PFF respects Brunei's decision

 

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, March 24, 2013

THE Philippines Football Federation (PFF) have said it "respects" Brunei's decision to pull out of the ongoing Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup Group E qualifiers in Manila.

Brunei surprised the Asian football community when it withdrew from the four-team; qualifiers in the Philippine capital on Tuesday, citing "unavoidable circumstances" for the decision.

Though the choice has largely been met with rebuke by Filipino media, and the AFC has stated it is looking at possible suspensions and fines, PFF's general secretary insists there are no hard feelings about the 11th hour decision.

"It is unfortunate that our football friends from Brunei are no longer participating in the tournament," said Atty Edwin Gastanes in an e-mail to The Brunei Times on Friday.

"We will surely miss Brunei and we hope to be able to play with them someday.

"It would've been exciting to have all the teams in Group E complete in all the matches.

"PFF has left no stones unturned to make their stay in the Philippines pleasant and memorable.

"The Philippines Azkals and Filipino fans were really looking forward to playing against them on the first match day. The PFF in the end respects the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam's decision to withdraw from the competition," he added.

Brunei only informed the Philippines of their withdrawal a day before they were set to face the hosts in Friday's tournament-opener, a move which came as something of a shock to Gastanes.

"They even asked for early arrival and the Philippines as hosts obliged and made arrangements," Gastanes was quoted as saying on GMA News Online.

Brunei have found the Philippines to be equal punching partners in the past, with the two countries playing out a 1-1 draw during the 2008 Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup qualifiers in Cambodia and hosts Philippines taking a 1-0 win at the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers .

Two-time Challenge Cup finalists Turkmenistan proved they are the team to beat in this week's Group E qualifiers at the Rizal Memorial Stadium after blasting past Cambodia 7-0 in Friday's opener.

The hosts take on Cambodia today, with the last game pitting Turkmenistan against the Philippines in a winner-takes-all scenario on Tuesday.

Brunei were to play the Philippines on Friday, Turkmenistan today and Cambodia on Tuesday with AFC awarding 3-0 wins to all of Brunei's opponents.

The 20-team qualifiers are divided into four groups of five, with the group winners and two best runners-up advancing to next year's tournament proper in the Maldives.

The Brunei Times

'Brunei will be punished'

Lawyer Edwin Gastanes of the Philippine Football Federation announces the withdrawal of Brunei from the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers for Group E during a news conference on Thursday in Manila, Philippines. Picture: AP

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, March 23, 2013

BRUNEI will be punished for their last-minute withdrawal from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup Group E qualifiers in Manila.

Citing "unavoidable circumstances," the Sultanate pulled out of the March 22-26 tournament on Tuesday, informed AFC on Wednesday and the Philippines Football Federations (PFF) on Thursday.

In an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday, AFC said that the body is investigating the matter.

"We will definitely take action and we are currently looking into it," said an AFC spokesperson in a telephone interview yesterday.

"We received the official letter regarding the withdrawal on Wednesday, and in the letter, it was stated that Brunei regrets it is unable to participate in the upcoming AFC Challenge Cup Group E qualifiers due to unavoidable circumstances.

"We have received calls from countries, especially from the Philippines following the event.

"There will be changes in the overall qualification process which is very complicated," added the spokesperson who is based at the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

The Sultanate were to play hosts Philippines yesterday, Turkmenistan tomorrow and Cambodia on Tuesday.

Brunei's withdrawal has created complications in the overall qualification process, particularly in the computations for the slots allotted for the two best runners-up in all the five group qualifiers.

However, AFC have decided to award 3-0 wins to all of Brunei's opponents which will no doubt affect the country's FIFA rankings.

Turkmenistan raised the curtains with a 7-0 whipping of Cambodia yesterday, with the next match pitting Cambodia against the Philippines tomorrow. The last game will see Turkmenistan face the Philippines on Tuesday.

The 20-team qualifiers are divided into four groups of five, with the group winners and two best runners-up advancing to next year's tournament proper in the Maldives.

The AFC Challenge Cup Maldives 2014 regulations also make for some more bad news for Brunei, who will be forced to sit the next edition out as well as pay fines.

The AFC Challenge Cup Maldives 2014 regulations' Section 3:20 (c) states that "a participating member association (that) withdraws after entering or does not report for a match at any stage of the competition will be disqualified from taking part in the next edition of the competition."

AFC Executive Committee may extend the suspension depending on the gravity of the situation and/or damages.

The regulation book goes on to explain that AFC only make exceptions in cases of force majeure or superior force (events such as earthquakes, floods and hurricanes) recognised by the AFC Competitions Committee.

Section 3:20 (c) also states that the participating member association is required to pay compensation for any and all damages or losses suffered by the other participating member associations, the AFC and AFC's commercial and TV partner(s) in case of withdrawal.

They will be referred to the AFC Disciplinary Committee for additional sanctions and fines depending on the gravity of the situation, then to AFC Executive Committee for final decision.

The amount of compensation will be determined by the AFC Executive Committee.

They will also be required to return to the AFC any financial stipends that had been paid to them by AFC throughout the competition or forfeit the right to the same.

The Brunei Times

PFF confirms Brunei exit

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, March 22, 2013

THE Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has confirmed that Brunei have pulled out of the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers yesterday.

It was reported by GMA News Online that the PFF was only notified by the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) through the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) match commissioners at noon yesterday.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports had confirmed with The Brunei Times on Tuesday that the Sultanate will not be at the four-team tournament citing 'unavoidable circumstances'.

The withdrawal of the Wasps was a disappointment and a surprise to everyone.

"They even asked for early arrival and the Philippines as hosts obliged and made arrangements," Atty Edwin Gatanes, PFF General Secretary, was quoted as saying.

"It's not what we wanted to happen. They have not explained to us why they took that decision," added Ebong Joson, spokesman for the PFF.

Michael Weiss, the national coach of the Philippines football team, said he could not understand the situation which would force Brunei a 'serious football nation' to pull out just one day before kickoff.

"(Their withdrawal) affects more than just our group, we can only shake our heads," said Weiss.

The other two teams Cambodia and Turkmenistan are unfazed by the withdrawal of Brunei.

They remain focused on their aim which is to qualify for the tournament proper in Maldives next year.

Cambodia head coach Prak Sovannara felt that Brunei's withdrawal does not affect their preparation while Turkmenistan's coach Yazguly Hojageldyyew said that they are just focused on their target to qualify.

Brunei were suppose to open their campaign today against the hosts in Group E action at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The Azkals now have two extra days to prepare for their first game against Cambodia on Sunday followed by Turkmenistan two days later.

"That is two extra days for our Europe-based players to adjust to the heat," added Weiss.

Turkmenistan are favourites to top the group having been in the final of the AFC Challenge Cup twice before.

They have had months of training in preparations for the qualifiers as opposed to the Philippines, who have only had five to six days of training together along with a couple of mini camps in the past month.

A total of 19 teams excluding Brunei are separated into five groups vying for eight slots in Maldives.

The group winners and top two second-place finishers together with the hosts will fight for top honours.

The Brunei Times

No Brunei at Manila's AFC Challenge Cup

Jason Thomas

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

BRUNEI will play no part in this week's Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup Group E qualifiers in Manila.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports yesterday confirmed with The Brunei Times that the Sultanate will not be at the four-team tournament at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, news which is sure to come as a disappointment to local football fans.

"Due to unavoidable circumstances, Brunei Darussalam is unable to participate in the upcoming AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers scheduled to be held in the Philippines from March 22-26," said the ministry's permanent secretary Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid Hj Mohd Jaafar.

Brunei were set to face hosts Philippines in their first match on Friday, taking on Turkmenistan on Sunday before ending with Cambodia next Tuesday.

Twenty teams were slated to compete the in four-team, five-group qualifiers which are to be hosted in venues across the region.

The group winners and two best second-placed finishers advance to the AFC Challenge Cup to be held in Maldives next year.

The AFC Challenge Cup is the counterpart of the Asian Cup and is a biennial event for emerging footballing countries in Asia.

The winners of the Challenge Cup North Korea in the last two instances automatically qualify for the next Asian Cup in 2015 in Australia.

The Brunei Times

Brunei set for AFC qualifiers

Shahrazen Said (L) challenges for the ball against Cambodia's Say Piseth during their Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup qualifiers in Myanmar in October. Brunei will face Cambodia in their Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup Group E qualifier next Tuesday, hosts Philippines on Friday and Turkmenistan on Sunday. Picture: BT file

Jason Thomas

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

BRUNEI will take on hosts Philippines in their first match of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup Group E qualifiers on Friday.

The Sultanate meet Turkmenistan on Sunday before closing the curtains against Cambodia next Tuesday.

Brunei's last two games against the Philippines ended in a draw and a loss, but the hosts have already termed themselves the favourites for the tie at the Rizal Memorial Stadium with one online portal brazenly predicting a 5-0 win for the Azkals.

Though the Philippines advanced to the 2012 Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup semi-finals, where they were beaten 1-0 in a two-legged tie against eventual champions Singapore, their past record against Brunei suggests there is harldy anything separating the two sides in 2008 at least.

The two countries played out a 1-1 draw during the 2008 AFF Suzuki Cup qualifiers in Cambodia, with hosts Philippines taking a 1-0 win when they met in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers the same year.

Turkmenistan will enter the Philippine capital as favourites, the Central Asian nation finishing as runners-up during the previous Challenge Cup last March.

While Turkmenistan might be a relatively unknown opponent, the same can't be said of Cambodia who Brunei met at last year's AFF Suzuki qualifiers in Myanmar.

The country's last international tournament, Brunei beat the Cambodians 3-2 in Yangon, with the previous meeting between the two sides ending in a 2-1 win for Cambodia when they hosted the 2008 AFF Suzuki Cup qualifiers.

It is understood the national team are set to leave tomorrow, with the majority of the squad to be made up of DPMM FC players with coach Vjeran Simunic serving as bench boss once again.

Simunic was at the helm of the national team when they travelled to Cambodia for the 2008 edition of the AFF Suzuki Cup qualifiers, where the country failed to make the grade with one win, one draw and two losses.

Only the top-two teams from the five-team series in the AFF Suzuki Cup qualifiers progress to the tournament-proper, unlike in the AFC Challenge Cup.

The AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers have 20 teams divided into five teams battling it out, with the winners and two best second-placed finishers advancing to the competition which will be held in Maldives next year.

The AFC Challenge Cup is the counterpart of the Asian Cup and is a biennial event meant for emerging footballing countries in Asia.

The winners of the Challenge Cup will automatically qualify for the next Asian Cup in 2015 in Australia. North Korea won the last two AFC Challenge Cup titles and are now playing in the Asian Cup qualifiers.

The Brunei Times

Indera SC: Azwan not joining DPMM FC

Indera FC's Azwan Ali Rahman (R) about to kick the ball during the DST Super League ender against the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) on March 10. Picture: BT/Saiful Omar

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

INDERA Sports Club (SC) president Pg Anak Hj Mohd Yassin Pg Anak Safiuddin has dismissed reports claiming that Azwan Ali Rahman is joining the country's only professional football club, DPMM FC.

DPMM FC reported on their website on Sunday that they have acquired the services of the midfielder, who led the DST Super League in scoring last season, from the newly-crowned champions.

However, Indera's president yesterday took the step of responding directly to the claim by branding the report as false.

Calls to Azwan and DPMM FC team manager Ali Hj Momin were not answered as of press time, but Pg Anak Hj Mohd Yassin was more than willing to talk to The Brunei Times

"It is not true. Azwan is not joining DPMM FC," said the president in an interview yesterday.

"As the president of the club I can tell you that Azwan is still an Indera player.

"He is our best player and he is very talented. Why would we want to let him go?

"He was the top scorer in the league and he is very important to us.

"Whatever (the) circumstances are, we will not let Azwan go.

"I have spoken to our manager (Rosdin Hj Abdul Aziz) about it and ... DPMM FC have not approached us to sign our player.

"I have talked to the kid (Azwan) recently, and he never told me anything about leaving the club.

"Azwan and another Indera player, Hamizan Abdul Aziz, are currently training with DPMM FC but that is only because they are preparing for this week's qualifying stage of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup in the Philippines," he added.

Azwan scored a staggering 17 goals in eight appearances with Indera in the first edition of the DST Super League, and his astonishing goal tally earned him the award for top-scorer during the DST Super League prize presentation ceremony at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on Thursday.

The midfielder became a hero after scoring Indera's only goal in their dramatic 1-0 victory over the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) in the final day of the season on March 10 to help the club to finish as champions above MS ABDB on goal difference.

Azwan was a part of the national squad at the ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup 2012 qualifiers in Myanmar in October, and he also featured in the national Under-21 team that won the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) in March the same year where he stood out against the best regional teams with his strong play in the middle of the park.

His pace, creativity and ability to play between the lines of midfield would definitely add more creativity to the club, so adding Azwan in the team would automatically be an improvement for DPMM FC.

If the move goes through, Azwan will join former HBT teammates Adi Said (striker), Md Hendra Azam Md Idris (midfielder), Md Najib Hj Tarif (midfielder) and Md Fakhrul Zulhazmi Yussof (goalkeeper) who officially signed for DPMM FC in April.

Defender Reduan Hj Petara was also roped in from the HBT team but has since made a return to Indera. 

 

The Brunei Times

MS ABDB Football Team Emerged As runner Up

MS ABDB FOOTBALL TEAM EMERGED AS RUNNER UP

BERAKAS, Sunday 10 March 2013 - The prize presentation ceremony for the DST Super League was held at the National Stadium in Berakas.  MS ABDB football team emerged as runner-up after their thrilling match last Sunday evening which ended Indera Sporting Club winning by 1-0.

Present as the guest of honour was the Permenant Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports, YM Dato Paduka Awg Haji Abdul Hamid.  MS ABDB won the second prize with $7000 cash prize and a trophy with medals for team members.

 

Penyampaian hadiah Liga Super Brunei-DST 2012/2013

• Oleh:  Abu Bakar Haji Abdul Rahman
• Friday, 15 March 2013 06:05

PEMANGKU Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif DST Sdn. Bhd., Awang Suhaimi bin Haji (Foto: Abu Bakar Haji Abdul Rahman)

 

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Khamis, 14 Mac. - Pasukan Indera Sport Club (SC) muncul juara Liga Super Brunei-DST 2012/2013 apabila memenangi perlawanan terakhir liga dengan menumpaskan pasukan yang sebelumnya mengekalkan kemenangan iaitu pasukan Majlis Sukan Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei (MS ABDB) dengan jaringan 1-0 pada 10 Mac lepas.

Sehubungan itu petang tadi diadakan Majlis Penyampaian Hadiah bagi kejohanan tersebut termasuk penjaring terbanyak yang diadakan di Stadium Negara Hassanal Bolkiah, Berakas.

Hadir menyempurnakan penyampaian Piala Liga Super Brunei DST 2012/2013 tersebut ialah Pemangku Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif DST, Suhaimi bin Awang Haji Hussain kepada Pengurus Pasukan Indera SC, Awang Rosdin bin Haji Abd. Aziz.

Juara menerima medal, piala iringan dan wang tunai $10,000.00 yang disampaikan oleh Setiausaha Tetap Kementerian Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mohd. Hamid bin Haji Mohd. Jaafar.

Manakala naib juara MS ABDB menerima medal, piala iringan dan wang tunai berjumlah $7,000.00 yang disampaikan oleh Timbalan Presiden NFABD, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Indera Sugara Brigedier Jeneral (B) Dato Paduka Haji Md. Yussof bin Abu Bakar.

Menerima hadiah selaku penjaring terbanyak diberikan kepada pemain Indera SC, Mohd. Azwan bin Ali Rahman dan menerima hadiah Fair Play Team diberikan kepada pasukan LLRC FC.

Juga menerima hadiah ialah pasukan-pasukan yang menjuarai Liga Kebangsaan DST 2011/2012 terdiri pasukan LLRC wakil Kumpulan 'A', QAF FC dari Kumpulan 'B', pasukan Indera SC mewakili Kumpulan 'C' dan Majra United mewakili Kumpulan 'D'.

Champion Indera SC receive Cup

Posted date: March 15, 2013 In: Sports

|     Jake Ten     |

INDERA SC received their dues yesterday after being made to wait four days to lay their hands on the 2013 DST Super League Challenge Cup following their 1-0 victory over MS ABDB in the ultimate game of the season on Sunday.

During a prize presentation at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, DST Super League champions, Indera SC, were presented with Brunei football’s most coveted trophy and the $10,000 cash prize by Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mohd Jaafar, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and Suhaimi bin Awang Hj Hussein, Acting Chief Executive Officer of DST.

Champion Indera SC receiving the Challenge Trophy. – PHOTOS: JAKE TEN

Champion of DST Super League Indera SC with Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Hamid and other officials

The newly-elected Vice- President of the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD), Pehin Datu Indera Sugara Brigadier General (B) Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Yusof bin Abu Bakar, was also in attendance to present the league’s runners-up, MS ABDB, with their trophy, medals and $7,000 cash prize.

Mohd Azwan bin Ali Rahman received the Golden Boot after finding the back of the net 16 times in nine outings, whilst the Fair Play Award went to LLRC FT.

The DST National League 2012 group winners also received trophies for their efforts in gaining entry to Brunei’s elite league, with the managers of LLRC FT (Group A), QAF FC (Group B), Indera SC (Group C) and Majra United FC (Group D) all on hand to collect their rewards.

Following the prize presentation ceremony, DST released a statement saying: “DST is proud to be given the chance to be part of the DST National Football League and has been a major supporter to the national football scene such as DPMM FC in the Singapore League, DST National Championship Veteran Football President Cup and FA Cup and Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy 2012.”

Indera SC take home the hardware

The Indera Sports Club football team posing with their trophies and medals after being crowned champions of the DST Super League yesterday at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.Picture: Courtesy of Elix 

 

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, March 15, 2013

BANDAR Seri Begawan may have been in the midst of a downpour but nothing could rain on the parade of Indera Sports Club who received their trophies and medals after being crowned champions of the inaugural DST Super League yesterday at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas

Indera claimed the title after a dramatic 1-0 win over the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) on the final day of the season on Sunday.

Both teams finished the league tied on points but Indera's superior goal difference was enough to land them their first league title since their formation 30 years ago.

"I am very happy of course, this is my first national league title. I played for MS ABDB from 2004 to 2008 and I never won any league title with them. I am very grateful and I would like to thank the management and my teammates for their efforts and contribution," said Indera captain Muhammad Khayrun Salleh.

"As a captain, my job is to make sure the players are doing their jobs on the field. All of us were told what to do by our coaches in the dressing room before the game. All I needed to do was to motivate them and keep them focused throughout the game," he told The Brunei Times.

Muhammad Khayrun was a key figure for his team throughout the course of the season, chipping in three goals for the newly crowned champions.

Asked who their toughest opponent in the league were, the captain replied: "No doubt it was MS ABDB, I pulled my hamstring during the game. They made us work very hard. I am very glad that we won the game."

He was instrumental in the final, playing in an unusually deep position in the middle of the field to help his team win possession in midfield.

"My teammate (midfielder Mohd Sahrin Momin) was suspended for the final so the coach and management made a few changes for the game," said the 27-year-old.

"In the first-half MS ABDB played very well. But we slowly regained composure and controlled the second-half," he added.

Indera midfielder Azwan Ali Rahman also took home the individual award as the league's top goal scorer.

His 82nd minute goal against MS ABDB at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium on Sunday was his 17th of the season.

"I feel very happy to win this award (the league top goal scorer). But I am happier that we won the title," said Azwan.

"To finish the season as the top goal scorer was never in my plans. But it just happened. I would like to thank all my teammates and the coaches for helping and guiding me throughout the season."

Asked how he still managed to get more goals than anyone in the league despite playing in midfield, Azwan said: "I always try to look for empty spaces, and you also need to time your run perfectly and take the chances."

Indera brought home the DST Super League challenge trophy, championship trophy and a cash prize of $10,000.

Second placed MS ABDB walked away with their respective trophy and a cash prize of $7000.

Indera also took home the DST National Fooball League trophy after finishing top in Group C.

The National Football League came to a close in June.

Liang Lumut Recreational Club Football Team (FT) won Group A, QAF FC topped Group B while Majra FC came first in Group D.

The fair play award went to LLRC FT.

Present as the guest of honour to award the championship trophy and the cash prize was Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid Hj Mohd Jaafar.

The challenge trophy was handed to Indera by DST's Acting CEO, Suhaimi Hj Awg Hussain.

National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam deputy president Pehin Datu Indera Sugara Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Hj Mohammad Yusof Abu Bakar was also present on the occasion.

The Brunei Times

MS ABDB - DST SUPER LEAGUE RUNNER UP

Najip FC's season to forget

A Najip FC player (white) looks on after falling during a recent DST Super League match against Indera SC. Najip ended the season without a point to their name.Picture: BT file

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

THROUGHOUT the history of football in the Sultanate, there have been good teams and there have been teams that make fans wonder how they ever made it into the national league.

Some teams have all the luck, and some... Well, they don't seem to have any luck at all.

Finishing at the bottom of the DST Super League without a point to their name, Najip FC scored only 11 goals and conceded an astonishing 76 in nine league matches.

They also set a record for the worst loss, falling 20-1 to newly crowned champions Indera Sports Club on January 26 at the Balapan Track & Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.

Can Najip turn their fortunes around when the DST Super League starts next season?

In a recent interview with The Brunei Times, team manager Najip Hj Moktal emphasised that the club is still alive and kicking.

"It is not the end of Najip as we are going to come back stronger next season," he said.

"What we are lacking in this tournament is experience. All the teams that competed in this league are well established teams and they have been around for so long," he said.

Established in 2009, Najip earned a promotion to the DST Super League after finishing second behind Liang Lumut Recreational Club Football Team (LLRC FT) in the DST National Football League in June, in which they recorded 15 points after five wins, one loss and one draw.

The manager is also hoping that a deeper and a younger squad will be better able to handle injuries in the future.

"We hope to retain some of the players that we have. But most likely I will make some changes in the squad and we will start to look for new players for next season soon,"continued Najip, who is also the team's head coach.

"If you look at all of our games, our players can play and they have the talent.

"They are as good as the other teams in the league, the only thing lacking is the mentality.

"Every time we went a goal down, the mood of the players started to go down... They started to panic.

"But maybe this was also because of the absence of several senior players due to injuries," he added.

Indera pipped the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) to the DST Super League title after nicking a 1-0 win at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium on Sunday.

Both teams finished the league tied on 22 points but Indera's superior goal difference was enough to land them their first league title since their formation 30 years ago.

The Brunei Times

MS ABDB vow to come back stronger

A Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) player (C) in action against an Indera Sports Club player during the DST Super League match on Sunday at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.Picture: BT/Saiful Omar

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

ROYAL Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council's (MS ABDB) manager Major Azaman Hj Husin has backed his players to bounce back from the agony of seeing the DST Super League title wrenched from their grasp by Indera Sports Club last Sunday.

Indera's midfielder Azwan Ali Rahman scored a 82nd minute goal to snatch the title away from MS ABDB at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas, the 1-0 result the soldiers' only loss of the season.

Both teams finished the league tied on 22 points but Indera's superior goal difference was enough to land them their first league title since their formation 30 years ago.

While Major Azaman was understandably disappointed after a dramatic end to the season, he believes his team will come back stronger.

"We were fantastic throughout the season and the players worked very hard," he said in an interview with The Brunei Times last night.

"We will definitely learn something from this and I am very sure the players will come back better and (more) prepared next season," said Major Azaman, adding that the team is planning to get some new players.

Major Azaman reflected on the suffering that was the final day of the season, with the title switching destinations throughout a dramatic night.

"I am very frustrated of course. We had to take out Bayu (striker Mohd Mazazizi Mazlan) at the start of the second-half. He was injured and couldn't continue," explained the manager. "I think that was the moment that changed the whole game. We were under pressure (and) I have to admit they (Indera) played the best football in the second-half."

The army men, who clinched their first title of the season after defeating Indera 1-0 in the DST FA Cup final in December, did all they could in pursuit of the double this season.

They could have gone in front in the first half when Mohd Isa Hj Bahar sent a glancing header just over the bar, before Mohd Mazazizi's shot was brilliantly saved by Indera's goalkeeper Ak Omar Nur Aqamaddin Pg Hj Sallehuddin.

MS ABDB's Ak Mohd Safri Pg Hj Othman looked to have given his side the lead when he netted from close range following a scramble in front of goal in the 43rd minute, but his effort was disallowed for offside. But the decisive intervention was to come from Indera when Azwan made a wonderful run down the left flank to latch onto a through pass from Hamizan Aziz Sulaiman before dribbling past two defenders and slotting the ball at the near post.

"We knew that Indera were going to attack us in the second-half and it became worse with Bayu's injury. Whether you like it or not, you got to defend So I made a number of changes in the second half by bringing in some players to balance out the game. But unfortunately, Indera got their goal," Major Azaman said.

The Brunei Times

Indera juara Liga Super

Oleh Hasrulraizan

Para pemain Indera SC meraikan kejayaan sejurus selepas pengadil meniup wisel penamat di Stadium Negara Hassanal Bolkiah.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 10 Mac - Indera SC mengesahkan kejuaraan Liga Super DST-Brunei 2012/2013 apabila menangi tipis 1-0 ke atas MS ABDB dalam perlawanan penutup tirai kempen liga berkenaan bagi musim ini, di Stadium Negara Hassanal Bolkiah malam ini.

Mohammad Azwan Ali Rahman mencetak gol ke-16nya musim ini pada minit ke-82 perlawanan ketika berjaya berlari memecah masuk kubu pertahanan MS ABDB bagi menerima hantaran leret ke depan rakannya, Hamizan Aziz Sulaiman, untuk hanya berdepan dengan Soldadu Mohd Tarmizi Haji Mat Johari di gawang MS ABDB.

Jaringan keramat itu bukan saja memberikan MS ABDB kekalahan pertamanya dalam Liga Super DST-Brunei 2012/2013 ini tetapi turut menghadiahkan gelaran Juara Liga Super kepada Indera SC.

Indera SC hanya sekadar bertahan di babak pertama dengan format 4-5-1, yang diteruskan ke babak kedua sehinggalah 20 minit terakhir perlawanan apabila berubah kepada 4-4-2, yang nyatanya membuahkan hasil, walaupun jaringan gol hanya hadir lapan minit sebelum berakhirnya perlawanan sengit berkenaan.

Mohammad Azwan boleh saja mencetak gol ke-17nya musim ini menerusi tendangan terakhir perlawanan iaitu tendangan percuma pada minit ke-4 masa kecederaan, betul-betul di depan Petak D MS ABDB, namun bola tendangannya yang menuju jaring atas kanan gawang MS ABDB berjaya ditepis keluar Soldadu Mohd Tarmizi

Liga Super DST-Brunei 2012/2013 berakhir dengan Indera SC dan MS ABDB mengutip mata yang sama, 22 mata, hasil daripada 7 kemenangan, 1 seri dan 1 kalah, namun Indera SC mempunyai kelebihan perbezaan jaringan iaitu +33 (45 gol dan 12 bolos) berbanding hanya +23 (30 gol dan 7 bolos) bagi MS ABDB.

Walaupun sudah sah bergelar "Juara Pertama" Liga Super DST-Brunei, penyampaian Piala Rebutan Liga Super DST-Brunei 2012/2013 belum lagi dilangsungkan. Majlis Penyampaian Hadiah akan diadakan pada satu tarikh yang akan diumumkan kemudian oleh pihak NFABD.

Indera SC menang 1-0 ke atas MS ABDB

• Oleh:  Abu Bakar Haji Abdul Rahman
• Monday, 11 March 2013 07:22

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Ahad, 10 Mac. - Pasukan Majlis Sukan Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei (MS ABDB) terpaksa menerima hakikat untuk berputih mata apabila tumpas di tangan pasukan Indera Sport Club (SC) pada perlawanan akhir Liga Super Brunei-DST malam tadi di Stadium Negara Hassanal Bolkiah, Berakas di sini.

Kekalahan 1-0 tersebut cukup pahit untuk ditelan oleh MS ABDB apabila sepanjang perlawanan pasukan ini tidak pernah mengalami kekalahan.

Malah bagi pasukan Indera SC kemenangan ini merupakan satu kejayaan dan penebus kekecewaan yang lalu apabila tumpas dalam perlawanan akhir Liga FA yang lalu kepada pasukan yang sama juga dengan jaringan yang tipis.

Pengurus pasukan Indera SC, Rosdin bin Haji Abd. Aziz menyifatkan kemenangan tersebut merupakan hadiah berharga di atas jerih payah pasukan mereka yang bermain dengan baik bersama komitmen serta kerjasama padu.

"Merasa tertekan dengan kedudukan yang masih seimbang di mana pasukan lawan cuma memerlukan seri untuk menjadi juara mereka (Indera SC) telah merubah rentak perlahan kepada pantas sekali gus kombinasi awal 4, 5, 1 ditukar kepada 4, 4, 2," ujar Rosdin.

Rombakan 20 minit terakhir tersebut ternyata berhasil apabila Md. Azwan berjaya menjaringkan gol kemenangan saat perlawanan berbaki tujuh minit untuk tamat melalui gerakan sebelah kiri dengan rembatan leret yang gagal ditepis oleh Soldadu Md. Tarmizi.

Namun sebelumnya perlawanan lebih berpihak kepada pasukan tentera apabila sering kali melakukan serangan dan percubaan bahaya bermula daripada separuh masa pertama hingga pertengahan masa kedua.

"Dengan tekad untuk menang akhirnya hajat tersebut terkabul," ujar Md. Azwan sejurus selesai perlawanan.

Beliau yang merupakan penjaring terbanyak liga menyatakan, 'final' malam ini amat penting bagi dirinya apatah apabila berhadapan dengan pasukan abangnya sendiri.

Menurutnya sifat hormat kepada abang sememangnya ada tetapi apabila berada di dalam padang beliau mempunyai prinsip sendiri iaitu lawan tetap lawan.

Dengan berakhirnya perlawanan malam tadi maka berakhirlah Liga Super bagi musim ini dengan pasukan Indera SC muncul sebagai juara dengan mencatat sejarah pertama dalam kejohanan yang dianjurkan oleh NFABD.

Indera SC Win Super League Title

Monday, 11 March 2013 07:57

Jake Ten

Indera SC players celebrating after the win over MS ABDB

Bandar Seri Begawan - Indera SC pipped MS ABDB to the DST Super League title after nicking a 1-0 win at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium last night.

MS ABDB went into the game leading their opponents by three points, and a draw would have sufficed to secure the title, but it was clear that the then league leaders wanted to end the season on a high.

It was the soldiers that were doing most of the attacking in the first half, controlling possession and keeping Indera SC pinned into their own half, with seemingly nowhere to go.

Pvt (U) Mohd Isa bin Hj Bahar sent a glancing header just over the bar, before Pvt (U) Mohd Mazazizi bin Mazlan's shot under pressure was tipped around the post by Ak Omar Nur Aqammadin Pg Hj Sallehuddin.
Lcpl Ak Mohd Safri bin Pg Hj Othman looked to have given his side the lead when he hammered home after Indera SC failed to clear their lines from a free-kick, but his premature celebrations were brought to an end as the linesman's flag denied MS ABDB the lead.

Indera SC, with nothing less than a win acceptable, came out of the traps after the break, and almost forced an opening when Azwan bin Ali Rahman's ball into the box was latched onto by Muhd Nur Ikwan bin Othman, whose cross-cum-shot forced Pvt Mohd Tarmizi bin Hj Mat Johari to parry, before clearing the danger at the second time of asking.

Azwan was looking threatening from dead-ball situations, and MS ABDB escaped another close shave as the midfielder's free-kick was almost turned into his own net by Pvt Hj Mohd Yusof bin Hj Matyassin, who was counting his lucky stars as the ball cannoned out off the cross bar.

It was perhaps fitting then that the league's top scorer landed the fatal blow, as lone-striker Hamizan Aziz bin Sulaiman spotted Azwan's run, whose first time shot forced its way through Pvt Mohd Tarmizi and into the back of the MS ABDB net in the 82nd minute.

MS ABDB threw more men forward in search of an equaliser, but the fact that they failed to do so was a testament to Indera SC's patience and resilience.

Despite being deadlocked on 22 points, Indera's superior goal difference was enough to bring them their first league title since their formation 30 years ago.

"It was a balanced game in the first half," opined Indera SC Head Coach, Hj Omar Hj Md Jamil after last night's title decider.

"We were playing on the counter. We played five men in midfield because we knew that they (MS ABDB) had better stamina than us, so with only one striker, we were relying on our midfielders to create the goals," he added.

"Of course I am very happy. It's our first league title in 30 years!"

It was a double joy for match winner, Azwan bin Ali Rahman, whose 16 goals in the league earned the dynamic midfielder the golden boot.

"Today was a lot different from our first game. We followed the coach's strategy. He asked us to contain them in the first half, and then in the second half, we changed our approach to the game a bit, played the ball down the left wing, the right wing and down the centre in an attempt to win," explained Azwan.

"We were always confident of winning, as long as we stuck to our game plan," he added.

There was no prize presentation after the game, with the trophy itself and cash prize set to be presented to the respective teams at a later date, which is yet to be confirmed by the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam.
--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

---

Indera SC capture title

Indera Sports Club players celebrating their title victory in the DST Super League at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas last night.Picture: BT/Saiful Omar

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Monday, March 11, 2013

INDERA Sports Club have left it to the final day of the DST Super League to secure their first major title in 30 years by defeating fierce rival Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) 1-0 at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas last night.

"I am very happy. I don't know how to describe it but this is the first trophy for Indera in 30 years," said Indera SC coach Hj Omar Hj Md Jamil in an interview with The Brunei Times . "It was a balanced game. Both teams were very cautious and both teams were looking for the opportunity to counter attack. We put five midfielders to match them (MS ABDB) tonight. They have a very good stamina in the game."It was sweet revenge for Indera, stealing the title on the last day of the season after losing to the armymen in the final of the DST FA Cup in December.

The situation for Indera at the start of the day was simple; win and they clinch the title, lose or draw, MS ABDB will go home with the title.

Midfielder Azwan Ali Rahman scored in the 82nd minutes to hand Indera the three points they needed to win the title on goal difference

The ball was in the midfield for much of the first half, during which neither side were able to make their mark on the match.

MS ABDB were the first to create the real goal scoring chance in the game when Mohd Mazazizi Mazlan made a shot just outside the penalty box, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Indera's goalkeeper Ak Omar Nur Aqamaddin Pg Hj Sallehuddin. The army men also had their goal disallowed in the 43rd minutes for an offside.

Being the better side in the first-half MS ABDB continued to pass the ball fluidly and create space with their through passes.

But Indera were slowly getting into the rhythm, captain Muhammad Khayrun Salleh was invaluable for the team as he helped win the ball in midfield playing in an unusually deep position in the middle of the park.

Then came the moment that would define an incredible final night for Indera. Azwan made a wonderful run down the left flank to latch onto a through pass from Hamizan Sulaiman. He then dribbled past two defenders before slotting the ball at the near post.

Azwan, the league top scorer with 17 goals, acknowledge his teammates' contribution in the title victory.

"I am very proud of my teammates. They were great throughout the season. It was a team effort. MS ABDB is a very strong team. They have good stamina. We got the job done in the first-half by not conceding. We went out very confident in the second-half. I am very happy," said Azwan.

 

The Brunei Times

DST SUPER LEAGUE FINAL STANDING

GROUP RESULT DST SUPER LEAGUE

TOP SCORERS

DST SUPER LEAGUE TOP SCORERS

MS ABDB vs INDERA SC MATCH FACT

DST SUPER LEAGUE 2012-2013

MATCH NO 44

Match Report:-

The match held on Sunday 10th March 2013, 8.15pm @ SNHB, BSB

The first eleven : Tarmizi (GK), Khairuddin, Safari, Hj Yusof, Affendy (C), Azizi (Zairol), Khairul Mee, Ak Safri, Budiman, Mazazizi (Hardi), Mohd Isa (Ikhmal)

Subs: Suhandi (GK), Azhar, Haizul Rani, Ikhmal, Hazmi, Zairol,  Hardi

Half Time Score: MS ABDB (0) vs INDERA SC (0)

Full Time Score: MS ABDB (0) vs INDERA SC (1)


Yellow card: Azizi

Red card: None

MS ABDB Man of the Match : Tarmizi

DST SUPER LEAGUE 2012-2013 RESULT

Tarikh	Hari	Match No.	Perlawanan	Masa	Tempat	Keputusan
10 / 03 / 2013	Ahad	44	MS ABDB vs INDERA SC	8.15 pm	SNHB	0 - 1

QAF FC Whip Najib FC 9-2

Sunday, 10 March 2013 09:43

Jake Ten

Bandar Seri Begawan - QAF FC ensured Najip FC ended the season without recording a single point after thumping the DST Super League cellar-dwellers 9-2 at the Belapan Track and Field Complex last night.

Skipper Riwandi bin Wahit opened the scoring for QAF FC in the 4th minute after reacting fastest to poor clearance from a Najip FC defender off the back of a free-kick.

Muhd Hafis bin Mahari quickly doubled their advantage after beating the offside trap and firing an accurate shot across the Najip FC goalkeeper.

Micky Anak Gindi scored a third for QAF FC in the 16th minute, with a double-digit scoreline looking like a safe bet.

Muhd Hafis bin Mahari rounded the keeper and slotted into an empty net for the fourth, before a clever chip from Riwandi bin Wahit, the captain's second of the night, made it 5-0 in QAF FC's favour.

Muhd Hafis bin Mahari completed his hat-trick with a cool finish after leaving the Najip FC defenders in his wake, but the goal gluttony lost momentum in the second half

Mardi Mirza bin Abdullah Bujang's header in the 58th minute piled the misery on fort Najip FC, but the whipping boys would capitalize on two defensive errors in quick succession to notch up two consolatory goals of their own, courtesy of Mohd Asril bin Kubu and Norfaez bin Awang Sayang in the 67th and 71st minute respectively.

Mohd Hardiani bin Metussin rose highest to meet a Riwandi bin Wahit cross for QAF's eighth goal of the night, before Mardi Mirza unselfishly allowed Hardi Anak Bujang to get his name on the score sheet in injury time.

The DST Super League is set to draw to a close today, when the top two clubs in the competition, MS ABDB and Indera SC, will battle it out in the league's title-deciding fixture at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

QAF FC end season on fourth with Najip FC win

Micky Gandi (L) of QAF FC and Md Adinoorfahizan (R) of Najip FC in action during their DST Super League match last night at the Balapan Track and Field at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.Picture: BT/Yusri Adanan 

 

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, March 10, 2013

QAF FC closed their DST Super League campaign with a 9-2 thrashing of Najip FC at the Balapan Track and Field at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas last night.

QAF end the season at fourth, replacing the Royal Brunei Police Forces Sports Council (MS PDB) with 16 points.

Najip, meanwhile, end their season without point to their name.

Rooted to the bottom of the table, Najip have conceded 76 goals and managed only 11 goals in nine matches.

"It was a very frustrating season for us," admitted Najip manager Mohd Najip Hj Moktal in an interview with The Brunei Times after the game.

"We didn't even get a draw in the game... But that is football.

"But I'm still very proud of my players for completing all the games this season. We faced a lot of problem this season especially with injuries," he added.

It took only four minutes for QAF FC to score their first goal, captain Riwandi Wahit netting from inside the penalty box after a great through ball from midfield.

Muhammad Hafiz Mahari doubled their lead four minutes later and Micky Anak Gandi made a brilliantly effort from the left before lashing his shot to defeat Najip's goalkeeper Mohd Faez Hj Hashim.

Muhammad Hafiz scored his second in the 29th minute and completed his hat-trick in the 34th minute, two minutes after Riwandi scored his second of the night.

Najip fought back in the second-half when Muhd Asril Kubu pounced on a poor clearance before smashing the ball home past QAF's goalkeeper Junaidi Akim.

Norfaez Awang Sayang made it 7-2 just four minutes later scoring from a goal mouth scramble.

However, QAF would add another two goals when Mohd Hardiani Metussin and Hardi Bujang scored in the 89th and 90th minutes respectively.

"It was a poor second-half for us," said QAF's manager Rahim Hj Daud.

"We need to improve for next season but QAF will always know where they stand in the league."

Asked whether he will keep all the players for next season, he replied: "Yes and no"

"We will see how it goes. However since this is our last game, I would like to thank all the players," he added.

Indera Sports Club take on the Royal Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) in tonight's last game of the season, a title-decider at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.

Three points behind MS ABDB but with a better goal difference, only all three points will hand Indera the title tonight.

The match starts at 8:15pm.

The Brunei Times

DST SUPER LEAGUE STANDING - LATEST

DST SUPER LEAGUE 2012-2013 RESULT

Tarikh	Hari	Match No.	Perlawanan	Masa	Tempat	Keputusan
09 / 03 / 2013	Sabtu	37	QAF FC vs NAJIP FC	8.15 pm	KBP	9 - 2

DST SUPER LEAGUE 2012-2013 FIXTURE

Tarikh	Hari	Match No.	Perlawanan	Masa	Tempat
10 / 03 / 2013	Ahad	44	MS ABDB vs INDERA SC	8.15 pm	SNHB

Indera SC Battle MS ABDB for Inaugural DST Super League Crown

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (6 March 2013) – The inaugural 2013 DST Super League crown will be decided this Sunday which will see the top two teams in the league currently – Indera SC and MS ABDB – clashing for the overall title.

Indera SC, who have been playing catch-up all season long, closed in within three points of league leaders MS ABDB following their 3-1 win over Royal Brunei Police Forces Sports Council (MS PDB) last night.

And Indera will be gunning for nothing less than a win over MS ABDB where a win will ensure them the title based on their better goal difference. After eight matches in the league, Indera have picked up 19 points from six wins and one draw.

“We will fight for the entire 90 minutes. We will fight for a win. Both (Indera and MS ABDB) are the best attacking teams in the country. I am expecting a tough game and I think MS ABDB will go out to win the game too,” said Rosdin Hj Abdul Aziz, the team manager for Indera SC.

Needing a win against MP PDB to ensure their chance for the crown this year, Indera SC opened account through the league’s top scorer Azwan Ali Rahman’s 18th minute strike from outside the penalty box.

With the score at 1-0 at the half, Indera SC struck home their second goal of the game at the hour mark off defender Reduan Petara’s header as Mohd Hamizan Abdul Aziz then added the third goal two minutes later.
 
MS PDB then pulled a goal back from captain Rosmini Abdul Kahar four minutes to the end.

In the meantime, MS ABDB maintained their position at the top of the league table with a 5-1 thrashing of Kilanas FC in a game played earlier.

The goals for MS ABDB were scored by SLD Budiman (1^st, 47^th and 58th minute), SLD Md Hazmi Zolkipli (30^th minute), Mohd Safri Othman (77th minute).

Kilanas’ only goal in the game came off Mohd Nor Hidayatullah Zaini in the 24th minute.


BRUNEI DST SUPER LEAGUE 2013 CURRENT STANDINGS 

No	CLUBS	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	MS ABDB	8	7	1	0	30	6	+24	22
2	INDERA SC	8	6	1	1	44	12	+32	19
3	MAJRA UNITED FC	9	5	4	0	21	12	+9	19
4	MS PDB	9	4	1	4	23	18	+5	13
5	QAF FC	8	4	1	3	16	15	+1	13
6	LLRC FT	9	4	1	4	19	21	-2	13
7	WIJAYA FC	9	3	1	5	21	23	-2	10
8	JERUDONG FC	9	2	3	4	19	17	+2	9
9	KILANAS FC	9	1	1	7	19	30	-11	4
10	NAJIP FC	8	0	0	8	9	67	-58	0