| Fadhil Yunus |
NEWLY promoted Kota Ranger FC have pledged not to dwell on past glories and instead focus on opening a new chapter in the Brunei DST Super League 2016.
The 2015 Brunei DST Premier League winners registered their first full points after a well-deserved 4-2 victory over rock bottom Jerudong FC last week but assistant coach Abang Nor Hillmy Abang Taha insists the league is a major step-up containing a wealth of quality players.
Tabuan Muda inflicted a heavy and first league defeat in 11 matches in the opening fixture of the season, serving as a painful reminder the quality of opposition in Brunei’s top flight.
Abang Norhillmy pinpointed the strong teams in the league such as Indera SC, Najip I Team and reigning champions MS ABDB and only to match them – not even remotely close to attempt to win a match – they will need to work hard 110 percent.
Only four players who were part of the Brunei DST Premier League-winning squad remain in the side including team captain Abang Nor Sillmy Abang Taha, who scored last week.
The team will be associated with pressure following promotion but any thoughts of their unbeaten season last year has already gone out of the window.
A Kota Ranger player (third right) challenges for the ball in their recent win against Jerudong FC. – FADHIL YUNUS
“We open a new chapter and we forget the fact that we never lost. The difference between the Super and Premier Leagues is huge and it is tougher in the Super League,” said Abang Nor Hillmy in a post-match interview with the Bulletin.
The assistant coach asserted that the main difference in both leagues is concerned with the quality of play inspired by the individuals.
He said that players in the Brunei DST Super League are mainly centred towards a training programme which ensures they play competitively which gears towards appropriate speed and stamina levels.
“If you do not possess stamina, physical and mental strengths, it will be extremely difficult to play in the Brunei DST Super League,” added Abang Nor Hillmy.
Kota Ranger will not be carried away after registering their first victory with the assistant coach labelling the Brunei DST Super League as ‘tough’.
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