| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC are ready to start the new Singapore Premier League season ahead of the opening fixture of the campaign against Home United FC at the Bishan Stadium in Singapore today.
The final session of a long and arduous pre-season training came to an end this week. The new group of players went on hilly runs and performed laps in the swimming pool to supplement gym work and field training to step up their fitness for the new season.
New DPMM FC Head Coach Adrian Pennock heaped praise on the players’ conduct despite the challenging pre-season.
“We are ready. We can’t wait for the match (against Home United). The players had a very good pre-season and worked very hard. It’s been a tough pre-season but they have been absolutely first-class,” Pennock said in an interview with the Sunday Bulletin after a recent training session at the Jerudong Mini Stadium.
The Gegar Gegar men face a difficult opening three games against last year’s runners-up Home United FC and defending champions Albirex Niigata (S), but Pennock is looking forward to the challenge.
“We watched the game between Home United and Albirex. I watched the whole 90 minutes, recorded it and done some homework. It is the first time I’ve seen them. Obviously Home United and Albirex will be the two sides challenging for the title and I think it will be a very open season this year.
“Hopefully, we will be one of the teams fighting for the title.”
He added, “It is a very tough start. We got the champions and the team that finished second in the first three games of the season. We want that challenge because the boys are chomping at the bit.
“It will be a good test for us.”
When asked about team selection, the Head Coach said that he had thoughts on naming his first eleven except for a couple of places which was in consideration.
DPMM FC centre half Wafi bin Aminuddin is a doubt for the game but other than that, Pennock has a fully fit squad at his disposal. The young defender suffered a shoulder injury whilst playing for the ‘B’ team in the Brunei DST Premier League.