Majra United FC players celebrate after scoring a goal during a
recent DST Super League match. Majra will play QAF FC in their
season-ender tonight.Picture: BT file
Saturday, March 2, 2013
MAJRA United FC know that only a win against QAF FC in their
season-ender tonight will secure them a top-three finish in the DST
Super League.
Majra, who like leaders Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) are the only two undefeated teams in the league, are optimistic they can keep their record intact when they take on the multi-titled QAF at the Balapan Track & Field at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.
Though they trail Indera Sports Club on goal-difference, QAF and the Royal Brunei Police Force Sports Council (MS PDB) are both just three points away with the former also enjoying one game in hand.
"Only a win will guarantee us a top-three finish, which was always our target for the season," insisted Majra assistant manager Hj Mahaddi Hj Mat Zain yesterday.
"I will have to remind the players to be confident and take their chances.
"QAF are what I'd like to call an experienced team... An established team.
"Our players can't be over-confident though. They should just do what they've been doing all season," added Hj Mahaddi, referring to their undefeated record.
The 2011 DST Group Brunei League Cup champions will be without central midfielder Mohd Syarafuddin Ahmad who will sit tonight's game out with a knee injury.
Joining Mohd Syarafuddin is Mohammad Faisal Hashim though Hj Mahaddi hopes the striker will be able to recover from an ankle injury in time for the tie.
Centre back Mohd Hanafizal Helman Hanafiah and left winger Mohd Ikmal Hakim Hj Mohd Yunos will sit the game out due to suspension.
QAF also have suspension problems, with captain Riwandi Wahit's second yellow card of the season a big blow to his team.
"It is important to have Riwandi around since he's our captain," noted QAF manager Rahim Hj Daud yesterday.
"I've talked to the organisers (National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam) about making it (suspensions) set to three yellow cards because the season is only nine games long and the possibility of a player picking up two yellow cards is high.
"This is a crucial game for both sides, especially Majra who will be looking to finish third.
"They'll give all they can to make sure they finish third, but we also have a shot at a top-three finish.
"We have had a very good record against Majra in the past, but the league this year has been strange. A lot of upsets, but that's football," he laughed.
Once considered one of the most dominant teams in the Sultanate, QAF have found it hard to replicate their form this season after an exodus of players.
Rahim said that the team decided not to set any target this season because of the departure of six players, instead opting to use the year as a learning experience and focus on their next campaign.
"We lost six first team players at the start of the season, which is why we didn't want to set a target," said the manager.
"Now we know where we stand without those players. Next year we know what to do," he promised.
MS ABDB face Kilanas tomorrow while the last game of the week will see Wijaya FC take on Najip FC.
The Brunei Times
Majra, who like leaders Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) are the only two undefeated teams in the league, are optimistic they can keep their record intact when they take on the multi-titled QAF at the Balapan Track & Field at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.
Though they trail Indera Sports Club on goal-difference, QAF and the Royal Brunei Police Force Sports Council (MS PDB) are both just three points away with the former also enjoying one game in hand.
"Only a win will guarantee us a top-three finish, which was always our target for the season," insisted Majra assistant manager Hj Mahaddi Hj Mat Zain yesterday.
"I will have to remind the players to be confident and take their chances.
"QAF are what I'd like to call an experienced team... An established team.
"Our players can't be over-confident though. They should just do what they've been doing all season," added Hj Mahaddi, referring to their undefeated record.
The 2011 DST Group Brunei League Cup champions will be without central midfielder Mohd Syarafuddin Ahmad who will sit tonight's game out with a knee injury.
Joining Mohd Syarafuddin is Mohammad Faisal Hashim though Hj Mahaddi hopes the striker will be able to recover from an ankle injury in time for the tie.
Centre back Mohd Hanafizal Helman Hanafiah and left winger Mohd Ikmal Hakim Hj Mohd Yunos will sit the game out due to suspension.
QAF also have suspension problems, with captain Riwandi Wahit's second yellow card of the season a big blow to his team.
"It is important to have Riwandi around since he's our captain," noted QAF manager Rahim Hj Daud yesterday.
"I've talked to the organisers (National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam) about making it (suspensions) set to three yellow cards because the season is only nine games long and the possibility of a player picking up two yellow cards is high.
"This is a crucial game for both sides, especially Majra who will be looking to finish third.
"They'll give all they can to make sure they finish third, but we also have a shot at a top-three finish.
"We have had a very good record against Majra in the past, but the league this year has been strange. A lot of upsets, but that's football," he laughed.
Once considered one of the most dominant teams in the Sultanate, QAF have found it hard to replicate their form this season after an exodus of players.
Rahim said that the team decided not to set any target this season because of the departure of six players, instead opting to use the year as a learning experience and focus on their next campaign.
"We lost six first team players at the start of the season, which is why we didn't want to set a target," said the manager.
"Now we know where we stand without those players. Next year we know what to do," he promised.
MS ABDB face Kilanas tomorrow while the last game of the week will see Wijaya FC take on Najip FC.
The Brunei Times
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