His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at Prime Minister’s Office and DPMM FC chairman during the doa blessing on the handover of the trophy

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at Prime Minister’s Office and DPMM FC chairman, was happy with DPMM FC’s progress so far this season. The Crown Prince showed his satisfaction over DPMM FC’s recent triumph during the Singapore League Cup where the club won its third Cup last week (after winning in 2009 and 2012).

The handover presentation took place last Monday as the Crown Prince received the trophy from DPMM FC vice-chairman YAM Pg Maharaja Setia Laila Diraja Sahibul Irshad Pg Anak Haji Abdul Rahim Pg Indera Mahkota Pg Anak (Dr) Kemaludin Al-Haj, DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean and DPMM FC manager Ali Momin.

All present during the handover was the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports and representatives from NFABD and also the sponsors of DPMM FC club and the management and players of DPMM FC at the Jerudong Mini Stadium.

Steve Kean aims at completing all three cups (Singapore League Cup, Singapore League and the Singapore Cup). For your info, Singapore League leaders DPMM FC are also in the semi-finals of the Singapore Cup.

DPMM FC will be taking on Hougang United FC this Sunday at 8pm at Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium. Let’s hope of them to extend their lead at the S•League. The visitors have proven to be a hard team to beat and unpredictable as well.

The handover of the Singapore League Cup over to the Crown Prince

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, The Crown Prince was all smiles last Monday

Also in attendance were the representatives from the Ministry, NFABD and sponsors

Group photo with the Crown Prince

Representatives of some of the sponsors during the handover

DPMM FC players witnessing the handover

Sairol with the trophy

 

Wardun Yussof the hero with his team mates after the victory. Image courtesy of Wardun

Both sides couldn’t defeat one another. Another two draws (home and away) in the S•League, this was more like a decider of who are the better of the two. Geylang International FC are not pushovers and they have improved from last season and they even made it to the semi-finals of the Singapore League Cup. But they can only be one winner since it’s a play-off tournament.

After a stalemate match that went on for 120 minutes, there was no other choice than the lottery of the penalty shootout. This then became the battle of the goalkeepers with Wardun Yussof the important key player for DPMM FC. He became the hero of the night thwarting two penalties from Geylang International FC, first from Leonel Felice and Hafiz Nor while Khairulnizam smashed his effort onto the crossbar.

Then Irish Joe Gamble had the less pressure of the lot as he scored the winning penalty to make it 3-0 on penalties. Roy O’Donovan and Alviz have earlier converted their penalties.

Here was what Wardun Yussof had to say during the interview with The Brunei Times.

“I’ve seen the first penalty taker before in a previous game,” he told The Brunei Times after the triumph. “I knew that the first save was important because it is a big confidence booster for the team. Overall I thought we played well. Geylang were very stubborn in defence and looked to go on counterattacks.”

Now DPMM FC will face Tanjong Pagar FC in the finals of the Singapore League Cup after they defeated Hougang United FC through penalties. The finals will be played some time this week at Jalan Besar Stadium.

Roy O’Donovan couldn’t find net in 120 minutes but he scored the first important penalty during the shoot-out. Image taken by Abel Khoo.

Joe Gamble made it certain that DPMM FC reach the finals. Image taken by Abel Khoo

Celebration in order. Image taken by Abel Khoo

DPMM FC fans in jubilant mood. Image taken by Abel Khoo

Can Steve Kean win his first silverware in his first season? Image taken by Abel Khoo

Highlights between DPMM FC and Geylang International FC