Preview: Brunei DPMM FC vs SAFFC

DPMM look to maintain home form

Rano Iskandar
info@sleague.com

Can the Warriors break the stronghold of DPMM FC in Brunei? If any club was given the opportunity, SAFFC would be the best bet to unlock DPMM FC's tight defence as the Warriors are well known for their attacking prowess, scoring 27 goals in just 9 games.

However, Richard Bok, SAFFC's head coach, was slightly worried about the jet-lagged from the Japan trip where they took part in the AFC Champions League match in mid-week but he hopes the Warriors will continue their rich vein of form in the Great Eastern-YEO'S S.League.

"Training will be light (today) because the players need to recover from the Japan trip and the good thing is that all the players are available except for one suspension," commented Robert Kok.

"Of course, we will look for a win and it also depends how it goes tomorrow night (Sunday). Our objective is simple - work hard, play well and if possible, bring back the three points."

When asked about DPMM FC's maiden season in the S.League, he was not surprised of DPMM FC's standings. "They have good young players and hard working too and very organised at the back," praised Robert.

DPMM FC and Tampines Rovers FC are the only team that are undefeated in the S.League. The Brunei club can reclaim top spot with a victory over SAFFC tonight.

DPMM FC has notbeen firing all cylinders in front of goal but their defence have been compact which have helped them climbed to the top three.

DPMM FC's head coach, Vjeran Simunic, said a victory will be a perfect birthday gift as his birthday falls on the match day itself. But he highlighted that it's more important the players will give their best performance on the pitch. His arrival has improved DPMM FC's fortunes and the results speak for itself with 5 wins and 4 draws.

"We treat every club with the same respect and we don't take them lightly. It's important for the players to have a calm mind ahead of every match," said the Croatian.

"We will be without our Korean player Ddog Yi (suspended) and super-sub Abu Bakar Mahari (ankle) but we have enough quality to go against SAFFC. I hope the home crowd will help us again and I expect a full stadium on Sunday."

The much anticipated match is expected to draw at least a strong 10,000 crowd at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium. Can DPMM FC capitalised on the 12th man advantage or will the Warriors be the first club to break DPMM FC's home record?

The season may be a long way to go but a victory for either side will give them a psychological boost.