| Fadhil Yunus |
I-TEAM produced their best-ever result in the VFA Cup by reaching the last four after knocking PSJD in the quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory at the RBRC Field yesterday.
The DST National Veteran Football League regulars joined XN FT and Al Idrus FT in the draw with the winner of Al Idrus SC and KB Warriors tomorrow completing the line-up.
Mohd Mohini Haji Othman broke the deadlock in the 10th minute for I-Team before PSJD, whose last competitive outing was in Miri, drew level through Mohd Noor Litoh in the 45th minute.
I-Team’s Noormasaidirwan Md Sani proved the match winner after finding the target in the 58th minute.
“In my view as the manager of I-Team, I’m very honoured and in fact this is not an individual success but a collective success which is everyone’s teamwork efforts,” said Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ali in an interview with the Weekend Bulletin.
“The players showed high level of commitment and this success becomes a reality because of our loyal supporters and without their support we may not be able to achieve success,” he said.
The manager also asserted that this is the club’s finest season in the premier veteran cup competition since their inclusion in the DST National Veteran Football League.
I-Team also finally broke their winless hoodoo over PSJD, who recently suffered elimination in the President Cup 2 and losing out the Coneli Veteran League title in Miri last week, in both the VFA Cup and President Cup competitions.
Both sides have previously met at this stage two years ago where PSJD emerged victorious after winning through penalties 11-10.
Haji Abdul Rahman also saluted the players who are not featured in the squad since the start of the season yet they still provided morale support through their presence at games.
“The support, commitment and from everyone behind-the-scenes such as the loyal supporters has played a role. I also express my gratitude to the players who have not featured in the league and they showed sporting spirit. I salute them for not being discouraged,” said Haji Abdul Rahman.
With the possibility of being drawn with one of the veteran elite clubs, Haji Abdul Rahman admitted that their hopes are not too high though they will be keeping their principle of being a strong team.