| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean hoped that their 5-1 victory over Tampines Rovers FC in the Singapore League Cup could be a springboard to lift up their performances until the end of the season.
The ‘Gegar Gegar’ men face Balestier Khalsa in a Group ‘B’ encounter at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore tonight knowing victory will guarantee a place in the last four.
“We hope this (Tampines win) improves our performance and kick-start our season where we can go on and improve our league position,” Kean told S League in a pre-match interview.
Kean’s men currently lie in eighth place in the Great Eastern-Hyundai S League but they will move a step closer in landing silverware since 2015 if they get out of the group.
The Tigers have also been struggling in this S League campaign having only recorded two victories and a place above the Brunei-based outfit in seventh.
DPMM FC new acquisitions Haizul Rani Metussin, Hanif Hamir and Vincent Salas, all of whom arrived in the recent transfer window, have settled in quite nicely as did goalkeeper Mu’izzuddin Ismail who has been vindicated his selection with decent performances.
“We have a good environment now with local players and some import players, so we are hoping that this will translate into good results in the field,” Kean said.
DPMM FC’s Azwan Ali sizes up a shot during a Group ‘B’ tie against Tampines Rovers FC in the Singapore League Cup. – S LEAGUE
Kean is eyeing for a spot in the semi-finals having reached that stage last season where they emerged 1-0 winners over Home United FC.
DPMM FC share the most wins in the competition with Albirex Niigata (S) with three and have reached the final twice in the last three years.
“It (League Cup) is a competition that we have done well in over the years and we have reached the finals a few times.
“Sometimes when things don’t go right for you, it is good to leave a competition behind and have a fresh focus. Hopefully we can reach the semi-finals,” Kean added.
Meanwhile, Kean’s opposite number Balestier Khalsa’s head coach Marko Kraljevic indicated that they will face a tough test against a DPMM FC side upbeat of their chances after a strong showing.
“We face DPMM FC and it won’t be easy because they have gotten the winning mentality back,” said the head coach.
The Tigers, who assembled an inexperienced side, snatched a come-from-behind victory against the heavily fancied DPMM FC in a stunning 2-1 upset last April.
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