Warriors closes gap  

 

The highlights between Warriors FC and DPMM FC last night

 

At one stage, DPMM FC were 10 points ahead in the competition as they were on a hot streak with seven consecutive victories. Last night, Warriors FC handed DPMM FC their second loss of the season with a narrow 1-0 victory. The goal was courtesy of a set-piece in the first half through Hafiz Rahim. DPMM FC were missing Aziz Tamit who was nursing an ankle injury as Shahrul took his defensive duties with the return of Boris Raspudic in defence.

DPMM FC had an early chance to grab the lead. Perhaps it was the best chance of the game when Roy O’Donovan raced unchallenged with only the keeper to beat but Warriors FC keeper Hassan Sunny foiled his attempt. The keeper was up to the task to parry off Roberto Alviz’s free kick a minute later. Warriors FC had plenty of scoring opportunities as well but Wardun made many crucial saves.

A great job by Warriors FC defence led by captain Daniel Bennett who was partnered by Marin Vidosevic to keep a clean sheet against the highest scoring team in the league. The victory now puts Warriors FC four points away from league leaders DPMM FC. No wonder Steve Kean said the four big games (Albirex, Warriors, Home and Tampines) are vital.

DPMM FC head coach said, “Warriors played better in the first half. We were a little bit slow to push forward and Warriors won a lot of second balls.”

DPMM FC next game will be next weekend when they take on Global FC in the RHB Cup in Singapore before their crucial match against Home United FC on Friday 6th of June at Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium.

Images below courtesy of Abel Khoo (Singapore).

DPMM FC line up last night 

DPMM FC in against Warriors FC 

Warriors celebrating Hafiz Rahim’s winning goal 

DPMM FC coming close in scoring the equalizing goal  

DPMM FC fans from Brunei Shell Marketing and The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (Brunei) 

Warriors FC with their supporters 

  

Click image to read more

 

Runaway leaders  

HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (R) and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik (L) and other members of the Royal Family during last night’s Singapore League match between DPMM FC and Albirex Nigata at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas. Image taken by Saiful Omar of The Brunei Times.

The game seemed familiar. When I covered the first match where DPMM FC took on Albirex Niigata (S) FC a few months ago in Singapore, the Japanese club was relentless with their possession and mounted series of attack on DPMM FC’s goal area. Last night was no different story. Albirex gave it their all last night and they gave DPMM FC fans a little scare as the visitors were more adventurous (in the first half). DPMM FC came back from a goal down to beat a resilient Japanese team 2-1 with goals courtesy of Roy O’Donovan and Rodrigo Tosi.

In the first half, DPMM FC found it hard to settle down as the visitors had more possession and control in midfield. Wardun Yussof was the busiest goalkeeper of the two and he settled the nerves of the home supporters with his heroic saves. DPMM FC mustered a few scoring opportunities too but the Japanese keeper Kazuki Kishigami was up to the task, thwarting Roy O’Donovan twice from close range shots. DPMM FC could have stolen the lead as well when their set piece from a corner hit the frame of the post.

DPMM FC looked nervy at the back at times and they surely were missing the experience of Boris Raspudic who was suspended for this game. However, all that changed in the second half though it was the visitors that broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute through a defensive error and Itsuki Yamada gave a much deserved lead for the visitors to the disappointment of the home fans.

To be title contenders, you need to have character and guile. DPMM FC showed those qualities right after they conceded the goal. I noticed Steve Kean changed the formation to counter the possession game that Albirex were enjoying in the first half. It proved fruitful as Kean deployed Rosmin Khamis and Joe Gamble in midfield and pushed Roberto Alviz wider than his usual role.

One of the reasons for DPMM FC’s 32 goal tally was the club marquee player Roy O’Donovan who is perhaps one of the fastest S•League player and the first goal, the equalizer, was a result of his pace as he stole possession of Albirex’ scorer and raced from midfield before delivering a thunderous drive for a 1-1 score line.

O’Donovan was again instrumental in the winning goal as he was brought down in the box and referee had no choice but to point to the penalty spot which Rodrigo Tosi took the honours in the 72nd minute. DPMM FC began to search for another cushion goal but it never came as Steve Kean opted his players to slow down the game and maintain the slender lead.

The lads celebrated after the final whistle and it was indeed DPMM FC’s toughest test to date at their home ground. The match could have gone either way but Steve Kean’s tactics proved to be the winning formula for last night’s match. Now DPMM FC enjoy a 10 point cushion lead in the S•League with 32 goals scored and 6 goals conceded. This is the best run that DPMM FC have experienced ever since they join the S•League.

The next three games – Warriors FC (away 22nd May), Home United (home 6th June) and Tampines (away 10th June) will determine DPMM FC’s season if they are title contenders or title pretenders.

 

The winning goal celebration after Rodrigo Tosi scored from the penalty and he has scored 12 goals in the S•League campaign. Last night DPMM FC beat Albirex Niigata (S) FC 2-1 at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium. 

Steve Kean, DPMM FC head coach, was in jubilant mood after Tosi scored the winning goal 

The Yes Chants still going strong 

 

Tosi taking photo opportunity with fans 

Selfies from the crowd 

DPMM FC merchandise on sale at Gate 12/13

 

DPMM FC, perfect record  

DPMM FC celebrating their goal against Home United last night at Jalan Besar Stadium. DPMM FC won 3-0 and maintain a perfect record in the S•LeagueSteve Kean does live up to his word. He aimed for 3 points and nothing less than a draw. He was wary of the quality of their opponents last night but Kean had high hopes because of the strong partnership for DPMM FC’s attacking line. He was happy that Roy O’Donovan has settled and gelled in well with the players despite his late arrival and missing most of the pre-season training which lasted six weeks. Last night was a great testament of O’Donovan’s calibre as a marquee player as he scored a brace in DPMM FC’s 3-0 away victory Home United (Protectors).

DPMM FC had a comfortable half time lead with O’Donovan scoring in the 25th minute and Rodrigo Tosi in the 36th minute. DPMM FC had a few chances that they failed to convert. The Protectors also had scoring opportunities but their finishing failed to find the net. After the break, Tosi added the cushion lead to give a much comfortable lead and the win. After two away victories, the memories of last season was easily forgotten when DPMM FC finished 8th last season. DPMM FC were usually vulnerable away from home last season. It was more of different story now. They have scored four away goals and conceded none in two away matches and DPMM FC are also invincible at home.

Kean is definitely happy with the maximum 9 points and this will give more smiles to the DPMM FC management on the consecutive victories since the start of the season.

According to the interview by S•League, Kean were happy with his players but it is still a long journey ahead.

“When we don’t have possession of the ball, we worked very hard – not only the back four but the whole team,” he said after the match.

“There were periods in the game where after you score, you’re always a little bit open to conceding but we kept our concentration and worked our socks off the ball. It wasn’t the three goals but the clean sheet that pleased me most. I think they can [play better than what they did today] and we’ve evolved into a real good side but I still think there’s still more to come from us.”

I was a bit surprised that Home United failed to find the net, given that they have a high good scoring goal ratio. I believe that the fixtures that they are having might take a toll on them. Three days before, they had an AFCCup match against an Indonesian club and soon they are traveling to India for their next AFC Cup match.

DPMM FC’s next match will be on at Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium on Sunday 23rd March as they take on champions Tampines Rovers, the other undefeated team in the S•League. Pictures taken by Darren Ho from the S•League.

DPMM FC Roy O’Donovan finally opened his goal account with a brace. He even hit the woodwork earlier in the game. Good things to come for the former Sunderland player.  

Lee Kwan Woo of Home United had chances but failed to score and thanks to the towering defence of Boris Raspudic and Shahrulrizal Abd Rahman of DPMM FC. They have protected the keeper on three occasions and kept a clean sheet in the process. 

Left back Sairol Hj Sahari was magnificent outing and even clear the ball off the line. In this picture, Sirina Camara of Home United skipping a tackle by Sairol and he also had his shot saved by Wardun Yussof in goals 

Lee Kwan Woo of Home United sighed after missing a scoring opportunity against DPMM FC 

It was good to see Hendra playing some match time after subbing for Roberto. Shahrazen was also introduced late in the game and it was also his first match appearance in the S•League this season 

Wardun Yussof has kept two clean sheets and he was dominant in goal against Home United 

It was good to see some DPMM FC Brunei supporters at Jalan Besar Stadium 

Rodrigo Tosi has scored in all three games for DPMM FC. He’s definitely a key player for DPMM FC. 

The first team line up for DPMM FC against Home United 

The young DPMM FC fan supporters from Brunei at Jalan Besar Stadium 

  
Japan Festival at Times Square 

 

YAM Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Wadood Bolkiah and His Excellency Kenichi Suganuma, the Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam with their spouses and Amal Majidah, the General Manager of Times Square Property Management at the launch of the Japan Festival 2014

This is the second time that the Japan Festival is being held at Times Square Shopping Centre with the support of the Japanese Embassy last Thursday. The event will end on Sunday , 16th March 2014.

Present to launch the Japan Festival at the atrium of the shopping centre were YAM Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Wadood Bolkiah as the guest of honour and the Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Kenichi Suganuma, and both placed the replicas of sakuras (cherry blossoms) on a man-made sakura tree.

In his speech, Suganuma told the audience that this was a special year for Japan and the Sultanate as it marks 30 years of friendship between the two countries. The ambassador also added that patrons visiting the four-day fair will enjoy a variety of Japanese activities. These include Manga drawing contest, Karate-do and origami demonstrations as well as cooking demonstrations by the ambassador’s chef.

Meanwhile, Amal Majidah, the General Manager of Times Square Property Management, who was dressed in a traditional “Yukata”, thanked the organisers, sponsors, tenants and exhibitors who were involved in making this event a success.

At a side event, a ceremony for the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation Award, which consisted of a certificate and gift presentation, was handed by the ambassador to the President of the Brunei Japan Friendship Association (BJFA) – Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Chapter.

The ceremony ended with Master Yamada Shihan and three members from Akido Federation of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia demonstrating the Japanese martial art.

The festival, is part of a series of events marking the 30th anniversary of friendship between Japan and Brunei. The event is also supported by the BJFA – UBD Chapter, the Japan Foundation and the council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) Japan.

Some of the activities are such as Martial Art Demonstration (Aikido), Sushi eating competition, ongoing quizzes, Japanese Cooking Demonstration by Misato, Manga Drawing, Soran-bushi dance, cosplay, and Kawaii (cute) baby contest. So do drop by Times Square Shopping Centre this weekend.

The guest of honour placing the flower on the Sakura tree to officiate the opening

Shahbudin Musa, the President of the Brunei Japan Friendship Association (BJFA) – Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Chapter thanking the Japanese Foreign Minister on the Commendation Award

Handing over of the souvenir

The Aikido demonstration

The Aikido demonstration

One way to distract your opponents

The emcee from the Japanese Embassy

A van from Nissan

Touring around the booths and this is at Hana Soy & World booth, selling soya from HS. Healthy stuff!!

Trying out the Yukuda outfits

Trying out the Yukuda outfits

Want to learn more about Japanese culture and language? Check this booth out. I got some brochures from here 😀

Guest of honour visiting Malppy’s booth

Origami on display
 

In Need for Speed?  

Exclusive for Volkswagen Owners in Brunei

Maju Motors Sdn Bhd, the official dealer for Volkswagen vehicles in the Sultanate will be giving its owners an exclusive screening of the much awaited for blockbuster movie, Need for Speed. Owners were called and informed to pick up vouchers that will entitle them to two movie tickets for this Sunday’s 10.50am showtime (16th March).

This event is held to show gratitude towards the never ending support of its customers and also to strengthen ties with the customers as well as their families and friends. Need for Speed the movie is a film inspired by one of the most played car racing games also titled Need for Speed. The Mall Cineplex will have a number of showtimes for this movie in order to accommodate for the crowd that is expected to show up for this movie.