, which is the brainchild of the FAM Deputy President Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and the Frenz United Football Academy of Pahang, Malaysia offers a grand prize US$50,000 to the champions, while, US$25,000 will go to the runners-up.

"In supporting the vision of FAM in promoting and developing football at the grassroots level, we are pleased to announce that Brunei will be participating in the FAM Frenz Under-15 ASEAN Champions Trophy for the first time this year," said Pehin Datu Indera Sugara Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Hj Mohammad Yusof Abu Bakar, the NFABD vice-president, during the tournament's press conference at the Jurys room of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium yesterday.

Brunei was scheduled to play Lao Toyota FC from Laos at Chaoanouvong Stadium in Vientiane yesterday for their first match. However, due to unavoidable circumstances, the match had to be postponed to a later date yet to be announced by the organising committee.

"There were some complications regarding our opening match in Laos. But we have sorted it out and now we will welcome a team from Indonesia (Frenz Indonesia) on Saturday," said the NFABD vice-president.

"On behalf of NFABD, I would like to call all the football fans nationwide to give their full support and encouragement to our team during the tournament," he added.

Twenty players have been selected by head coach Liew Chuan Fue for the tournament. The list of the players comprised of two goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and four stikers.

"Most of the players are students from schools in the country, while some of them are from the local football team Projek Ikan Pusu (PIP)," NFABD Secretary General Mohd Nor Hj Abdullah told The Brunei Times yesterday.

"The decision to join the tournament was rather last minute as we were only come to know about it earlier this month. However, we managed to prepare the team in as series of friendly matches for the tournament," he added.

The top two of each group in the tournament will progress to the semi-finals, to be contested over two home and away legs. The two legs of the grand finals are slated for August 24 and September 1. The football fans in the country and the general public are invited to watch the matches throughout the tournament and entrance to all games are free of charge.

The Brunei Times