Bull run is down to heart, says Stewart

Syahrom Sulaiman
info@sleague.com

Before this season kicked off, neither Gombak United or DPMM of Brunei figured prominently in talk of the likely contenders for the title race ahead.

But like they say the table does not lie, and it is these two teams who sit pretty on first and third place respectively, boasting unbeaten records after seven games and set to face off at Jalan Besar Stadium on Friday night.

Both teams have shown the kind of form which makes them thoroughly deserving of their present status.

Gombak head coach Darren Stewart points to the attitude of his players which has driven the club to where it is now.

“Each game we look at our performance rather than the result. We always look at giving everything that we’ve got in every game and maintaining the high work ethic,” said the Australian.

“As long as we don’t go out of the field feeling dissatisfied that we could have done much better, I am happy,” Stewart added.

The Bulls’ 3-1 defeat of reigning league champions SAFFC was the result which made the S.League fraternity sit up and take notice.

Stewart also acknowledges that after his team’s performance in that game, teams will treat the Bulls differently in future.

“We played a lot better against SAFFC as compared to our earlier games. It was perhaps the way we worked the ball to create those goal-scoring chances.

“Our work ethic has always been maintained with every game that we played, so if we can continue doing so against DPMM this Friday, I will be very happy.

“I am actually looking forward to playing against them. They’ve been good for the S.League and they’ll make it tough for us,” Stewart pointed out.

Unfortunately for the Bulls, striker Ojimi Gabriel Obatola, midfielder Shafuan Sutohmoh and fullback Jeremy Chiang will be suspended for the tie.

While most S.League observers will agree that Obatola’s unavailability is a huge loss to the Bulls, Stewart maintains that his team plays as a solid unit rather than depending on individuals.

“In the team, they are all key players. There’s no one particular individual who is more important than the other,” said Stewart.

“Suspensions are part and parcel of football. We have got to move on and deal with it. But at least the good news is that Theera(wesin) Seehawong is back from injury,” he added.

The Thai playmaker is a skilful and creative influence in the middle of the park, and the Bulls can rely on his visionary passing to help unlock a DPMM defence which has been miserly so far, letting by just four goals in seven matches.

As shown in the 1-1 draw against Tampines Rovers last Friday, the Bruneians are solid in defence, led by their impressive Croatian defender Rene Komar.

His partnership with veteran Sallehuddin Damit will make it difficult for the Bulls to breach the defence.

The attacking line may be another matter altogether, but the Bruneians do have options in homegrown talents Shahrazen Said and Abu Bakar Mahari, as well as Korean import Oh Ddog Yi.

All three have found the back of the net already this season, as has midfielder Ivan Jerkovic, while experienced Algerian Abdel Hamid Berguiga will be keen for his chance to score in the S.League for the first time.

It may be early days in the league but whoever wins this fixture will have gained an important psychological boost.