DST Super League champs to represent Brunei in AFC Cup

SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, March 3, 2016

DST SUPER League champions will be eligible to represent the country at next year’s Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup for the first time.
Currently in its 16th edition, the AFC Cup is the region’s second-tier club football competition for developing football nations – with clubs from top-tier nations playing in the AFC Champions League.
Malaysian side Johor Darul Ta'zim are the reigning champions after beating Tajikistan’s Istiklol in last year’s final.
If the DST Super League champions are unable represent the country, the league’s runners-up will then take their spot.
The news was one of the many topics brought up during the team manager’s meeting for the DST Super League and DST Premier League which was held at the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) House in Berakas on Monday.
“On behalf of the NFABD committee, we hope that we will have a better competition this year,” NFABD Acting Competition Director Dayem Haji Ali said in an interview with The Brunei Times.
“We also hope that players and clubs will comply with all the tournament rules and regulations established by the (organising) committee.
“Hopefully this year we can make football to be one of the most popular sport again in the country,” he continued.

Dayem also stressed that players are only allowed to play for one club in any league competition sanctioned by NFABD.
Players and clubs who failed to obey the rules and regulations will be brought forward to the disciplinary committee, with action to be taken as agreed upon by the tournament’s organising committee.
Teams that have already registered and wish to withdraw from the competition are required to notify the organisers through writing at least 14 days before the tournament starts.
Action will be taken against teams which withdraw without any valid reason, and they will be handed a fine of not less than $500.00.
The manager and the relevant players will not be allowed to join any of the other teams involved in any of the leagues organised by NFABD.
The second transfer window will open mid-way through the season which will be announced at a later date.
Players and managers who wish to go through the transfer procedure will be required to fill in a form given by the organisers and pay a total of $100 administration fee for each player.
Also attending the meeting was NFABD Executive Member Rosdin Haji Abdul Aziz, who emphasised that players and club officials are required to wear their identification pass given by NFABD during the duration of every game.
The 2016 DST Super League is slated to kick off on Saturday with the Sumbangsih Cup clash between last season’s DST Super League champions, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB), and runners-up Indera Sports Club (SC).
The game at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas is set to kick off at 8.15pm.
Meanwhile, IKLS FC will face T-11 at the Berakas Sports Complex on March 11 at 4pm in the DST Premier League.

The Brunei Times

Zamri Retires as NFABD Gen-Sec

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (4 March 2016) – MUHD Zamri Dato Paduka Hamdani has retired as the general secretary of the National FA of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD).

According to a press statement released by NFABD yesterday, the position left vacant by Muhd Zamri will be filled by assistant general secretary Pg Mohd Amirrizal Pg Mahmud as the acting general secretary.

“I’m sad to leave but it was a choice I had to make because I want to spend more time with my family, do other things privately and help my wife,” said Muhd Zamri.

“I want to thank HRH (NFABD president His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah) and I appreciate the opportunity that was given to me. Under his guidance, I was able to fulfill my responsibilities.

“I also want to credit HRH for his outstanding leadership, guidance and vision to help NFABD rise to this height.”

Muhd Zamri was appointed NFABD general secretary on 1 March, 2014

http://www.aseanfootball.org/v2/?p=22588

DPMM FC clinch first victory of the season

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, February 28, 2016

REIGNING Singapore League (S-League) champions DPMM FC barged into the win column after a 3-1 victory over Warriors FC last night.
All the damage was done in the first half with the trio of Brian McLean, Maududi Hilmi Kasmi and Azwan Salleh getting their names on the scoresheet in their first triumph after three matches – moving them up to fourth position on four points tied with Tampines Rovers FC, who have a game in hand, in the nine-team table.
On the other hand, Jonathan Behe netted early in the second half for the Warriors in a losing effort at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
DPMM FC got off the best of starts and grabbed the lead in the sixth minute.
Azwan Ali Rahman curled a tricky corner kick resulting in Warriors goalkeeper Yazid Yasin getting a hand to it only to fall nicely for McLean to tap in from close range.
Warriors did get the ball in the net in the 13th minute but Syaqir Sulaiman was flagged for offside.
DPMM FC almost doubled the lead four minutes later after Azwan Ali’s freekick from 40 yards out missed everyone but bounced inches wide off the post.
Another chance came begging in the 19th minute but Rafael Ramazotti headed just wide.
Warriors were on target in the 22nd minute with Fazli Jaffar firing from inside the box but DPMM FC custodian Wardun Yussof dived down to keep the ball out.
DPMM FC skipper Rosmin Hj Md Kamis connected on a header off a corner in the 25th minute but it was not enough to trouble Yazid.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 27th minute with Paulo Sergio setting up Maududi to blast past Yazid from inside the box.
It was 3-0 two minutes later with Azwan Salleh unleashing a thunderbolt from over 20 yards out to bulge the net.
Warriors had back-to-back chances to get back into the tie in the 37th minute but Kento Fukuda’s header was deflected just wide.
Jonathan Behe got a free header at the far post off the ensuing corner but couldn’t place it on target.
DPMM FC were pressing high up the pitch and could have added to the scoresheet in the 39th minute but Azwan Ali’s effort from over 20 yards out bounced off the woodwork.
Warriors got one back just two minutes after the interval with good work by Behe down the left to fire off Wardun from close range.
Behe got in a similar position in the 58th minute but this time his effort met the side netting.
At the other end, Sergio got the better of Poh Yi Feng before curling his shot from the edge of the box over.
Things got a little hectic as things got physical with the whistle not getting blown.
DPMM FC manager Ali Hj Momin was even sent to the stands in the 69th minute for contesting with referee Sukhbir Singh for a handball-incident.
Behe got another opportunity in the 75th minute after beating Sairol Hj Sahari but his shot was off the mark.
DPMM FC almost added to the scoresheet the next minute with Sergio setting up Azwan Ali down the middle but the latter’s shot was saved by Yazid.
Behe placed two shots on target in the 80th and 82nd minutes but Wardun was to his equal to deny him twice.
Substitute Shaiful Esah struck a freekick from 25 yards requiring Wardun to tip over in the 90th minute.
Warriors were awarded a penalty on the ensuing corner kick as Azwan Salleh was judged to have handled the ball inside the box.
Behe stepped up to take the spot kick but his attempt was saved by Wardun.
The other game saw Balestier Khalsa FC and Albirex Niigata (S) FC play out to a 1-1 draw at the Toa Payoh Stadium in Singapore.

The Brunei Times

DPMM FC held by Eagles

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, February 21, 2016

REIGNING Singapore League (S-League) champions DPMM FC were held to a 1-1 draw against 10-man Geylang International FC last night.
Sahil Suhaimi opened the scoring for Geylang while Rafael Ramazotti got on the scoresheet for DPMM FC at the Bedok Stadium in Singapore.
DPMM FC are now seventh in the nine-team league with one point from two matches after a 3-2 defeat against Albirex Niigata (S) FC in the Community Shield last Saturday.
According to the S-League Twitter updates, a freekick for DPMM FC almost caught Geylang goalkeeper Syazwan Buhari out at the back post in the second minute.
Geylang found the back of the net three minutes later but was flagged for offside.
Gabriel Quak took a shot at goal from the edge of the box in the 11th minute but was off target.
DPMM FC had a chance in the 18th minute but Azwan Ali Rahman failed to capitalise on a cross from the right.
The Eagles took a short corner in the 22nd minute but DPMM FC shotstopper Wardun Yussof tipped the ball away. Azwan Ali was on target four minutes later but Syazwan was to his equal to keep the match goalless.
The hosts threatened again in the 29th minute after a freekick by Carlos Delgado was headed over the bar.
At the othe end, Maududi Hilmi Kasmi produced a cross in the 38th minute but Azwan Ali couldn’t convert at the far post.
Geylang almost grabbed the lead a minute after the interval off a counterattack but Wardun came to the rescue to deny Quak’s effort from just outside the six-yard box.
A chance went begging for the Brunei side in the 59th minute as Azwan Ali’s cross was just too far ahead for Ramazotti.
Azwan Ali struck a freekick on target on the hour mark but was saved by Syazwan.
The DPMM FC forward threatened again three minutes later but his left footed shot was inches wide of the goal.
The Eagles found the back of the net again courtesy of Al-Qaasimy Rahman in the 65th minute but was ruled offside. Geylang were reduced to 10 men three minutes later after Amy Recha was sent off for his second yellow card.
Brian McLean got a header on target in the 69th minute but it couldn’t test the Geylang custodian. Geylang broke the deadlock in the 75th minute with Sahil Suhaimi squeezing the ball past Wardun.
The lead was shortlived as DPMM FC answered back with Ramazotti scoring on the restart.
Geylang could have stole all three points just before the final whistle as Sahil sent a ball to the top left corner but Wardun produced a magnificent save to ensure both teams share the spoils.
Over at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore, Albirex picked up their second straight win after a 5-0 thrashing of the Young Lions (Singapore national under-23 football team).
Atsushi Kawata scored four goals while Masaya Jitozono netted the other.

The Brunei Times

McLean ready to get back into gear

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, February 13, 2016

BRIAN McLean is more than ready to kick back into gear for DPMM FC in the new Singapore League (S-League) season.
The Northern Irish defender missed more than a month of pre-season training and finally arrived in the Sultanate on Tuesday after becoming a father for the first time at the beginning of the year.
“To be honest, it is not too difficult (to catch up) because I have been doing this my whole life,” said McLean in an interview with The Brunei Times after a training session at the Jerudong Mini Stadium on Thursday.
“So when I’m not on the pitch, I’m doing stuff away from home like looking after my body and eating the right food.
“The lads have been great and very patient with me, and they’ve given me a lot of support.
“It has been fantastic and I’m delighted to be able to sign on for another year. I want to thank the club for giving me an extra opportunity to stay for another year and I’m looking forward to the season ahead,” added the 30-year-old centreback.
One of the main factors that helped DPMM FC win their first S-League title was the good understanding that McLean had built with Boris Raspudic.
However, with the S-League import quota reduced from five to three this year, the Bosnian – and Irishman Joe Gamble – did not get a contract extension.
Raspudic’s arrival at the beginning of the 2014 season helped the club to a league-low of 30 S-League goals, and though they finished with the most goals scored (63), they still finished the season second – just three points adrift of eventual champions Warriors FC.
Despite the loss of the influential Raspudic in the heart of defence, McLean feels the team will be able to cope.
“I don’t think will be difficult. In football there are so many different elements that can cause different scenarios,” explained McLean.
“It is what it is. Unfortunately the league has cut the foreign players from five to three.
“The local lads have been exceptional and in good condition and we are just looking forward to a great start this weekend,” he added.
When asked on what his targets are for the new season, McLean replied: “Expectations haven’t changed, which is to go on and win every game that we participate in.
“In that sense nothing has dramatically changed from last season.
“We’ve got a good group of lads and we have a good togetherness which is important,” added McLean, whose whose father was a professional footballer for Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock for 15 years before retiring in 1991.
McLean - who joined DPMM FC at the start of last season - has also laced up for Falkirk, Dundee United and Ross County in the top-tier Scottish Premiership.

The Brunei Times

DPMM FC start season

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, February 13, 2016

TWO fewer foreign players and a couple of new local faces, but reigning champions DPMM FC are ready to start their Singapore League (S-League) season against Albirex Niigata (S) FC tonight.
S-League titleholders DPMM FC start their title defence against Singapore Cup holders Albirex in the Community Shield at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore, and it is far from certain how DPMM FC will deal with their backline after the release of Bosnian Boris Raspudic and the late arrival of Brian McLean.
McLean only arrived back in the sultanate to join the team on Tuesday, and he will have to adjust quickly as DPMM FC coach Steve Kean has entrusted Abdul Aziz Tamit to start alongside him in the season-opener -which marks the first chance of the year for both teams to win silverware.
“We’ve had five really good weeks of work,” said Kean in an interview with The Brunei Times after a training session at the Jerudong Mini Stadium on Thursday.
“Brian’s wife delivered a baby girl early and he was in different country and he only just made it back, but he is a very good pro as he was training everyday on his own.
“Even though he might not be 100 per cent match fit, his experience will get him through this game with no problems,” he added.
DPMM FC have promoted three Under-19 players – Mohd Na’im Hj Tarif, Mohd Azim Izamuddin Hj Suhaimi and Abdul Hafiz Abdul Rahim – to the senior squad, but they will have to wait to get a taste of action.
Meanwhile, former Indera Sports Club player Muhd Nur Ikhwan Othman will be making his debut in DPMM FC colours as he will be given the start with skipper Rosmin Hj Md Kamis suspended for the match.
“This gives Ikhwan an early opportunity in his first full season. He is a good player, has got good balance and can see a pass,” praised Kean.
“There is no hesitation to put him in because he has had a good pre-season,” added the Scotsman.
Albirex - who also won the Singapore League Cup last season -are a revamped team with 16 new players on the roster as well as a new coach in Naoki Naruo - who was previously at the helm in 2009.
According to a report on the S-League website, the White Swans have retained key players like Atsushi Kawata, Kento Nagasaki and Rui Kumada.
The Japanese outfit have also welcomed back Tatsuro Inui, who will take over the vacant playmaker role after 2015 S-League Player of the Year Fumiya Kogure left for Hougang United.
Albirex struggled for goals last season but the inclusion of Kawata and the towering 1.9m Kazuki Mine from J-League 2 side Kyoto Sanga will help the team in front of goal.
Although Kean doesn’t know what to expect, he believes his charges have got the edge.
“I have no idea how they will play but knowing the mentality of the club, I’m sure they won’t move too far away from what they normally play,” said Kean.
“They try to control the ball and they don’t play direct football. They try and build it up through the back and middle leading to the front. I don’t see that changing too much.
“It is a challenge because it is a new team and it might take them a few weeks to gel.
“On the other hand, majority of our players have been together for two years so I think that is an advantage for us.”
Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

The Brunei Times

Three DPMM FC players fail S-League fitness test

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, February 11, 2016

THREE DPMM FC players failed the Singapore League’s (S-League) mandatory fitness test yesterday.
As a result, midfielders Mohd Hendra Azam Mohd Idris and Mohd Aminudin Zakwan Tahir and defender Amalul Ariffin Said will miss Saturday’s season opening Community Shield match against Singapore Cup holders Albirex Niigata FC (S) at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
This year has seen a change in the S-League’s mandatory 2.4km fitness test run, and under the new rule, players have to clock nine minutes and 30 seconds, 15 second faster than the previous season-passing mark of nine minutes and 45 seconds.
However, the players can keep trying until they pass and the club has until next month to send the complete name list for the 2016 season. The players can do the test even when the S-League kicks off.
DPMM FC skipper Rosmin Hj Md Kamis had mixed feelings over the new ruling.
“If we are to think about it, it is just running for under nine minutes and 30 seconds for 2.4km… If we play 90 minutes in a match, so I cannot see why we can’t pass this test,” said Rosmin in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.
“But again, not all players are the same. They are of different sizes and each and every one of them has their own strengths and weaknesses in certain areas.
“Take Hendra as an example. He is not the kind of player who runs a lot, but he is a very good player.
“Mohd Aminuddin is also a very important member of the squad and he has made many appearances with the club last season, so we cannot afford to lose these players because of the test,” added Rosmin who is also going to miss Saturday’s game due to suspension.
DPMM FC are coming off their best season to date after winning their maiden S-League title last year.
They equaled their best finish in the Singapore Cup after placing third but were knocked out in the group stage of the Singapore League Cup.

The Brunei Times