| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC will be looking to return to winning ways after a disastrous start to the season ahead of their trip to Jalan Besar Stadium against basement dwellers Garena Young Lions in the Great Eastern-Hyundai S League in Singapore tonight.
The Gegar Gegar men – who only managed one win this term – are looking to snap a four-game losing streak while Garena Young Lions have not won a single game since they were introduced as an under-22 side.
The Brunei-based outfit will remain in eighth position even if they lose due to a superior goal difference but it is unimaginable to consider the possibility of the former champions being thwarted by the developmental side.
DPMM FC have never been at the bottom of the Singapore top flight and the worst position they have finished in were eighth under the tutelage of former head coach Vjeran Simunic in 2013.
Kean’s charges could jump to seventh in the standings with victory on goal difference at least for the next 24 hours with Balestier Khalsa set to play Geylang International FC.
However, the Gegar Gegar men should be wary of the much-improved Young Lions after exhibiting doggedness and tenacity in recent performances against both Warriors FC and Tampines Rovers FC on match-day five and six, respectively.
The Young Lions nearly snatched a draw and put a dent to Tampines’ title hopes only for the Stags to find a leveller in the final minute of the game.
Young Lions captain Shahrin Saberin certainly felt that a draw was a fair result.
“Honestly, that defeat was tough to swallow because I felt we deserved a draw in that game,” said the former Home United defender.
While DPMM FC are currently in dire need of recovering from their bad spell, Saberin cautioned his teammates not to be complacent.
“Yes, they have only just won so far this year and for us, getting a win on Saturday night will surely boost our morale as a team,” said the 22-year-old.
Saberin was also conscious of the fact that the Gegar Gegar men will battle hard not to be the first side to lose against them this season.
The developmental side put out a favourable result last year after a 1-1 draw against the visiting DPMM FC side last year to put a massive dent on their title ambitions.
However, Kean’s charges hold a proud head-to-head record having been unbeaten in 13 meetings, 10 of those coming in victories.
Saberin also believed that his side could provide a test to the Gegar Gegar men highlighting their confidence.
“For sure we have improved and cut out our silly mistakes game by game because we watched our past matches and analysed our mistakes so as not repeat it again.”
“The reason is simply due to the confidence we gain as a team after each match because even though we are a team full of youngsters, I believe we can still give the other teams in the league a run for their money,” he added.
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