Ko Po Hui
info@sleague.com
He was one of the most colourful characters ever to be involved in the S.League, becoming very much the public face of Bruneian side DPMM FC when they first entered the S.League in 2009.
Loud and brash on the field and off it, Vjeran Simunic grabbed headlines with a peppering of acts and quotes that sometimes bordered on the outrageous, and at one point he seemed all set to steer DPMM to the S.League trophy in their maiden year.
The chance to become the first foreign team to claim the title, however, was lost when Brunei was handed an international football ban by FIFA, the world governing body of the sport, for government interference in the operation of the Brunei Amateur Football Association (BAFA).
Two years later, that issue has been resolved, with BAFA now reformed under the name National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam, clearing the way for FIFA to lift the ban – and for DPMM to apply for a return to the S.League.
That created an opportunity for Simunic to return to the club as its coach for a second time, something which had always been on the cards even when he had left following DPMM’s enforced exit from the Singapore scene.
“I made a promise to the Crown Prince of Brunei that I will come back to complete the unfinished business – to revive DPMM and Bruneian football,” he said in a recent interview with sleague.com.
Pg Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah, eldest son of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, is incidentally also the chairman of DPMM, the only professional football team in Brunei.
Simunic candidly shared his thoughts what happened since 2009, a significant year for the oil-rich sultanate in terms of football.
The Bruneians, initially assumed to be nothing more than outsiders for the title, took the league by storm with their tough and uncompromising play that tore to shreds a long-standing image of the country being whipping boys of ASEAN football.
Under the former NK Zagreb goalkeeper, DPMM claimed the accolade of being the first foreign side to lift a trophy in Singapore’s professional football scene, beating powerhouse outfit SAFFC in the League Cup final that June on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The achievement sparked off wild celebrations in Bandar Seri Begawan, when the team flew home and were greeted by an ecstatic reception from adoring fans at the airport.
The euphoria proved short-lived at the end of September due to the FIFA ban, and despite appeals from the Football Association of Singapore to let DPMM complete their campaign, Simunic and his charges were forced to forfeit their remaining five league games and had all previous records in the league expunged.
Only in May 2011 was that ban lifted, which allowed football life to resume in Brunei, and while the domestic scene was quickly revived, much of the attention was on getting DPMM up and playing overseas again.
That was secured earlier this month when FAS confirmed the return of the Wasps, as they are commonly known, at a ceremony at the Singapore Sports School, coinciding with Pg Muda Al-Muhtadee’s four-day state visit of Singapore.
But two years’ worth of stagnation has made the task tough for the coming season, according to Simunic.
Not only have some of the hardier players like Sallehuddin Damit and Rene Komar moved on, the lack of serious football for more than 20 months means the likes of Rosmin Kamis, Shahrazen Said and Azwan Salleh will find themselves propping up a team in need of new talent.
This, even as the S.League continues to see several teams like Home United and Tampines Rovers grow from strength to strength.
“It’s much tougher now compared to 2009,” commented the 55-year-old.
“The last two years saw the S.League improving in terms of standard of play. Meanwhile Bruneian football is lagging behind because of the ban.
“One of the priorities for me now is to groom a core of local players that would complement the foreign players we signed, which I think is crucial if the team’s to perform well.”
One of the signings for DPMM this season is Ivan Jerkovic, who was first introduced to the S.League scene in the colours of the Bruneian outfit after playing for Indonesia’s Pelita Jaya.
Jerkovic moved to SAFFC following DPMM’s expulsion from the S.League, but decided to reunite with his fellow Croatian after two years of fine service for the Warriors.
Other foreigners who will pull on the red and black jersey include Brazilians Rodrigo Gral and Tales dos Santos, as well as 22-year-old Ghanaian forward Osman Bashiru, who once played for Israeli outfit Hapoel Petah Tikva.
By far the most important foreigner in the team, however, is the coach, who has been keeping himself busy in Southeast Asia and waiting for the chance to return to Brunei.
“I am pleased with what I have seen so far since we began our training three months ago,” said Simunic.
“And all this would not have been made possible if not for Ho Chi Minh City FC, who allowed me to exercise the release clause stipulated in my initial two-year contract with them.”
The Vietnamese First Division club had agreed on the clause in 2010, when Simunic signed to become their coach.
Under that clause, he would be free to go back to DPMM if and when they should return to the S.League.
That it has now happened is welcome news for FAS advisor Assoc Prof Ho Peng Kee, who commented at the contract signing ceremony that the presence of DPMM is ‘pivotal’.
“The return of DPMM to the S.League provides a platform for local teams to play in front of a crowd of 10,000 in Bandar Seri Begawan,” said Assoc Prof Ho, who acknowledged the opportunity would be hard to find here in Singapore without a stadium of similar size.
“It serves as part of an ecosystem to allow Singaporean players to play, week in and week out. And through football, it also helps to foster the relationship between Brunei and Singapore.”
DPMM are already in the final stages of their pre-season preparations, having beaten Thai outfit Chiangrai United 2-1 in their first friendly spar recently.
Their opening S.League game will see them host reigning champions Tampines Rovers in front of what is expected to be a bumper crowd at the 30,000-seater Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium.
DPMM had never beaten Tampines in the S.League in 2009, having lost once and drawn twice with the Stags, so Simunic would appreciate the difficulty of facing Steven Tan’s hungry charges.
With some unfinished business to settle, though, the Croatian will be eager to announce his return in his typical dramatic way.
S-league
29 January 2012
HBT squad to be finalised on Wednesday
Jason Thomas
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Sunday, January 29, 2012
THE country's 18-man squad for the Feb 25-March 9 Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) will be made public in a matter of days.
A total of 25 players have been training for the competition since August, and with a record 11 teams involved, organisers are spending nearly $1.7 million to make sure the tournament runs smoothly.
Gearing up to be the biggest football event the country has organised in years, the Sultanate's team list for the biennial competition for Under-21 teams in the region has been a closely guarded secret.
Not for long though.
"The 18-player list will be out by Feb 1 (Wednesday)," said the team's manager Hj Feisal Hj Eusoff yesterday.
"We are hoping for full support from the media, public and all concerned parties to make the HBT a success," added Hj Feisal during an informal meeting with the Press.
Also present at the meeting at the Conference Room of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas were head coach Kwon Oh-son and his assistant Hj Mohd Rosanan Abdullah Samak.
Hosted biennially by Brunei, the competition for ASEAN countries which all member nations plus Timor Leste have confirmed their participation allows each team to bring five overage players, though only three can be fielded in each match.
It is understood Kwon has already picked four such players striker Adi Said, defender Reduan Hj Petara as well as midfielders Mohd Hendra Azam Mohd Idris and Mohd Najib Hj Tarif all of whom saw action for the Sultanate at last November's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Jakarta.
This year is the first time the tournament includes overage players, with the previous three meets in 2002, 2005 and 2007 strictly limited to Under-21 players.
The aim of yesterday's meeting was to find ways to promote the HBT which is the brainchild of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, who desired that an Under-21 football tournament be organised with the aim of increasing friendship and understanding between Southeast Asian youth through sports.
His Majesty is expected to grace the opening ceremony while His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, is slated to officiate at the closing ceremony.
Though all 11 countries have confirmed their entries, as of Tuesday the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) were still waiting for Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia to finalise their 18-player list.
Three of the country's biggest stadiums, all in Berakas, will play host to the two-week football extravaganza. Apart from the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, the Berakas Sports Complex and Balapan Track & Field at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex will also be used.
Though the tournament has been hosted in Brunei three times, the Sultanate has yet to reach the semi-finals.
Two-time champions Thailand return to Brunei as the HBT's reigning champions.
They won the tournament by edging Myanmar 5-4 on penalties the last time the event was contested in 2007 and also beat Myanmar to lift the 2005 edition of the trophy.
Indonesia won the inaugural competition in 2002.The Brunei Times
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Sunday, January 29, 2012
THE country's 18-man squad for the Feb 25-March 9 Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) will be made public in a matter of days.
A total of 25 players have been training for the competition since August, and with a record 11 teams involved, organisers are spending nearly $1.7 million to make sure the tournament runs smoothly.
Gearing up to be the biggest football event the country has organised in years, the Sultanate's team list for the biennial competition for Under-21 teams in the region has been a closely guarded secret.
Not for long though.
"The 18-player list will be out by Feb 1 (Wednesday)," said the team's manager Hj Feisal Hj Eusoff yesterday.
"We are hoping for full support from the media, public and all concerned parties to make the HBT a success," added Hj Feisal during an informal meeting with the Press.
Also present at the meeting at the Conference Room of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas were head coach Kwon Oh-son and his assistant Hj Mohd Rosanan Abdullah Samak.
Hosted biennially by Brunei, the competition for ASEAN countries which all member nations plus Timor Leste have confirmed their participation allows each team to bring five overage players, though only three can be fielded in each match.
It is understood Kwon has already picked four such players striker Adi Said, defender Reduan Hj Petara as well as midfielders Mohd Hendra Azam Mohd Idris and Mohd Najib Hj Tarif all of whom saw action for the Sultanate at last November's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Jakarta.
This year is the first time the tournament includes overage players, with the previous three meets in 2002, 2005 and 2007 strictly limited to Under-21 players.
The aim of yesterday's meeting was to find ways to promote the HBT which is the brainchild of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, who desired that an Under-21 football tournament be organised with the aim of increasing friendship and understanding between Southeast Asian youth through sports.
His Majesty is expected to grace the opening ceremony while His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, is slated to officiate at the closing ceremony.
Though all 11 countries have confirmed their entries, as of Tuesday the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) were still waiting for Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia to finalise their 18-player list.
Three of the country's biggest stadiums, all in Berakas, will play host to the two-week football extravaganza. Apart from the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, the Berakas Sports Complex and Balapan Track & Field at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex will also be used.
Though the tournament has been hosted in Brunei three times, the Sultanate has yet to reach the semi-finals.
Two-time champions Thailand return to Brunei as the HBT's reigning champions.
They won the tournament by edging Myanmar 5-4 on penalties the last time the event was contested in 2007 and also beat Myanmar to lift the 2005 edition of the trophy.
Indonesia won the inaugural competition in 2002.The Brunei Times
28 January 2012
NFABD welcomes KL's 'M-League idea'
Jason Thomas
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Saturday, January 28, 2012
THE National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) is open to the idea of sending a team to participate in the Malaysia League (M-League) in the future.
Malaysia's Minister of Youth and Sports, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, told Malaysian news agency Bernama on Thursday that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and NFABD could create a mechanism towards Brunei's participation.
Brunei played in the M-League (then known as the Semi-Pro League) from 1989 to 1993 and won the 1999 Malaysia Cup by shocking Sarawak 2-1 at the Merdeka Stadium the country's defining moment in football and a match which still lives on in the memories of many local football fans.
Though the national team pulled out of the M-League in 2008, Brunei in the form of DPMM FC proved to be a revelation in their debut Singapore League (S-League) campaign in 2009 by clinching the Singapore League Cup.
DPMM FC are in the final stages of preparation for the 2012 S-League season which kicks off next month but there has been no talk about Brunei sending a team to participate in either the top-flight Malaysian Super League or Malaysian Premier League.
Singapore and Malaysia already have a strong interest in each other's football leagues so it wouldn't be too much to ask to see Brunei in the fray.
Harimau Muda (Malaysian Under-23 team) are playing in this season's S-League and the Young Lions (Singaporean Under-23 team) in this season's M-League, a move which has attracted an encouraging response from fans of both nations and one which would no doubt have the same feedback if Brunei is allowed the opportunity to follow suit.
Speaking on the possibility of being represented in the M-League, an NFABD official said that though the FAM has yet to approach them, the doors to their office in NFABD House would always be open.
"So far there hasn't been any approach yet (but) anything is possible," said the official.
"Each case is to be looked at separately based on its merit.
"Our focus is on our own local league (DST-National Football League) but of course participation overseas is also important for experience and exposure," said the official.
The official went on to cite Brunei's participation at next month's Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy and last year's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games as prime examples of such overseas tournaments.
NFABD was also optimistic about the idea of a proposed Southeast Asian (Asean) Super League when the Asean Football Federation (AFF) revealed it had appointed a sub-committee to look into its viability last June.
"Whatever the AFF organises, as much as we can we will try to be involved and participate. The AFF organises a lot of tournaments and gives its members the opportunity to host them," an NFABD official then said.
"Brunei like to participate, but again, it depends on our capability ... (and) the conditions. It depends on how the tournament is organised, for example. If the invite comes to us early ... If we think it is worth it for us to participate, we will," added the official.
Ahmad Shabery speaking on the sidelines of a golf friendly with the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club in the Malaysian capital told Bernama that cooperation in sports not only involves government to government, but also between sports associations of both countries.
Pehin Dato Hj Hazair said his visit would help strengthen ties between the two ministries after signing a memorandum of understanding in Brunei last year.
"We have identified several areas in youth and sports that could be developed and expanded to strengthen our ties," Pehin Dato Hj Hazair told Bernama.
The visit was a reciprocation of the one that Ahmad Shabery paid to Brunei in July, where the countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on youth and sports.
One of the areas which the two countries agreed to work on was exchange of expertise, and though it was their first MoU in the field, excellent cooperation between the two countries has always been a hallmark of the nations' relationship.The Brunei Times
.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Saturday, January 28, 2012
THE National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) is open to the idea of sending a team to participate in the Malaysia League (M-League) in the future.
Malaysia's Minister of Youth and Sports, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, told Malaysian news agency Bernama on Thursday that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and NFABD could create a mechanism towards Brunei's participation.
Brunei played in the M-League (then known as the Semi-Pro League) from 1989 to 1993 and won the 1999 Malaysia Cup by shocking Sarawak 2-1 at the Merdeka Stadium the country's defining moment in football and a match which still lives on in the memories of many local football fans.
Though the national team pulled out of the M-League in 2008, Brunei in the form of DPMM FC proved to be a revelation in their debut Singapore League (S-League) campaign in 2009 by clinching the Singapore League Cup.
DPMM FC are in the final stages of preparation for the 2012 S-League season which kicks off next month but there has been no talk about Brunei sending a team to participate in either the top-flight Malaysian Super League or Malaysian Premier League.
Singapore and Malaysia already have a strong interest in each other's football leagues so it wouldn't be too much to ask to see Brunei in the fray.
Harimau Muda (Malaysian Under-23 team) are playing in this season's S-League and the Young Lions (Singaporean Under-23 team) in this season's M-League, a move which has attracted an encouraging response from fans of both nations and one which would no doubt have the same feedback if Brunei is allowed the opportunity to follow suit.
Speaking on the possibility of being represented in the M-League, an NFABD official said that though the FAM has yet to approach them, the doors to their office in NFABD House would always be open.
"So far there hasn't been any approach yet (but) anything is possible," said the official.
"Each case is to be looked at separately based on its merit.
"Our focus is on our own local league (DST-National Football League) but of course participation overseas is also important for experience and exposure," said the official.
The official went on to cite Brunei's participation at next month's Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy and last year's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games as prime examples of such overseas tournaments.
NFABD was also optimistic about the idea of a proposed Southeast Asian (Asean) Super League when the Asean Football Federation (AFF) revealed it had appointed a sub-committee to look into its viability last June.
"Whatever the AFF organises, as much as we can we will try to be involved and participate. The AFF organises a lot of tournaments and gives its members the opportunity to host them," an NFABD official then said.
"Brunei like to participate, but again, it depends on our capability ... (and) the conditions. It depends on how the tournament is organised, for example. If the invite comes to us early ... If we think it is worth it for us to participate, we will," added the official.
Ahmad Shabery speaking on the sidelines of a golf friendly with the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club in the Malaysian capital told Bernama that cooperation in sports not only involves government to government, but also between sports associations of both countries.
Pehin Dato Hj Hazair said his visit would help strengthen ties between the two ministries after signing a memorandum of understanding in Brunei last year.
"We have identified several areas in youth and sports that could be developed and expanded to strengthen our ties," Pehin Dato Hj Hazair told Bernama.
The visit was a reciprocation of the one that Ahmad Shabery paid to Brunei in July, where the countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on youth and sports.
One of the areas which the two countries agreed to work on was exchange of expertise, and though it was their first MoU in the field, excellent cooperation between the two countries has always been a hallmark of the nations' relationship.The Brunei Times
.
Tough draw: To cry or not to cry ...
Jason Thomas
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Saturday, January 28, 2012
VJERAN Simunic (pic) doesn't know if he should be crying or laughing.
The DPMM FC coach was among the first in the country to hear his team would open their Singapore League (S-League) season against defending champions Tampines Rovers FC their last opponents before they were forced to leave the league in 2009 because of FIFA's suspension on the Sultanate, which has now been lifted.
The match, which might be set for Feb 9 at a venue yet to be confirmed, was announced during Thursday night's S-League season launch at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, which, according to ESPN, featured a fixture draw for the first time in the competition's 16-year history.
"Well ... We got the best of the best!" exclaimed Simunic yesterday.
"I don't know whether it's a good thing to play the strong teams first maybe sometimes it's better that way.
"We will be preparing hard this week then turn it down next week," added the Croatian who guided DPMM FC to the Singapore League Cup in 2009, making them the first foreign side to lift the trophy.
DPMM FC's first meeting with the Stags on April 3, 2009, ended in a 1-1 draw at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore while the second on July 10, 2009, saw the hosts record a 2-1 win at the same venue. The third, which was their last game before they were forced to pull out of the S-League with just four games left in their debut season, was a 2-2 draw at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on Sept 29, 2009.
Despite the results Simunic believed the team shouldn't be taking anything for granted especially since they have not played a competitive game since the 2-2 stalemate.
"During our three games against them we drew twice and lost once," Simunic pointed out.
"They have developed a lot over the years and they have really reinforced their teams with new imports.
"We go into the competition (S-League) with just one serious game, but I'm always prepared for anything," said the coach, referring to DPMM FC's biggest pre-season test, a 2-1 win over Thai Premier League side Chiangrai United FC at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium last week.
With Tampines taking to the Jalan Besar Stadium next Sunday for the Charity Shield against 2011 RHB Singapore Cup champions Home United, Simunic said the chance the curtain-raiser provided him to scout the Stags out was one not to be missed.
Tampines beat Home United to the 2011 S-League title by a single point and the clash against their rivals is shaping up to be one which S-League fans and the wily coach will not want to miss.
"Absolutely! I will need to go to Singapore to watch them play the Charity Shield first," said Simunic.
"I heard they have a new line-up and formation so it's necessary for me to see them. Then I will have a clearer understanding of their strengths.
"I don't know when our game against them will be, but I doubt it'll be on Feb 9 because they play another big game, the Charity Shield, on Feb 5 so they can ask the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) to play after that (Feb 9)."The Brunei Times
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Saturday, January 28, 2012
VJERAN Simunic (pic) doesn't know if he should be crying or laughing.
The DPMM FC coach was among the first in the country to hear his team would open their Singapore League (S-League) season against defending champions Tampines Rovers FC their last opponents before they were forced to leave the league in 2009 because of FIFA's suspension on the Sultanate, which has now been lifted.
The match, which might be set for Feb 9 at a venue yet to be confirmed, was announced during Thursday night's S-League season launch at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, which, according to ESPN, featured a fixture draw for the first time in the competition's 16-year history.
"Well ... We got the best of the best!" exclaimed Simunic yesterday.
"I don't know whether it's a good thing to play the strong teams first maybe sometimes it's better that way.
"We will be preparing hard this week then turn it down next week," added the Croatian who guided DPMM FC to the Singapore League Cup in 2009, making them the first foreign side to lift the trophy.
DPMM FC's first meeting with the Stags on April 3, 2009, ended in a 1-1 draw at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore while the second on July 10, 2009, saw the hosts record a 2-1 win at the same venue. The third, which was their last game before they were forced to pull out of the S-League with just four games left in their debut season, was a 2-2 draw at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on Sept 29, 2009.
Despite the results Simunic believed the team shouldn't be taking anything for granted especially since they have not played a competitive game since the 2-2 stalemate.
"During our three games against them we drew twice and lost once," Simunic pointed out.
"They have developed a lot over the years and they have really reinforced their teams with new imports.
"We go into the competition (S-League) with just one serious game, but I'm always prepared for anything," said the coach, referring to DPMM FC's biggest pre-season test, a 2-1 win over Thai Premier League side Chiangrai United FC at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium last week.
With Tampines taking to the Jalan Besar Stadium next Sunday for the Charity Shield against 2011 RHB Singapore Cup champions Home United, Simunic said the chance the curtain-raiser provided him to scout the Stags out was one not to be missed.
Tampines beat Home United to the 2011 S-League title by a single point and the clash against their rivals is shaping up to be one which S-League fans and the wily coach will not want to miss.
"Absolutely! I will need to go to Singapore to watch them play the Charity Shield first," said Simunic.
"I heard they have a new line-up and formation so it's necessary for me to see them. Then I will have a clearer understanding of their strengths.
"I don't know when our game against them will be, but I doubt it'll be on Feb 9 because they play another big game, the Charity Shield, on Feb 5 so they can ask the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) to play after that (Feb 9)."The Brunei Times
27 January 2012
DPMM FC get champs
Jason Thomas
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Friday, January 27, 2012
Bruneians to start new S-League season against defending champions Tampines Rovers
DPMM FC will start their 2012 Singapore League (S-League) season with a mouthwatering clash against defending champions Tampines Rovers on Feb 9.
The tie which will mark the 2009 Singapore League Cup champions' return to the S-League after three years is one filled with poignancy but judging from past results also promise.
DPMM FC's players and officials will no doubt remember that their last competitive game was against the same opponents, a 2-2 draw on Sept 29, 2009. It would prove to be their final S-League match because of FIFA's now lifted suspension on the country; a move which meant Brunei's only professional football club were forced out of the league in their debut season despite just having four more games to play and briefly being in contention for the title.
The complete fixture list for 2012 as well as the venues for the 13-team S-League will only be released later this week.
The Feb 9 match was announced during last night's S-League season launch at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, which, according to ESPN, featured a fixture draw for the first time in the competition's 16-year history.
Representing DPMM FC at the draw was the club's vice-chairman YAM Pg Maharaja Setia Laila Diraja Sahibul Irshad Pg Anak Hj Abdul Rahim.
With experienced players such as striker Aleksandar Duric, goalkeeper Hassan Sunny as well as midfielders Ahmad Latiff and Fahrudin Mustafic all who play for the Singapore national team it is easy to see why Tampines are a force to be reckoned with.
DPMM FC's first meeting with the Stags on April 3, 2009, ended in a 1-1 draw at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore while the second on July 10, 2009, saw the hosts record a 2-1 win at the same venue.
The S-League is played in a triple round-robin format, where each team face the other three times and the champions crowned upon completion of the third round.
Speaking to The Brunei Times after the draw, club manager Pg Waslimin PSJ Pg Hj Abd Momin didn't think DPMM FC were handed a tough draw.
"So far ... I don't think it will be a problem despite them being champions," he said in a telephone interview.
"Also, we will have a chance to watch them in action before the game," said Pg Waslimin, referring to next Sunday's Charity Shield match between Tampines and Home United.
Tampines beat Home United to the 2011 S-League title by a single point and will have a chance to stamp their authority over the reigning RHB Singapore Cup champions in the season's S-League curtain-raiser.
Football Association of Singapore (FAS) president Zainudin Nordin hoped the entry of the two foreign sides, DPMM FC and Harimau Muda (Malaysia's Under-23 national team), would attract a good response from the public.
"This fixture draw marks the start of the (season) which promises lots of excitement, especially with the two new teams, DPMM FC and Harimau Muda, which we hope will entice the fans to come down to the stadiums," Zainudin said at the season launch last night.
S-League CEO Lim Chin also said the new season was shaping up to be one for the history books.
"It is great to kick off the 2012 season with this inaugural fixture draw, and especially so with all the club chairmen present," Lim was quoted as saying on ESPN.
"Their presence today (Thursday) affirms their clubs' conviction in making the upcoming season one of the most eagerly anticipated ever."The Brunei Times
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Friday, January 27, 2012
Bruneians to start new S-League season against defending champions Tampines Rovers
DPMM FC will start their 2012 Singapore League (S-League) season with a mouthwatering clash against defending champions Tampines Rovers on Feb 9.
The tie which will mark the 2009 Singapore League Cup champions' return to the S-League after three years is one filled with poignancy but judging from past results also promise.
DPMM FC's players and officials will no doubt remember that their last competitive game was against the same opponents, a 2-2 draw on Sept 29, 2009. It would prove to be their final S-League match because of FIFA's now lifted suspension on the country; a move which meant Brunei's only professional football club were forced out of the league in their debut season despite just having four more games to play and briefly being in contention for the title.
The complete fixture list for 2012 as well as the venues for the 13-team S-League will only be released later this week.
The Feb 9 match was announced during last night's S-League season launch at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, which, according to ESPN, featured a fixture draw for the first time in the competition's 16-year history.
Representing DPMM FC at the draw was the club's vice-chairman YAM Pg Maharaja Setia Laila Diraja Sahibul Irshad Pg Anak Hj Abdul Rahim.
With experienced players such as striker Aleksandar Duric, goalkeeper Hassan Sunny as well as midfielders Ahmad Latiff and Fahrudin Mustafic all who play for the Singapore national team it is easy to see why Tampines are a force to be reckoned with.
DPMM FC's first meeting with the Stags on April 3, 2009, ended in a 1-1 draw at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore while the second on July 10, 2009, saw the hosts record a 2-1 win at the same venue.
The S-League is played in a triple round-robin format, where each team face the other three times and the champions crowned upon completion of the third round.
Speaking to The Brunei Times after the draw, club manager Pg Waslimin PSJ Pg Hj Abd Momin didn't think DPMM FC were handed a tough draw.
"So far ... I don't think it will be a problem despite them being champions," he said in a telephone interview.
"Also, we will have a chance to watch them in action before the game," said Pg Waslimin, referring to next Sunday's Charity Shield match between Tampines and Home United.
Tampines beat Home United to the 2011 S-League title by a single point and will have a chance to stamp their authority over the reigning RHB Singapore Cup champions in the season's S-League curtain-raiser.
Football Association of Singapore (FAS) president Zainudin Nordin hoped the entry of the two foreign sides, DPMM FC and Harimau Muda (Malaysia's Under-23 national team), would attract a good response from the public.
"This fixture draw marks the start of the (season) which promises lots of excitement, especially with the two new teams, DPMM FC and Harimau Muda, which we hope will entice the fans to come down to the stadiums," Zainudin said at the season launch last night.
S-League CEO Lim Chin also said the new season was shaping up to be one for the history books.
"It is great to kick off the 2012 season with this inaugural fixture draw, and especially so with all the club chairmen present," Lim was quoted as saying on ESPN.
"Their presence today (Thursday) affirms their clubs' conviction in making the upcoming season one of the most eagerly anticipated ever."The Brunei Times
Brunei could be back in M-League
KUALA LUMPUR
Friday, January 27, 2012
MALAYSIA'S Ministry of Youth and Sports has not rule out the possibility of inviting Brunei to participate in the Malaysia League again in an effort to strengthen ties between the two countries through sports.
The country's minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, said the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) could create a mechanism towards Brunei's participation.
"Cooperation in sports not only involves government to government but also between sports associations of both countries," he told reporters after taking part in a golf friendly with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club here.
Brunei played in the Malaysian League (then known as Semi-Pro League) from 1989-1993 before joining the Singapore League in 2009.
Brunei last won the Malaysia Cup in 1999 after beating Sarawak 2-1 at the Merdeka Stadium.
Ahmad Shabery said the ministry would also invite Brunei to take in the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) and the National Youth Day celebration.
Meanwhile, Pehin Dato Hj Hazair said his visit would help strengthen ties between the two ministries after signing a memorandum of understanding in Brunei last year.
"We have identified several areas in youth and sports that could be developed and expanded to strengthen our ties," said Pehin Dato Hj Hazair, who is heading a 15-member delegation to Kuala Lumpur, reciprocating a visit by Ahmad Shabery to Brunei last year.Bernama
Friday, January 27, 2012
MALAYSIA'S Ministry of Youth and Sports has not rule out the possibility of inviting Brunei to participate in the Malaysia League again in an effort to strengthen ties between the two countries through sports.
The country's minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, said the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) could create a mechanism towards Brunei's participation.
"Cooperation in sports not only involves government to government but also between sports associations of both countries," he told reporters after taking part in a golf friendly with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club here.
Brunei played in the Malaysian League (then known as Semi-Pro League) from 1989-1993 before joining the Singapore League in 2009.
Brunei last won the Malaysia Cup in 1999 after beating Sarawak 2-1 at the Merdeka Stadium.
Ahmad Shabery said the ministry would also invite Brunei to take in the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) and the National Youth Day celebration.
Meanwhile, Pehin Dato Hj Hazair said his visit would help strengthen ties between the two ministries after signing a memorandum of understanding in Brunei last year.
"We have identified several areas in youth and sports that could be developed and expanded to strengthen our ties," said Pehin Dato Hj Hazair, who is heading a 15-member delegation to Kuala Lumpur, reciprocating a visit by Ahmad Shabery to Brunei last year.Bernama
26 January 2012
DPMM FC await S-League draw
Jason Thomas
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Thursday, January 26, 2012
TODAY'S Singapore League (S-League) draw marks the next step in DPMM FC's return to the competition they were forced to leave three years ago.
FIFA's suspension on Brunei in 2009 meant the Singapore League Cup holders had to abandon their debut S-League season with only four games left.
Though fans of the Sultanate's only professional football side were left complaining about the ruling, they'll have plenty to celebrate about today when the 24-game schedule is made public.
The league is played in a triple round-robin format, where each team face the other three times and the champions crowned upon completion of the third round.
DPMM FC club manager Pg Waslimin PSJ Pg Hj Abd Momin will be in Singapore for the draw, and though the S-League has already come up with the fixtures for the Feb 9 kick-off which will see 13 teams in action, the sides do not yet know who they will play.
"The fixture has already been made, but it is only numbers ... 1 vs 2, 3 vs 4 for example," explained DPMM FC team manager Ali Hj Momin yesterday.
"We don't know which number we are so Pg Waslimin will be there to pick it," he added.
Ali also pointed out that with the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) slated for Feb 25 to March 9, the club were looking at talking to the S-League to schedule away matches during that period.
A biennial tournament for Under-21 national teams in the region, the event is the brainchild of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, who desired that an Under-21 football tournament be organised with the aim of increasing friendship and understanding between Southeast Asian youth through sports.
"The season starts on Feb 9 so there is still time for us to play at home (at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas)," said Ali.
"But during the HBT ... We are trying to negotiate with the S-League so maybe we can play away (games) during that period.
"We haven't asked them yet because we want to know what is the draw like first," added the former national player and 1999 Malaysia Cup winner.
The team manager also said that today's draw would not include Singapore Cup (RHB Cup) and League Cup matches which will be decided on at a later date.
DPMM FC are one of the two new teams in this season's league, the other being Malaysia's Harimau Muda (Malaysian Under-23 national team). The only other foreign team in the league are Albirex Niigata FC (Singapore), a satellite team of Albirex Niigata FC who source all their players from Japan.
The 2012 season was supposed to include 14 teams, but the number was cut to 13 after 2010 champions Etoile FC announced last week that they were pulling out because of financial reasons.
Etoile were a revelation in their debut season in 2010, winning not only the S-League but also the League Cup and finishing third in the RHB Cup an event which includes foreign sides.
DPMM FC have already stated their aim is a top-five finish but they know they have their work cut out for them since their last competitive game was on Sept 29, 2009 a 2-2 draw against Tampines Rovers FC in the S-League.
They played a charity game against Thai Premier League side Chiangrai United FC last Wednesday, where a 2-1 win over a side filled with imports was hailed as a tactical achievement by coach Vjeran Simunic.
But the S-League, which will run until November and test their consistency and squad depth, will prove to be a tougher task.The Brunei Times
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Thursday, January 26, 2012
TODAY'S Singapore League (S-League) draw marks the next step in DPMM FC's return to the competition they were forced to leave three years ago.
FIFA's suspension on Brunei in 2009 meant the Singapore League Cup holders had to abandon their debut S-League season with only four games left.
Though fans of the Sultanate's only professional football side were left complaining about the ruling, they'll have plenty to celebrate about today when the 24-game schedule is made public.
The league is played in a triple round-robin format, where each team face the other three times and the champions crowned upon completion of the third round.
DPMM FC club manager Pg Waslimin PSJ Pg Hj Abd Momin will be in Singapore for the draw, and though the S-League has already come up with the fixtures for the Feb 9 kick-off which will see 13 teams in action, the sides do not yet know who they will play.
"The fixture has already been made, but it is only numbers ... 1 vs 2, 3 vs 4 for example," explained DPMM FC team manager Ali Hj Momin yesterday.
"We don't know which number we are so Pg Waslimin will be there to pick it," he added.
Ali also pointed out that with the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) slated for Feb 25 to March 9, the club were looking at talking to the S-League to schedule away matches during that period.
A biennial tournament for Under-21 national teams in the region, the event is the brainchild of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, who desired that an Under-21 football tournament be organised with the aim of increasing friendship and understanding between Southeast Asian youth through sports.
"The season starts on Feb 9 so there is still time for us to play at home (at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas)," said Ali.
"But during the HBT ... We are trying to negotiate with the S-League so maybe we can play away (games) during that period.
"We haven't asked them yet because we want to know what is the draw like first," added the former national player and 1999 Malaysia Cup winner.
The team manager also said that today's draw would not include Singapore Cup (RHB Cup) and League Cup matches which will be decided on at a later date.
DPMM FC are one of the two new teams in this season's league, the other being Malaysia's Harimau Muda (Malaysian Under-23 national team). The only other foreign team in the league are Albirex Niigata FC (Singapore), a satellite team of Albirex Niigata FC who source all their players from Japan.
The 2012 season was supposed to include 14 teams, but the number was cut to 13 after 2010 champions Etoile FC announced last week that they were pulling out because of financial reasons.
Etoile were a revelation in their debut season in 2010, winning not only the S-League but also the League Cup and finishing third in the RHB Cup an event which includes foreign sides.
DPMM FC have already stated their aim is a top-five finish but they know they have their work cut out for them since their last competitive game was on Sept 29, 2009 a 2-2 draw against Tampines Rovers FC in the S-League.
They played a charity game against Thai Premier League side Chiangrai United FC last Wednesday, where a 2-1 win over a side filled with imports was hailed as a tactical achievement by coach Vjeran Simunic.
But the S-League, which will run until November and test their consistency and squad depth, will prove to be a tougher task.The Brunei Times
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