| Fadhil Yunus |
ARBISYAM FC have played down their chances of landing a first-ever Brunei Futsal League title despite demolishing fellow title rivals MS ABDB 5-1 in an action-packed tie at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex last night.
Arbisyam’s second successive victory catapulted them to the top of the Brunei Futsal League which was also a second win against a title rival in as many matches after dispatching Shah United 3-0 in their opening match.
Syazwan Haji Hassan inspired with a brace with solitary strikes from Mohammad Hamiduddin Haji Talip, Muhammad Ali Qadhrry and Abee Shahrum Gudang completed the rout while Muhammad Aqqimul’s goal for the fallen army personnel was in vain.
Despite starting the league in rich vein of form, fitness coach Md Syarafuddin Hamid bin Haji Talip downplayed their chances of lifting the trophy this year adding that player’s development topped their priorities.
“We are grateful that with the win (against MS ABDB) we have succeeded in overcoming two teams namely Shah United and MS ABDB whereby they were the top five teams in the league last year,” said Md Syarafuddin in an interview with the Weekend Bulletin.
“We consider ourselves as underdogs and we don’t call ourselves title contenders,” asserted the member of Arbisyam’s management.
Arbisyam are also built with a solid foundation base with the establishment of the ‘B’ (Under-12) and ‘C’ (Under-17) teams.
Players challenge for the ball during the match between Arbisyam and MS ABDB. – KHAIRIL HASSAN
“This season, we have introduced new players where we have absorbed from the ‘B’ team and other clubs.
“Our target this season is not for the title. Our target is to develop the players and not to slip from the top three. However, being champions is a bonus to us,” continued Mohd Syarafuddin.
The club have also recruited Awangku Muhammad Khairul Huda Pengiran Osman from First Five and three players from PBDB while the rest of the squad is made up of young players from reserve Arbisyam teams.
Md Syarafuddin also said that a player who previously donned the jersey for PBDB last season progressed through the ranks from Arbisyam and has since linked up with the squad following the Belait team’s non-participation this year.
He added that while Arbisyam do not underestimate all teams in the league, Kota Junior remain the team which pose the most threat with the availability of national team players.
Kota Junior FC has been labelled as Arbisyam’s bogey team as they have never beaten them in all competitions since the pair met in the league.
The defending champions also destroyed Arbisyam’s hopes of winning the futsal league crown in the first season of the futsal league.
“Arbisyam have never beaten Kota Junior FC since the futsal league season started. Since we met in the league two years ago, Arbisyam have never won.
“Kota Junior also destroyed Arbisyam’s hopes of becoming champions in the first season,” concluded the fitness coach.
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