Can Indera Sports Club withstand MS ABDB's fire power? FUTSAL

Representatives from Indera Sports Club and Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) posing with the NFABD Red Bull Futsal Championship trophy during yesterday's pre-match press conference. The two teams will play each other in the final on Sunday.Picture: BT/ Jason Thomas

Jason Thomas

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, October 19, 2012

INDERA Sports Club, the only undefeated team in the tournament, are relishing the opportunity of going up against Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) in Sunday's National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) Red Bull Futsal Championship 2012 final.

Though the army men look like favourites heading into the championship decider, which kicks off at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex's Indoor Stadium, Indera believe they can pull off an upset.

"MS ABDB have the advantage since their futsal team has been around for a long time and they also train a lot," said Indera's Rosdin Hj Abdul Aziz during yesterday's pre-match press conference.

"Our team has a lot of young players, and though our preparations have been hampered by the lack of training facilities, we will try our best and won't give up.

"As for not losing so far ... I think luck has been on our side. We are a bit surprised with the undefeated record, especially since there were a lot of strong teams competing.

"I think it's down to our strategy. We also have a team of all-round players who have blended well together and have a good understanding on the court," he added.

MS ABDB's only loss came at the hands of Pega Star during their July 11 Group C encounter, but their manager is almost grateful for the 3-2 defeat, which he said forced them to rethink their future gameplan.

"Maybe the loss was because of our tactics," said Pg Muhd Mufid Pg Hj Umar Ariffin.

"Most of the teams in this tournament are experienced and have effective tactics, so we knew when we lost against Pegastar, we had to change our tactics and that's what we did during the knock-out stage.

"What we hope to prove in the final is that MS ABDB are one of the best teams in the country."

The final is set for 3pm, while the battle for third place between Arbisham FC and Kota Junior will begin at 1:30pm.

MS ABDB earlier beat Kota Junior 2-1 to move into the final, while Indera trounced Arbisham 6-3.

Organised by NFABD for the first time, the tournament kicked off in April with 40 teams playing in eight groups.

The champions will receive $3,000, a challenge trophy and an individual trophy and medals; the runner-up $2,000, a trophy and medals; while those finishing in third place will be presented with $1,000, a trophy and medals.

The Brunei Times