DPMM FC court former Celtic striker McCourt

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, November 16, 2014

FORMER Celtic striker Patrick ‘Paddy’ McCourt is the latest name linked with a potential move to DPMM FC.
It was stated on the club’s official website yesterday that they are set to trial the Northern Ireland national.
The 30-year-old had previously played for Rochdale, Shamrock Rovers and Derry City before making a move to Celtic of the Scottish Premier League where he managed nine goals in 66 appearances from 2008-2013.
He has two goals to his name on the international stage after notching a brace in a 4-0 victory over the Faroe Islands during the Euro 2012 Qualifiers back in August 2011.
The second goal was one to remember where he made his way past four defenders before chipping the ball over the Faroese keeper.
Brunei’s only professional team are looking to bolster their firepower upfront after releasing the duo of Singapore League (S-League) topscorer Rodrigo Tosi and Roy O’Donovan.
Hougang United FC striker Geison Moura, who found the back of the net 23 times in all competitions last season – 21 of them coming in the S-League – was the other forward that was named earlier this week.
DPMM FC also announced the release of the trio of local players – goalkeeper Md Tarmizi Hj Mat Johari and defenders Hj Mohd Yussof Hj Mat Yassin and Shahrulrizal Hj Abd Rahman – yesterday.
Irish midfielder Joe Gamble and Bosnian defender Boris Raspudic are the two returning imports for DPMM FC.
Croatian midfielder Roberto Alviz, who managed a team-high 18 assists and scored five goals, said that he did not receive a contract extension.
DPMM FC may also well be looking for someone in between the sticks, having announced on Friday that they are set to trial former Manchester City goalkeeper Gunnar Nielsen.

The Brunei Times

Gamble set to stay in Brunei

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, November 15, 2014

IRISH midfielder Joe Gamble is set to be the second returning import for DPMM FC.
It was announced on the team’s official website that “DPMM extend contract with Joe Gamble”.
He will join Bosnian defender Boris Raspudic as the other foreign player that Brunei’s only professional team will be holding on to.
Midfielder Roberto Alviz, who managed a team-high 18 assists and scored five goals, said that he has not received a contract extension.
DPMM FC had already announced the release of both Singapore League (S-League) topscorer Rodrigo Tosi and Irishman Roy O’Donovan earlier in the week.
It is of no surprise that they are looking to bolster their potency upfront with the website stating that “DPMM FC to trial Hougang striker Geison Moura”.
The Brazilian only spent a year with Hougang United and found the back of the net a total 23 times in all competitions – with 21 of them in the S-League.
It was previously reported that O’Donovan arrived in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on Monday for trials with Malaysia Premier League side Sabah Rhinos after an invitation by compatriot and Rhinos manager George O’Callaghan, as reported by the Sabah FA and Malaysian daily New Straits Times.
However, it was clarified by the Sabah FA on Wednesday that the player is only in Kota Kinabalu for personal reasons after the completion of the S-League, stating that there wais no professional reason for O’Donovan being in Sabah.
The club will also be looking for someone in between the sticks as they are set to “trial former Manchester City goalkeeper Gunnar Nielsen”.
Nielsen is the first Faroese to play in the English Premier League after making his debut for Manchester City on April 24, 2010 as a substitute for Shay Given in the 76th minute against Arsenal.
The 6ft 3in shotstopper made his debut on the international stage for the Faroe Islands in the UEFA European Under-17 Championships back in October 2001.
The 28-year-old is currently serving as the first choice keeper for the Faroe Islands, who are competing in Group F of the Euro 2016 qualifiers.
Motherwell of the Scottish Premier League was his last stop where he signed a two-year contract in July last year.

The Brunei Times

No awards for DPMM FC

Monday, November 10, 2014

WARRIORS FC custodian Hassan Sunny (pic) became the first goalkeeper to win the Player of the Year honour at the S-League Awards Night.
The 30-year-old was up against an impressive line-up of attacking talents, which included Goran Ljubojevic (Balestier Khalsa), Kazuki Sakamoto (Albirex Niigata), Fazrul Nawaz (Home United) and top scorer Rodrigo Tosi (Brunei DPMM).
But fresh from winning the league title with his club last week, Hassan was celebrating once again as he collected the final prize given out at ITE College East.
In the Coach of the Year category, Balestier Khalsa's Marko Kraljevic, who led his unfancied side to RHB Singapore Cup glory on Friday, was the surprise winner, beating title-winner Alex Weaver (Warriors FC) and Steve Kean (Brunei DPMM). Hassan's Warriors teammate Nicholas Velez bagged the Young Player of the Year title.

The Straits Times/ ANN

DPMM FC trio eye awards

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, November 7, 2014

DPMM FC have just completed their best season to date, and there could be more icing on the cake as they have nominees in three categories for Sunday’s 2014 Singapore League (S-League) Awards Night.
Steve Kean has been nominated for the Coach of the Year award while Brazilian striker Rodrigo Tosi (1st photo) – who is set to receive the Golden Boot award – has been nominated for the Player of the Year award.
Rounding off the trio is left winger Azwan Ali Rahman, who has been nominated for the Young Player of the Year award.

[Related story: Kean wants to stay in Brunei]
Kean, who led DPMM FC to the Singapore League Cup, a second place finish in the S-League and third in the Singapore Cup in his debut season, will be up against Alex Weaver from S-League champions Warriors FC and Marko Kraljevic of Balestier Khalsa FC.
It is no surprise that Tosi is up for the Player of the Year award after scoring 24 goals in the S-League. He tallied a total of 34 goals in all tournaments and bagged a brace on Wednesday to give DPMM FC their first win over Tampines Rovers FC in the Singapore Cup third-place playoff at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
He will be up against the trio of forwards Fazrul Nawaz (Home United FC), Kazuki Sakamoto (Albirex Niigata (S) FC and Goran Ljubojevic (Balestier) and Singapore national goalkeeper Hassan Sunny (Warriors).
Apart from Azwan, the other nominees in the Young Player of the Year category include Sahil Suhaili of the Young Lions (Singapore national Under-23 football team), Nicolas Velez (Warriors) and Suria Prakash (Warriors).

The Brunei Times

DPMM FC win third in S’pore Cup

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, November 6, 2014

DPMM FC finally got one over Tampines Rovers FC.
Rodrigo Tosi was the hero of the match after scoring in the last minute to seal a 2-1 victory for a third place finish in the Singapore Cup last night.
The game looked set for a penalty shootout before the late drama saw DPMM FC end their season on a high at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
The victory was also the first triumph for Brunei's only professional team over Tampines in eight meetings stretching back to 2012.
According to the Singapore League (S-League) Facebook page, the winning goal was the result of determined play by Tosi in Tampines’ goal area.
A freekick in the box was initially headed by Tosi towards goal.
Tampines goalkeeper Justin Pasfield couldn’t get a hold onto the ball, allowing Roberto Alviz to pounce on the rebound only to watch it bounce off the crossbar.
Tosi would not squander a second opportunity as he headed the ball into the empty net off the second rebound for the win.
DPMM FC initially looked set to suffer another defeat at he hands of the Stags as they jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute.
Tampines were awarded a penalty after Ak Md Fakhrazzi Pg Hassan brought down Ismadi Mukhtar in the box.
Miljan Mrdakovic would step up to the line before sending the ball into the back of the net, beating Wardun Yussof in between the DPMM FC sticks.
Tampines almost doubled their lead in the 29th minute after Ismadi got the better of three DPMM FC defenders before sending a cross into the box which was miskicked by Mrdakovic.
DPMM FC equalised two minutes later after a mistake by the Tampines backline allowed Azwan Ali Rahman to square the ball for Tosi to score with a simple tap in.
The Brunei side could have taken the lead just before halftime but Md Hendra Azam Md Idris sent his volley over the crossbar.
Tampines almost got back in front after a good attempt by Ismadi but Wardun produced a good save.
The rebound fell for Aleksandar Duric, who was playing in his final professional game, but his shot was deflected and came off the woodwork.
The Stags picked up their game and continuously threatened the DPMM FC goal.
Mrdakovic was put through on goal in the 66th minute but Abdul Aziz Tamit did well for a crucial tackle.
Duric had placed a shot wide in the 70th minute but the ball headed in the direction of Jozef Kaplan who reacted too late.
In the 74th minute, Ismadi shot just wide of Wardun’s left post and Kaplan did the same the next minute.
Kaplan tried to set up Duric in the 82nd minute but the latter couldn’t get his shot on goal before the late drama unfolded.
The third-place finish in the competition sums up DPMM FC’s best season to date.
They won the Singapore League Cup after defeating Tanjong Pagar United FC 2-0 in the final at the Jalan Besar Stadium on July 25.
The Brunei side led the S-League most of the season but stumbled at the end after losing 2-1 to Tampines at the same venue last Friday.
Warriors FC clinched the League title for the ninth time after defeating Albirex Niigata (S) FC at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium in Singapore.
Home United FC and Balestier Khalsa FC will close out the Singapore football season as they face off in the Singapore Cup final tomorrow.

The Brunei Times

DPMM FC out to break rut

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, October 25, 2014

DPMM FC are looking to return to winning ways when they host Balestier Khalsa FC in the Singapore League (S-League) today.
Brunei’s only professional team have not won a game since the end of August and now trail leaders Warriors FC by four points.
The latter are currently on 50 points after ending Tampines Rovers chances of retaining the title with a 2-1 victory on Thursday night at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium in Singapore.
Despite having two games in hand, DPMM FC will require a triumph today at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas to ensure they stick to the chase.
DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean is in a confident mood despite the rut and believes that they can deliver on all three points.
“We only can control our own game. We may have a couple of games in hand, but the focus is on three points (today) to put us in a good position,” Kean told the media on Thursday at the Jerudong Mini Stadium.
“Balestier are a dangerous and direct team. They can score from set plays and are a team on form.
“I’m always positive. It is easier for me as I can see the lads train everyday. What we got to do now is to not give ourselves mountains to climb,” he said.
“We can’t have moments where we concede sloppy goals. If the opponents score a wonderful goal then great but we have to make sure we don’t gift goals.
“If we can get that cleansheet mentality back then I’m sure it will be a positive result,” continued the Scotsman.
Asked if there was any added pressure now that they are no longer at the top of the table, Kean replied: “Sometimes it is easier to chase. We are in a place where someone else can feel the pressure. We have been up there for lots of weeks.
“But the games in hand are no good if we don’t get points. We have to make sure against Balestier, we get a good strong positive performance,” he added.
“They are in a good spell since the split where they made it to the top half in the last game. If we can perform like we normally do at home then we should be able to get a result,” continued the former Blackburn Rovers manager.
DPMM FC will welcome back topscorer Rodrigo Tosi after serving a one-game suspension.
Forward Shahrazen Said is doubtful for the matchup after sustaining a hamstring strain during their final ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup qualifiers matchup against Cambodia in Laos on Monday.
DPMM FC and Balestier have faced off thrice so far this season with the former winning one encounter and the other two ending in draws.
The Brunei side defeated the Tigers 4-1 in their first meeting back on April 25.
They played out to a 2-2 draw in the group stage of the Singapore League Cup on July 11 and DPMM FC came back from a two-goal deficit to draw 3-3 in their meeting at the Toa Payoh Stadium in Singapore on August 21.
Admission for the final home game of the season is free and kickoff is at 8.15pm.
DPMM FC will then face off against contenders Albirex Niigata (S) FC on Tuesday before ending the S-League season against Tampines next Friday.

The Brunei Times

Kean focusing on positives

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, October 24, 2014

DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean is looking at the positives from the recently concluded ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup qualifiers in Laos.

The national football team returned home early yesterday morning after failing to notch a single point at the Oct 12-20 competition.

The Wasps started out with a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Timor Leste on Oct 12 at the National Sports Complex in Vientiane before falling to hosts Laos by the same scoreline two days later.

Brunei were down and out of contention after losing 3-1 to favourites Myanmar last Thursday.
They were then edged 1-0 by Cambodia at the Chao Anouvong Stadium on Monday to finish their outing empty handed.

“It is never great when you lose a game. But to put things in context, we went out to Laos as a group,” said Kean when met at the Jerudong Mini Stadium yesterday.

“We got three very young players (Muhd Nurikhwan Othman, Reduan Hj Petara and Ak Yura Indera Putera Pg Yunos) and they played the last couple of matches. That is a positive.

“We also played (Ak Md) Fakhrazzi Pg Hj Hassan) as full back in the last two games and he was excellent when he played there. That is a positive.

“Eventhough we didn’t manage to get victories, I felt we played well. A lot of the games... we were in position, where at key times, it could have gone either way,” added the former Blackburn Rovers manager.

“We came back with the confidence at the international level as the lads played well.

“We will now change the focus to the S-League (Singapore League) and hopefully we are going to be in a position to claim the title in a week’s time,” continued Kean.

DPMM FC had 17 players represent the Sultanate and this was the first stint for Kean in handling a national team.

Asked on the differences compared to the club level, the Scotsman replied: “I felt we came up against a lot of good players. There is a lot of talent from other countries.

“It is always good for us as a country to stretch ourselves. You learn more about yourself when you play against some really good opposition,” he added.

That experience is always positive eventhough we didn’t manage win.

“The positives we take out from each match in the tournament is a learning experience as a country.

“We have also found some excellent young players that we can add to squad next season,” concluded the DPMM FC head coach.

Kean will now set his focus on the S-League title race as they have a tight schedule ahead.

They will host Balestier Khalsa FC in their final home game tomorrow before facing off against Albirex Niigata (S) FC next Tuesday. They close out the season against Tampines Rovers three days later.


The Brunei Times