| Fadhil Yunus |
KUANTAN Rangers’ coronation as newly-crowned Brunei Futsal League (BFL) 2017 champions were slightly spoiled as Arbisyam FC played the role of party poopers during a goalless draw in the final league match at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex last night.
However, despite Arbisyam revelling in one of their greatest results to date against potential Malaysian national futsal league opposition, the occasion still deservedly belonged to Kuantan Rangers who over nine games had been the best side in the league.
It was a fitting end to yet another hugely successful national league season as the best local futsal side in the country denied the invited guest victory with a combination of goal-saving interventions, missed opportunities and a stroke of luck.
Regardless of the outcome in last night’s match with the title already decided, both teams have succeeded in meeting their objectives and expectations with Arbisyam FC finishing runners-up following Miri defeat to Shah United on Saturday.
“We are very grateful to be given the opportunity to compete in the Brunei Futsal League (BFL) 2017 and it is an indication that we are very serious and learn to be a very good team,” said Kuantan Rangers head coach Mohammad Faizul bin Abdul Gaffar.
“Our team is fairly new as we have only been together for eight months. Our intention to come here is to gain more experience and to form compatibility among players in the hope of seeing action in the National Futsal League in Malaysia whereby we will be taking part in the qualifying rounds which is expected this December,” the head coach further said.
Kuantan Rangers came into the final week handicapped with two matches knowing that two wins in their last three games would have sealed them the title.
The Malaysian side did just that as they enjoyed comfortable wins- 13-0 against Najip FT and 7-0 against Eagle Blues- before meeting unbeaten Arbisyam last night.
Despite the stark contrast in quality with the teams at the bottom end of the table, Mohammad Faizul highlighted that they came into every match treating each team with respect.
“I take it seriously and we will play to our best against any teams that come in our path,” said the former Malaysia international.
Despite finishing short of the top prize, Arbisyam had exceeded all expectations and succeeded in separating the invited teams monopoly with Miri pushed back to third following their defeat to Shah United.
“We have met our expectations and our initial target was to reach the top 3,” said the President of Arbisyam FC Haji Ishak bin Haji Mohamad.
The president also shared the club’s plans to expand and develop their development scheme from a young age in order to gain interest and to be able to perform for the club.
“The Arbisyam players have been instilled with fighting spirit whereby the team is representing the country. To become the best, we must be bold to face challenges and Arbisyam is prepared to train with the national futsal,” continued the president.
He added that they have focused on training in their defence and attack and not allowed Kuantan Rangers to move freely and utilise space.
Haji Ishak, who is also the team’s advisor during training in matches, said that their match against Kuantan Rangers was a most-anticipated affair as it allowed them to gauge their capabilities and evaluate the abilities of the players as well as their expertise in terms of their coaching.
The guest of honour at the closing match of the Brunei Futsal League and the prize presentation ceremony was Haji Madli bin Haji Mohd Yusof, Acting Deputy President of National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD), who presented the prizes.
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