Auvray finds niche at DPMM FC

Jason Thomas
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

COMBATIVE midfielder Stéphane Auvray (pic), the Guadeloupe national team captain, seems to have settled down comfortably at DPMM FC where he joins Croatian defender Dino Drpic and Portuguese striker Joao Vitor Rocha De Carvalho Moreira as three new imports on the team list.

The former New York Red Bulls midfielder, who joined the Singapore League (S-League) runners-up in December, said he has been enjoying his time in Brunei.

"I've been pleasantly surprised by the training facility and field," he replied when asked about his first impressions of the club after last Saturday's training session at the Jerudong Mini Stadium.

"The conditions here are very good, the people here are welcoming and the weather's exactly like my country.

"I like the guys' mentality and I've formed an understanding with them very quickly.

"The team has had some good results and that's important (heading forward)," added the 31-year-old, referring to DPMM FC's finish in the S-League last season and their capture of the Singapore League Cup for the second time.

Auvray was a commanding presence in the middle of the field during Saturday's training session which pitted the team's first-11 against the bench.

Not only did he impress with his hard work, strength and tackling, the defensive midfielder also did well to spread play and looks to have sealed his spot in central midfield — where he will team up with captain Rosmin Hj Mohd Kamis.

The dreadlocked Auvray was brought in to replace Croatian midfielder Ivan Jerkovic, who was one of the three imports released by Brunei's only professional club at the end of last season.

Auvray spent most of his career in the lower divisions of French football before moving to MLS side Sporting Kansas City in 2010 and then to Red Bull, where he teamed up with friend, and former Arsenal striker, Thierry Henry.

Auvray's profile on the MLS Soccer website states he left his native Guadeloupe at the age of 14 to join the youth academy of French club SM Caen, which plays in France's second tier Ligue 2.

He was promoted to Caen's B team in 1999, the side playing in the Championnat de France Amateur — the equivalent of the French fourth division. Auvray appeared 41 times in three years and scored one goal during his time at Caen B, and in 2002, moved to amateur outfit GSI Pontivy, where he made 58 appearances and found the net four times during a two-year spell.

Auvray made 144 appearances for Vannes OC from 2004 to 2009 and scored one goal for the team that plays in the Championnat National, the third tier of French football.

He also appeared 11 times for Ligue 2 side Nîmes Olympique in 2009 before a transfer to Sporting Kansas City.

He laced up 27 times for Kansas City — once in a friendly against Manchester United — and moved to Red Bull in the middle of the 2011 campaign. He spent less than a year at New York though, and has been without a club since December 2011.

Despite being out of action for the better part of a year, he was hardly sluggish during Saturday's practice. His work ethic is sure to endear him to his teammates and fans.

"I don't know much about the S-League but no matter where you play or who you play, you have to do your best," he said about his aim for next season.

"Once you do your best, you will be rewarded and get what you deserve."

The Brunei Times 

Majra FC beat Kilanas FC

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Monday, January 14, 2013

MAJRA FC moved one point clear at the top of the DST Super League after defeating Kilanas FC 3-1 at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas last night.

Shahremy Karim, Mohammad Julremi Hj Zaini and Mohd Ikmal Hakim Hj Mohd Yunnos all found the net for Majra FC in the victory.

Majra FC had gone close early in the first-half when Mohammad Julremi and Ahmad Hafiz Said combined to set up Shahremy, but his shot was blocked by Kilanas FC's defender Abdul Qahar Ibrahim.

Kilanas FC replied almost immediately a minute later when Mohammad Nurhidayatullah Hj Zaini's clever pass found Syazwan Azizi Hj Mohd Taib in space and the winger lashed his shot just wide.

Majra FC finally broke the deadlock when Shahremy scored a curling free-kick in the 34th minute. Shahremy's free-kick deflected off the Kilanas FC before nestling into the net.

Kilanas FC struggling to get back on term as Majra FC, who displayed a determined with an assured passing game, showed why they are now sits on the top of the table with eight points. Kilanas FC found themselves 2-0 down in the 40th minute through Mohammad Julremi.

Kilanas FC responded very well after the restart however, and they pulled one goal back in the 75th minute when Mohd Nurhidayatullah perfectly timed his run to latch onto a through ball from the midfield and lashed a shot past Majra FC's goalkeeper.

However their jubilation was short-lived when Majra FC finally found their third goal in the 87th minute when Mohammad Julremi slipping the ball to Shahremy whose cross to the far post was easily tapped in by Mohd Ikmal Hakim.

Majra FC assistant manager Abdul Aziz Mohd Hashim was pleased with the result, saying that his team deserved to win after dominating the game.

"We played very well tonight and I think we controlled the game. It could have been better. There were a lot of chances in the game, and we could have scored more goals." said Abdul Aziz in an interview with The Brunei Times.

"I told the players not to be over confident before the game as Kilanas FC is a very good team. We saw in the previous games that we were too relax whenever we were leading in the game and it gave the opponent the chances to get back into the game."

"The strategy tonight was to get the ball to the penalty area for the strikers to score. I think Kilanas FC were quite defensive in the first half and we are very glad to be able to score goals and win the game," he added.

Meanwhile, Kilanas FC assistant coach Radzuan Hj Madali was unhappy with the match officials in the game. The Kilanas FC assistant coach felt that the match officials were inconsistent in the game.

"I think the refereeing today was very poor. Majra FC's third goal was an offside. He (Mohd Ikmal Hakim) was clearly offside. The third goal killed the game off and the players were down," he said. "We were without our key defender Nazirul Azim in the match and it was very difficult for us as we have to change the game tactically. We will be playing against Najip FC next and we could not afford to lose again this time."

The Brunei Times

Croatian Bosnjak for DPMM FC?

Jason Thomas
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, January 13, 2013

DPMM FC might make its biggest signing in history in the next few days.

Croatian striker Ivan Bosnjak, 33, is the latest in a string of players who are trying out for Brunei's only professional club — though the rest can't boast of ever playing at a World Cup.

Bosnjak, an 87th minute substitute for captain Darijo Srna during Croatia's 0-0 draw with Japan in their second Group F match of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, is probably the most experienced footballer to step onto the team's grounds at the Jerudong Mini Stadium — and he definitely impressed with his pace and power during yesterday's training session.

Bosnjak — who has 14 caps and one international goal to his name — also laced up in six of Croatia's 2006 World Cup qualifying matches against Sweden, Hungary, Malta and Iceland, playing in both the home and away legs against Malta and Iceland.

He heard about the opportunity to play for Brunei's biggest club from compatriot Dino Drpic, the centre-back becoming the club's latest signing after proving his worth during the team's journey to Banda Aceh, Indonesia for last month's Governor Aceh Trophy — part of DPMM FC's preparation for next month's Singapore League (S-League) campaign.

The duo played together in Croatia for Dinamo Zagreb — who currently lead the top-tier Prva HNL — from 2004 to 2006, ending the 2005/06 season as league champions and Bosnjak with the competition's top-scorer award after netting 22 goals. The pair met again at another Prva HNL side, NK Reijka, where they played the whole of last season.

Bosnjak has played for Belgian side Racing Genk, Libyan team Al Ittihad and Croatia's Cibalia — where he started his career under the guidance of DPMM FC coach Vjeran Simunic. Like Bosnjak, Simunic has also played for Hadjuk Split — one of the most successful teams in Croatia.

Bosnjak isn't here just to renew old friendships though.

"I didn't take a 25 hour flight just to look around," he noted.

"This is my first time playing with the team and I'm satisfied. I trained yesterday (Friday) but today was my first time playing.

"I think if I have more time, maybe 10 days, I will be fully adjusted," he added.

He didn't look to have any problems adjusting to yesterday's training session though.

He set up two goals in the second half with accurate crosses into the box, and he also impressed with his first touch, ability to shield the ball and speed on the flanks — all attributes a striker of his caliber is expected to possess.

Drpic was a commanding presence in the middle of defense, with his positioning, aerial prowess, distribution and dribbling - rare for a centre-back - looking to be his strengths. "We're best friends," grinned Drpic when asked how well he knew Bonjak.

"I can see a lot of potential here," he replied when asked to comment on his first impression of the club.

"The team lacks a bit of experience but that is something that I hope myself, and other foreign players, will help bring to the side.

"I'm sure we can make a really good team," he insisted.

Drpic is one of the four imports currently on the DPMM FC books, the other three being Portuguese striker Joao Vitor Rocha De Carvalho Moreira, Guadeloupean midfielder Stephane Auvray and Brazilian centre-back Tales Ricarte dos Santos. Dos Santos is currently in Brazil recovering from a knee injury but is expected to be back before the start of the S-League.

Next season's S-League regulations allow for five imports, and if Bosnjak does sign on, he will replace another Croatian named Ivan.

A fan favourite for years, central midfielder Ivan Jerkovic was released with Ghanian striker Osman Basiru and Brazilian forward Patrick Roberto Daniel Da Silva at the end of the last S-League season in November. 

The Brunei Times

DPMM FC unleash firepower against MS ABDB

DPMM FC are just on a whole different level.

Brunei's only professional football team switched gears in the second half to demolish DST Super League side, Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB), 7-0 in a friendly yesterday at the Jerudong Mini Stadium.

Both teams were all square at 0-0 at halftime despite DPMM FC getting the lion share of chances in front of goal.

DPMM FC finally broke the deadlock in the 56th minute from a set piece.

Sairol Hj Sahari rose head and shoulders above others to head home a freekick from the left to put his team up.

It was from another deadball that DPMM FC doubled their lead.

This time it was Portuguese striker Joao Vitor Rocha De Carvalho Moreira who netted after connecting from a corner kick in the 65th minute.

DPMM FC added to their tally three minutes later after on-trial player, Brazilian Hilton Mauro Moreira, outmuscled his defender to rifle in his shot.

It was more one-way traffic and DPMM FC got their fourth goal of the match in the 71st minute.

Shahrazen Said had made a good run on the left to put the ball to Md Najib Hj Tarif in the centre before laying it off for Md Helmi Zambin to score.

DPMM FC were not letting their foot off the pedal and added another to the scoresheet.

This time Md Helmi turned provider as he whipped in a cross from the right for Shahrazen to head home in the 76th minute.

Md Maududi Hilmi Kasmi also got his name on the scoresheet two minutes later, rifling the ball home from inside the box to make it 6-0.

Shahrazen once again played the provider after he put the ball through to Sairol to score his second of the game from point blank range to complete the rout.

The team are preparing for the upcoming Singapore League (S-League) season with their first match scheduled for February 20.

They have one more slot for a foreign signing left as they have confirmed four imports so far with the signings of Croatian defender Dino Drpic, Portuguese striker Joao Vitor Rocha De Carvalho Moreira, Guadeloupean midfielder Stephane Auvray and Brazilian defender Tales Ricarte dos Santos.

Drpic arrived in the early hours yesterday and did not feature in the friendly match while Tales is still nursing an injury and only set to return to action next month.

-Yee Chun Leong

The Brunei Times

'The imports and locals must gel'

DPMM FC head coach Vjeran Simunic feels that his local boys have grown up now.

The Croatian feels that there isn't too much to worry about for their preparations for the upcoming season of the Singapore League (S-League) kicking off next month.

Simunic only requires a bit more time to allow the team to gel together with the import players.

"The Bruneian players have grown up and they have been playing together for a while now. Eventhough we recently got back to full training but I'm not too worried because I can say that we are at 70 per cent at the moment," said Simunic in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.

"It is not easy to find the best import players that fit in especially since most would have been signed by other teams by now.

"But what we need now is time. We have a lineup change of foreign players and we will need them to coordinate with the local players," he added.

"Even if we have four (Lionel) Messis on the team, we won't be able to do anything if they can't play with the locals.

"Hopefully the local players can maintain the level they were at last year or even improve. They are not limited to where they are right now. I feel that we are able to compete with the other countries in the region," continued the Croatian, who watched his side steamroll DST Super League side Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) 7-0 in a friendly at the Jerudong Mini Stadium yesterday.

Brunei's only professional football team have filled up four of the five slots available with the signings of Croatian defender Dino Drpic, Portuguese striker Joao Vitor Rocha De Carvalho Moreira, Guadeloupean midfielder Stephane Auvray and Brazilian defender Tales Ricarte dos Santos.

The team finished as runners-up in the S-League last season and became the first team to win the Singapore League Cup twice.

The head coach feels that it might be their biggest challenge to maintain their position.

"Singapore are champions of the AFF Suzuki Cup and we are going to be challenging the best in the region.

"We are ready for the S-League but we know what it will be quite a tough challenge," said Simunic, who was named the Coach of the Year last season.

"(Champions) Tampines are an excellent team and have reinforced themselves to become stronger for this upcoming season as well.

"Teams like SAF FC are playing in Thailand and Home United in Korea. That is what we are missing - the challenge of big teams. But we have to make the best of our situation by playing against the local teams," he added.

"It will not be an easy task to maintain our top-five target this year. We respect all teams and we are going to stand our ground.

"People have been talking about us and I think we have earned some respect after finishing as runners-up last season. We are one of the big teams now and others will be looking to topple us," continued Simunic.

"I'm also thankful to the players that have work commitments and still have to come all the way to training everyday as well," he concluded.The Brunei Times

DPMM FC in top form for S-League kick off

, January 10, 2013

DPMM FC are in fine form ahead of the upcoming Singapore League (S-League) set to kick off next month.

Brunei's only professional football team are back to full training with the return of head coach Vjeran Simunic on Monday.

They had their first session with the Croatian on Tuesday at their training grounds at the Jerudong Mini Stadium.

The regular local players are in good shape and are looking ahead to have a successful season.

Their top priority is to better their finish in last year's edition of the competition where they were runners-up last season.

"We hope to be fully prepared and be up to the level that we want. After our outing at Aceh, there is still quite some work to be done," said Rosmin Hj Md Kamis, the captain of DPMM FC, in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.

"The local players have been together for a while now so we have to work on playing alongside the imports," he added.

"It will be competitive and Singapore teams with naturalised players may have an advantage. We are looking forward to the challenge though and we are also looking at the possibilities of learning new things from our new import players as well," continued Rosmin.

Striker Shahrazen Said is hoping that he would be able to keep up his form after finishing as the team's topscorer in the S-League with 13 goals to his name.

"We had light training with assistant coach (Norilham Hj Jais) before coach arrived. We need to maintain our fitness and we did our usual runs under the assistant coach," said Shahrazen.

"I hope that I will be able to maintain my scoring form. But the ultimate aim for us this season is to be able to win the S-League. We were close last season and I hope that we will be able to gel quickly with the new imports as well," he added.

Leftback Sairol Hj Sahari feels that they are ready for the challenge and is looking ahead to improving ahead of the competition.

"It has been so far so good in training ever since returning from Aceh. We took a break until the new year but we weren't exactly relaxing as we know that we need to keep our fitness even without the presence of coach," said Sairol.

"Now that coach is back we are looking at our usual training and we even managed to have a friendly game against Jerudong yesterday (Tuesday)," he added.

Asked on his expectations for this year, the 29-year-old replied: "I hope that we can do better than last season. We are required to maintain our performance but it is going to be tough especially with each team now allowed to have five imports.

"Some of the Singapore teams have got naturalised players which makes them even stronger. None of them will take anything lightly," he added.

DPMM FC recently competed in the Governor Aceh Trophy in Indonesia just last month and finished in fourth place despite failing to notch a single win.

One more slot is left to be decided as the team have confirmed four imports so far with the signings of Croatian defender Dino Drpic, Portuguese striker Joao Vitor Rocha De Carvalho Moreira, Guadeloupean midfielder Stephane Auvray and Brazilian defender Tales Ricarte dos Santos.

The Brunei Times

Dino to power DPMM FC

Yee Chun Leong


BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN


Thursday, January 3, 2013


DPMM FC have signed their third import player for next season's Singapore League (S-League).


It is stated on the team's website that "DPMM FC reaching deal with former Dinamo Zagreb defender Dino Drpic."


He will join the duo of Portuguese striker Joao Vitor Rocha De Carvalho Moreira, 26, and Guadeloupean midfielder Stephane Auvray, 31, to become the latest foreign player to be picked up by Brunei's only professional football club.


DPMM FC now have two more slots to fill before the start of the new S-League season.


The Croatian has had 20 caps as a youth international and got his only call-up to represent his country in 2007 in a friendly match against Slovakia.


The 31-year-old defender, who stands at 6ft 5in, spent nine seasons playing for Dinamo Zagreb from 2000-2009.


He then moved to Germany to play for Karlsruher SC and had a brief spells for AEK Athens in Greece and Volyn Lutsk in Ukraine before moving back to Croatia to lace up for HNK Rijeka last year.

DPMM FC recently competed in the Governor Aceh Trophy in Indonesia just last month and finished in fourth place despite failing to notch a single win.

DPMM FC started out their campaign with a 4-2 loss to Indonesian Premier League (IPL) Champions Semen Padang FC.

They were then held to a 1-1 draw by Kelantan in their second game.


They progressed to the last four as group runners-up after playing to a draw against Kelantan after both teams shared exactly the same statistics.

However, they were edged 3-2 by hosts Aceh United in the semi-finals.

They had a chance to finish on the podium but lost to Selangor 3-2 on penalties as both teams drew 1-1 after regulation.


It was a good year for DPMM FC last season as they became the first side to lift the Singapore League Cup twice after overcoming Geylang United 2-0 in the final in August.


They could have made it a double but finished second in the S-League after they lost their final game of the season to Balestier Khalsa FC 2-0 at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas in November.


The Brunei Times



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