His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, The Deputy Sultan (right) receiving the S•League trophy from Rosmin Kamis, captain of DPMM FC last night at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah with other members of the Royal Family and DPMM FC team and senior officials with the S•League title

The Crown Prince celebrating the winning victory by DPMM FC

DPMM FC needed three seasons to learn their lesson from not choking in the finale of the S•League championship and what a wonderful way to win the championship on home soil. Twice they were close but lost the grip of the title and many wondered if the jinx could be broken. This was the only title that they are really hungry for and they repaid their fans with a sublime finale at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium last night.

The title was fought between DPMM FC and Tampines Rovers FC with both having crucial games at their respective home ground. The advantage was on DPMM FC side as they were hosting Balestier Khalsa, a team they failed to beat during the season twice (home and away). Hence the final game was a do-or-die match for the host and it was their title to lose, having the upper hand against their closest rival.

When looking into season, it was a wise decision to let go Tosi Rodrigo and Roberto Alvez, both who have been instrumental in DPMM FC’s good run to the S•League campaign for the past few years but they weren’t the missing puzzle. Having already established great rapport with their local fans, it was a decision (of letting them go) that wasn’t favoured by fans. To make it more interesting, Tampines Rovers FC signed the released players from DPMM FC. It would have been a tough act to swallow should Tampines Rovers FC won the title with the help of former DPMM FC players. But it wasn’t to be. It was Steve Kean’s time to shine. And surely he did with the right signings.

In came the likes of Paulo Sergio, Rafael Ramazotti and Stuart McLean, signed by Steve Kean and in him, we trust that DPMM FC have found the missing puzzle to the title equation. The former Blackburn Rovers manager won his first competitive league title (S•League) and it was a title not only for DPMM FC but for the fans who have been showing up and watching DPMM FC playing year after year.

DPMM FC celebrate their success

DPMM FC players thanking the 12th

What a joy for the players to have reached this far

My friend Rahman couldn’t believe it that DPMM FC have finally won

Adi Said embracing his team mate after the final whistle

The bench was already sporting the t-shirts in the final minutes of the game

The mexican wave

There are a few key factors why DPMM FC have been consistent throughout this season. It was a tale sign when Craig Fagan of DPMM FC was sidelined for the season and DPMM FC had to scout for a replacement and in came, Paulo Sergio from Portugal. He settled in and gelled with the team in a short span of time and his partnership with Rafael was superb. That’s one of the reasons why DPMM FC had the most team goals in the S•League with Rafael taking the honours of being top goal scorer in the league.

Another factor is the growth of Azwan Ali as a player. This is probably his best season to date. He showed much confidence on the pitch and feared no opponent with his mazy runs at any position. As he had shown last night, he caused a lot of problems for Tampines Rovers and unfortunate not have scored on a couple of occasions. He had a minor disciplinary problem in the middle of the season and he grew from that and focused on his game. Definitely one of the stars for DPMM FC this season.

The final factor from my point of view is the depth of the squad. Steve Kean may find this a solution or even causing some minor headaches when it comes to selection process. In the end, it all paid off. The rotation policy worked and everyone was chipping in their efforts. Rosmin “Bobby” Kamis, the captain talisman for DPMM FC, had a lot of bench time in the beginning of the season and eventually won his place back in the starting line-up. Kudos to Steve Kean in managing the mood in the dressing room to keep the players motivated and with a single intention of winning trophies.

I won’t talk so much about the match last night but I want to single out one player and that is Paulo Sergio. He gave a different dimension to DPMM FC and it was pretty hard to mark him as well. His first goal may have been a fluke but the other two goals showed that he is also sharp in the box. He could have scored more than just a hat trick but that would be asking too much of a player who has contributed so much in the match alone. He was even generous, gifting a goal to Rafael late in the game to make it 4-0. I was worried when he was touching his calf earlier in the first half but he lasted the whole game with his match winning performance.

Another notable mention is Wardun Yussof in goal. He has always aimed for a clean sheet in every match. Even though the team is winning by a big margin, a clean sheet is his main aim. Last night, when the defenders failed to contain the Balistier’s strikers, Wardun was up to the task. He thwarted at least a few goal bound attempts to relieve of the fans. I’m pretty sure there’s a few years left in him. What a solid display from him in goals!!

All in all, a wonderful season to cap off for DPMM FC and well done to the management of DPMM FC who have worked tremendously well throughout the campaign.

Paul Sergio was spectacular last night. I hope he stays for a few good season for DPMM FC.

Fans going crazy during the goal celebration

Around 23,000 fans showed up last night. Amazing!!

A dejected defender after Rafa scored the 4th goal late in the game

Sairol hugging his team mate Azwan during the substitution late in the game

It’s the wrong trophy but yeah, that’s the spirit from a DPMM FC fan

DPMM FC doing the country proud

FREE ADMISSION tonight

The final tier round hasn’t been smooth sailing for DPMM FC. Having a six point cushion at one stage and losing two home games, DPMM FC have themselves to blame for the major slip but they can bounce back and make their final home match count against Balestier Khalsa FC tonight at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium.

The back-to-back home defeats have piled pressure on DPMM FC and the two week break was much needed for DPMM FC to get back on the drawing board and learn from their mistakes. I do hope that the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup qualifiers won’t have a draining impact on the players as most of the DPMM FC players were being featured for the qualifiers and they only have two days rest before continuing the S•League match.

DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean felt that it won’t be a disadvantage for DPMM FC players (after returning from a taxing AFF Suzuki Cup qualifiers) who will go up against a crucial tie against Balestier Khalsa in the remaining fixtures of the S•League. He shared that most of the young players were being featured and it shouldn’t be a problem especially to the senior players when they play tonight at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium.

The only player that might be doubtful is Shahrazen Said who nursing a slight hamstring strain but Kean is happy to have Rodrigo Tosi returned after serving his suspension which will give more attacking options for DPMM FC. The imports have been training on their own when the local players were in the AFF competition.

Kean felt that the points on board more important and if DPMM FC can win all their remaining fixtures, the S•League title will be DPMM FC’s first. Currently Warriors FC are leading by four points though DPMM FC have two games in hand. Hence it’s vital that DPMM FC get all three points tonight and put pressure on title contenders Warriors FC.

It’s sad news for Tampines Rovers as their title defence came to an end two nights ago when they lost to Warriors FC. The result meant that there will be a new champion in the S•League and it will be a two horse race between Warriors FC and DPMM FC. Albirex Niigata FC (S) still have a mathematical chance of winning unless Warriors lose their last game of the season.

Do catch DPMM FC tonight against Balestier Khalsa FC and the match entrance is FREE. Do spread the news.

Steve Kean being interviewed by the press

A customary part of training to work as a team

The standing so far