MS ABDB return to Super League summit

Fadhil Yunus & Khairil Hassan  

MS ABDB ended Indera SC’s short reign as league leaders of the DST Super League after returning to the top of the table with a narrow 1-0 win over Wijaya FC at the Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex yesterday.

Muhammad bin Ibrahim was the unlucky player who put through his own net in the 69thminute to hand MS ABDB an eighth victory in 10 league matches.

Title rivals Indera sat at the top of the league before kick-off after their 3-0 win over Kota Ranger FC last Saturday night.

MS ABDB lead the 10-team table by a single point though they have a game in hand than their fiercest rivals.

However, the army personnel passed their sternest test so far against one of the in-form teams with Wijaya one of three teams that only lost once.

Meanwhile, third-placed Kasuka FC are also in the mix in the title race after they enhanced their hopes with a 4-1 win over Setia Perdana.

In another match at Batu Apoi Sports Complex in Temburong District, Lun Bawang beat Najip Bakes FC with the score of 2-1.

Lun Bawang’s Zaimi Awat scored the first goal at 30th minute and his teammate Ehsan Haji Moksin scored the second goal at 56th minute. Najip Bakes FC’s only goal was scored by Mohd Hanafizal at the 67th minute.

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/ms-abdb-return-to-super-league-summit/

PENNOCK CHECKS IN WITH DPMM FC

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

NEWLY appointed DPMM FC coach Adrian Pennock is looking to close the gap on Albirex Niigata FC (S).

The 47-year-old, who succeeded Brazilian Rene Weber, is not yet familiar with the Singapore Premier League but knows that the three-time defending champions are the team to beat.

“I have seen games on DVDs and on livestreams and I know that Albirex didn’t lose a game last season,” said Pennock in an interview with BruSports News yesterday.

“They are the standard we want to get to. Looking back to when Steve Kean was here, he had done a great job to win the League but they had five overseas players then.

“The rules are different now and we will have to look at Albirex. They are the top of the tree and we need to get closer to them and go from there,” he added.

The 47-year-old arrived in Brunei at the beginning of December and have spent most of the past two weeks holding trials in search of filling up their import quota.

They have successfully done so by netting the trio of Charlie Clough (England), Blake Ricciuto (Australia) and Andrey Varankov (Belarus) for the upcoming campaign.

Pennock is pleased with the signings as well as the showing of the local footballers.

“The trials went very well and we have signed three players. Good thing is that both the overseas players and the local players have put all in despite a tough two weeks,” said the former Stoke City first-team coach.

“I’m very pleased with the three overseas players that we got and pleased with the Bruneian players.

“We know that there are things to do but they have been first class and very good,” he added.

The club had their last training session of the year yesterday at the Jerudong Mini Stadium and will only return to the grounds on January 3.

“The first two days (when we return) will be tests such as ECG (electrocardiogram), fat and weigh ins,” revealed Pennock.

“The five days after will be very tough with hill runs, gym work, swimming and obviously football.

“We want to get more mileage into their legs and build their stamina up. We will also be going to Thailand after that and get some games in. I’m looking forward to coming back in January,” added Pennock, who previously played for Bournemouth and Gillingham

When asked on how well he has settled down in Brunei, Pennock replied: “I’ve just settled in very quickly because everybody here is so friendly and warming.

“Everybody is very warm and welcoming from His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince all the way to the players.

“Everybody has been very good. I’m really enjoying it for over the past two weeks I’ve been here,” he concluded.

https://www.brusports.com/2018/12/16/pennock-checks-in-with-dpmm-fc/

Wijaya FC hit six against Najip Bakes

By Khairil Hassan

WIJAYA FC crushed Najip Bakes FC 6-0 in the Brunei DST Super League on Saturday at the Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.

Mohd Yaziz bin Haji Mat Yakof scored the first goal in the 16th minute, followed by the second in the 26th goal from Marhazif Ahad. Pengiran Anaqi Sufi Pengiran Haji Omar Baki added Wijaya FC’s lead in the 71st minute and the fourth goal a minute later. Md Ikmal Hakim Haji Md Yunus scored the fifth goal in the 74th minute, before Marhazif Ahad netted his second goal of the game in the 89th minute.

DST Super League: Indera SC, Wijaya FC settle for draw in six-goal thriller

by Fadhil Yunus

INDERA SC avoided a second consecutive defeat after battling back from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Wijaya FC in the DST Super League at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex recently.

The title contenders have picked up just one point out of a possible six, having already seen their undefeated record ended after a defeat to Kasuka in the previous match.

Indera’s new signing Iner Sintany Putra continued his good scoring form with three goals in the last four league games after opening the scoring in the ninth minute.

However, Norfariz bin Sayang, who is also enjoying a prolific run, turned the game on its head with goals in the 29th and 49th minute.

Marhazif bin Ahad made it 3-1 for Wijaya FC in the 64th minute but Asri bin Haji Aspar scored twice in the last 10 minutes to rescue a point for his side.

In the other match, Kota Ranger FC picked up their first points of the season after breezing past IKLS FC 5-1 at the Berakas Sports Complex.

Muhd Asyraffahmi bin Norsamri played a starring role after bagging a hat-trick in the second half with Hardy anak Bujang and Abu Bakar Mahari also on the scoresheet.

Kumin bin Haji Bini managed a scant consolation goal six minutes from time for the newly promoted side.

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/dst-super-league-indera-sc-wijaya-fc-settle-for-draw-in-six-goal-thriller/

Indera SC emerge Sumbangsih Cup winners

by Fadhil Yunus

INDERA SC vice-captain Amirul Hakeem bin Haji Kasim scored the winner in the second period of extra time to give his side’s their second DST Sumbangsih Cup title during the 2-1 victory over MS ABDB at the rain-soaked Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex last night.

Mohamed Zulkhairy bin Razali had given the reigning DST FA Cup winners the lead in the 39th minute but the DST Super League holders MS ABDB equalised through Mohammad Khairul Mee bin Mail in the 81st minute.

Indera SC had the chance to double their lead when Mohamed Zulkhairy latched onto a delicious ball from the centre circle but the goalscorer sliced his shot wide.

MS ABDB scored instantly when Mohammad Khairul Mee fired home from close range in the season’s curtain-raiser.

Indera SC’s new signing Petrus bin Jumat played a neat exchange with captain Hazwan bin Hamzah and confusion in the MS ABDB backline nearly cost an own goal though they were satisfied to win a corner.

DST Sumbangsih Cup final champion Indera SC in a group photo. – FADHIL YUNUS

MS ABDB won a free-kick but they fired wide as they looked in search of a late winner.

After a goalless first period in extra time, Indera SC found the winner in the second minute of the second period of extra time.

The DST FA Cup champions changed corner kick takers in the last moment and that move looked to pay dividends. Amirul Hakeem powered home a clean header in the far post which MS ABDB goalkeeper Mohammad Tarmizi bin Haji Mat Johari could not keep out. MS ABDB missed a glorious chance to take the game into penalties after a player blasted the ball wide having been teed up by a teammate from the byline.

Indera SC Head Coach Mohd Darus bin Tanjung was visibly pleased with his charges after beginning the season in triumph.

“I feel very proud as the head coach and I am confident that Indera SC will make more efforts to strengthen and become stronger in all areas,” said Mohd Darus in a post-match interview.

DST Assistant General Manager of Group Corporate Communications Radin Sufri bin Radin Basiuni presented the prizes.

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/indera-sc-emerge-sumbangsih-cup-winners/

DPMM FC appoint Stoke City’s former coach Adrian Pennock

by Fadhil Yunus

DPMM FC have announced the appointment of former Stoke City first-team coach Adrian Pennock as their new head coach for the upcoming 2019 Singapore Premier League season in Singapore, according to their website.

Pennock will succeed Rene Weber at the helm after the Brazilian had guided the Brunei-based outfit to a third place finish and the final of the Singapore Cup.

The appointment came after the Gegar Gegar men secured third place in the league following a 3-1 win over Young Lions in the final game of the season.

Pennock was part of Tony Pulis’ coaching staff during his reign as manager of Stoke City in the summer of 2011 and enjoyed a stint in the English Premier League.

The Ipswich native will be the second head coach in a space of two years who boasts experience in the English top flight to manage DPMM FC after Steve Kean who served the club for four seasons.

Pennock, who helped avoid National League side Barrow from relegation last season, became a hit with the supporters during his playing days with Gillingham where he spent six years.

He began his managerial career at Welling United from 2003 to 2005 and took the hot-seat at Forest Green Rovers after his time with the Potters. Pennock returned to the Priestfield Stadium as manager 14 years after his spell as a Gillingham player in 2017.

One of his finest career highlights was undoubtedly being named captain for the play-off final in 2000 which saw the Gills promoted to the Football League First Division for the first time in their history.

The 47-year-old was also in the books of Bournemouth from 1992 to 1996 where he became a regular for the Cherries.

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/dpmm-fc-appoint-stoke-citys-former-coach-adrian-pennock-2/

Singapore Cup Preview: History-seekers DPMM out to ruin perfect Albirex

SINGAPORE, 4 OCT 2018 – Albirex Niigata FC (S) are looking for an unprecedented fourth straight RHB Singapore Cup triumph when they take on Brunei DPMM FC on Saturday evening at Jalan Besar Stadium.

BACKGROUND The White Swans have won the Cup three times in a row and look set to retain the title, especially after going through the entire season unbeaten in all competitions.

However, DPMM Head Coach Rene Weber is calling on his squad to create history themselves by winning their first Singapore Cup.

“The opponents haven’t lost any games; they are three-time champions of the Cup but this is football, anything can happen,” Weber said.

“We can respect the opponents but that means we have to play harder than them — that’s respect.”

At the other camp, Albirex Head Coach Kazuaki Yoshinaga is refusing to take anything for granted despite his side’s unblemished record, noting that their opponents are enjoying a good run of form.

“We do not think of any past records,” he said. “For us, what we achieved in the past remains in the past. Our players and ourselves will give our best.

“DPMM have been unbeaten for ten games and Rene Weber is a very good coach for DPMM. He has helped to improve a lot of players there but we will prepare well and try to win.”

TEAM NEWSDPMM will have a largely full squad to choose from. Albirex will miss Taku Morinaga due to suspension, while Shuhei Hoshino is available for selection after returning from injury.

FORM GUIDE
Albirex: WWWDW
DPMM: WWWDD

PREVIOUS MEETINGS
07/08/18: DPMM 1-3 Albirex – Singapore Premier League
03/06/18: Albirex 5-0 DPMM – Singapore Premier League
14/04/18: Albirex 2-0 DPMM – Singapore Premier League
16/09/17: DPMM 0-1 Albirex – Singapore Premier League
16/06/17: Albirex 4-0 DPMM – Singapore Premier League

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR
Shuhei Hoshino – Albirex
With second top-scorer Morinaga out, club top scorer Hoshino is expected to return to the line-up. The striker will be looking for that one goal to take his overall tally to 20.

Shah Razen Said – DPMM
Leading by example from the front is Shah Razen Said. He may not have scored as many goals as he would have liked this season, but he is still a threat with his masterful dribbling and direct runs.

WHAT ELSE THEY SAID
Albirex head coach Yoshinaga: “Our players showed their mental strength and other strengths to win their last game, we have one more game and we want the players to give their best and win the final.

“Although there are no local clubs in the final, but we always considered ourselves a local club and we have a lot of Singaporean supporters. We will fight hard for the supporters to win the final.”

DPMM head coach Rene Weber: “We hope to win the final and write our history into the books.

“Three days to recover before a match is tough, but it is tough for Albirex too. We must believe in more of our ability, and I hope to see that on Saturday.

“We want to forget about the last game. It’s not impossible for us to win on Saturday.”

Get your tickets for the game at fas.org.sg/tickets and watch Albirex clash with DPMM atfas.org.sg/live2!

http://www.fas.org.sg/competitions/singapore-cup-preview-history-seekers-dpmm-out-ruin-perfect-albirex/