| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC will not view facing Balestier Khalsa today with guaranteed three points in the S League in the wake of their opponents’ midweek defeat to Kaya FC in the AFC Cup.
The Tigers, sitting second from bottom in the S League, have been beaten by resurgent Kaya FC 3-0, but DPMM FC will be cautious of the team who they beat to win the title last term.
Kean is not deeply concerned with the news that Balestier’s defender Ahmad Syahir Sahimi is battling fitness and teammate Emir Lotinac deployed in a defensive midfield role coupled with Balestier coach Marko Kraljevic claiming they have no defenders to be a mainstay in the centre back position.
Regardless of the changes the Croatian will be making in defence, nothing will change in DPMM FC’s approach to finish the first round on a winning note.
“The fact that they might be playing with someone inexperienced or out of position, we just have to make sure that we give Balestier the status and credit they deserve,” said Steve Kean in an interview after a training session at the Jerudong Mini Stadium.
“Everybody is waiting for them to kick-start the season and I think this is a potential banana skin if we don’t approach it.
Adi Said (blue) tries to dribble past Yura Indera Putera during a training session yesterday. – FADHIL YUNUS
“We can’t just say that it will be easy since they recently lost 3-0 in the AFC Cup after making a poor start. If we do that, we’ll lose,” said the head coach.
He is rather concerned on his team’s outlook after moments of uncertainty threatened to overshadow their good start in the recent win against Young Lions.
“We need to improve on our game where in my opinion we were a little bit slow after we scored in the last part of the first half, so we cannot be really concerned on the injuries that Balestier have,” said Kean.
However, the head coach is endowed with a wealth of quality, pace and invention in attack as he can rely on several players chipping in with the goals, complimenting Brazilian striker Rafael Ramazotti at the point of attack.
“This season is not just about Rafa. Everybody is popping with the goals. It is a sign of a good team play where you don’t just rely on your main goal-scorer but everybody else can chip in and give the opposition something to think about,” he added.
DPMM FC winger Maududi Hilmi Kasmi has been likened as a ‘technician’ by Kean following a number of commendable performances this season.
“It’s great to have Dudi in this form. He has been a breath of fresh air and in training he’s really improved,” Kean said.
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