Simunic makes rusty DPMM FC work hard

DPMM FC head coach Vjeran Simunic (pic) is facing a race against time to get his players fit.

Brunei's only professional club are eyeing a return to the Singapore League (S-League) next season and are awaiting a reply to an application they sent the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) two weeks ago.

But with the squad out of shape after not playing a competitive game since their 2-2 draw against Tampines Rovers FC on Sept 29, 2009, it is easy to understand why the Croatian's training sessions hardly involve any time on the ball.

He also has other worries on his mind.

His players can only make it to the club's base at the Jerudong Mini Stadium once a day, and some of them can't even make it to training at all because of other commitments.

"We are getting better day to day but at the moment we only train in the evening since the players are still working, at that too only around 5.30pm," he said last week.

"Maybe we will get approval from their employers to release them to train twice a day, morning and evening, once we get an answer from Singapore.

"Our problem is that we don't have our full squad with us now. The Royal Brunei Armed Forces' Sports Council (MS ABDB) have not released our players and we are still waiting for guys from the Under-23 national team.

"But we have five months (until the S-League starts in February) and we are doing the best we can.

"We are doing a lot of off-the-ball training to improve fitness (and) the players are all very happy to work. They have been neglected for so long and the most important thing is for them to get fit.

"I'm working differently for every player. Like Abu (striker Abu Bakar Mahari) for instance, he hasn't been training for one year so he has different drills to go through. Once they are fit then they can show their skill with the ball. When will that be? Perhaps in November or December ... The plan is to get all the players up to the same standard by that time.

"I'm not against the gym. I'll do it maybe once a week, but a footballer's natural environment is the field and you can see the atmosphere at training is great," he said, acknowledging he does most of his strength training at the Jerudong Mini Stadium.

Among the new faces in the team are several Under-21 players, two of whom are striker Shahrazen Hj Md Said's younger brothers Adi and Mohd Amalul Ariffin Shah.

Former Brunei Youth Team (Under-19) midfielder Azwan Ali Rahman and striker Abdul Al-Wardy Abdul Hamid are also among the younger players in the team, as is Mohd Arif Hj Zulkifli, who used to feature for Indera Sports Club.

It is the host of older players that might come as a surprise though, with ex-national striker Abg Norsillmy Abg Hj Taha who is in his early 30s heading the list. Md Julremi Hj Zaini, Md Hendra Azam Md Idris and Ampuan Nurul Azami Ampuan Husin are also those who have been training with the club, the players formerly at Wijaya FC, QAF FC and Majra FC respectively.

The club are allowed four imports in the S-League and Simunic admitted it won't be easy to replace the Croatian trio of Rene Komar (defender), Ivan Jerkovic and Drazen Govic (midfielders) and Algerian striker Abdel Hamid Berguiga.

"Like I said before, they must have the same kind of personality, ability and skill as our previous imports if not better," said Simunic./

The Brunei Times

DPMM FC eye four imports

The 2009 Singapore League Cup champion DPMM FC are looking to battle in the Singapore League (S League) again next year if the club is permitted to play in the prestigious league by the organiser.

Currently busy regrouping the club's original players besides recruiting youth local players and import players, the main aim of the club is to compete and settle the 'unfinished' business in the S League once again.

DPMM FC's Club Manager Pg Waslimin PSJ Pg Hj Abd Momin in an interview with the Bulletin yesterday said that the club has officially sent in an application to rejoin the league.

"I can confirm that we have sent in a request to play in the S League. For now, we can only wait for the official answer from them (organiser)," said Pg Waslimin.

Asked if the club is ready to compete in one of the top leagues in Asean again, the Club Manager replied that the team is on its way to build a strong team that can challenge any club in the league.

"We have a number of import players on trial with the club. We are looking for a maximum of four imports (the maximum quota as permitted in the S League). So far, players from France, Brazil, Cameroon, Nigeria among others have shown interest to play for our club," Pg Waslimin said.

According to him, the club will select the potential imports carefully before representing the club.
"Coach Vjeran Simunic is back with the club. With his broad coaching experience, I'm sure that he will choose the best among the best. Only players who show real commitments can win the heart of the coach and the team management," added Pg Waslimin.

Meanwhile, the club is also turning their attention in recruiting promising local young talents to play for them.
"These local young guns are talented. They have shown a brilliant style of performance in our local league (DST Group Brunei Premier League). Hopefully those selected will be working hard for the team," Pg Waslimin said.

Players such as Majra FC's striker Adi Said, MS ABDB winger Ak Mahmod Fakhrul Razi Pg Hamzah and Md Hendra Azam Md Idris of QAF FC are currently training with DPMM FC.

And just last week, DPMM FC has re-signed former coach Vjeran Simunic from Croatia on a one-year contract.

News courtesy of Borneo Bulletin.

DPMM apply to rejoin S-League.

They took local football by storm in 2009, becoming the first foreign team to win a trophy in Singapore when they bagged the League Cup.

Brunei's DPMM FC were in the running for the S-League title as well that year, but were prevented from achieving a historic double after FIFA banned the national association of the sultanate, which forced Singapore to kick the club out before they could complete their final five games of the season.

Now, after a year in the football wilderness, DPMM are looking to make a return in Singapore.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a souce of Brunei told  Today: "DPMM have already submitted their application to the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) and are awaiting a response from them."

The possible comeback of DPMM increases the possibility radical changes could be in store of the S-League, starting next season.

Currently the Great Eastern-Yeo S-League season features 12  teams playing three rounds.
One possible change could see 14 teams battling on a home and away basis.

When contatced yesterday,FAS deputy director of marketing and competitions, Ridzal Saat said: "There has been a lot of talk about the league expanding and also new teams joining the S-League. We will take into consideration every aspect on how we can improve the league as a whole.

"One such area os our S-League online survey ... as we seek to gather feedback from fans in preparation for the 2012 season. If there are changes, we will update the public swiftly."

FIFA banned Brunei from all football activities in 2009, deeming there was government interference the workings of the Brunei Football Association.

The body was reorganised and named the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam and the country was reinstated by FIFA on May 30 this year.

A possible return by DPMM has created a stir in local football circles.

The SAFFC were the main beneficiaries of DPMM's unceremonious exit in 2009 when they claimed the S-League title anc Warriors' coach Richard Bok said: "They were challenging for the title when they were forced to pull out, and they were a good side that made the league more exciting."

Gombak United chairman John Yap said: "They gave clubs a chance to experience a real away game with the hostile crowd in Brunei, and they were a credit to themselves and...gave  an added dimension to the league."

Besides DPMM, Sembawang United, ateam backed by an anonymous busineeman, have also applied to join the S-League next season.

With the Malaysian Under-23 joining in the fray as well,both Bak and Yap back the idea of a 14-team, two round format for the S-League.

"It would be a positive thing if we can play two rounds with 14 or even up to 16 teams. It would see an increase in fan interest,and clubs can schedule our training programmes better," said Bok.
Said Yap: "It is not an ideal situation to have 12 teams in a three-round format; a straightforward home and away system will add to the sophistication of the league.

"It could also be important,especially considering Singapore's return to the Malaysian League next year. This may give fans something interesting to watch, and may bring them back to local stadiums."

DPMM FC players can't wait to go out and play

It's hardly breaking news that DPMM FC players are raring for a return to the Singapore League (S-League).

Club manager Pg Waslimin PSJ Pg Hj Abd Momin told The Brunei Times on Thursday that Brunei's most successful football club have applied to rejoin the S-League after submitting their application to the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) earlier in the week, a move, which if successful, will reunite DPMM FC with the league they took by storm in 2009.

Despite clubs from Japan (Albirex Niigata) and South Korea (Super Reds) also playing in the S-League, it was Brunei's only professional football club that became the first foreign team to win a trophy in Singapore when they claimed the League Cup in their debut season in 2009.

They had a shot at making it a double in the league largely thanks to the guidance of bench boss Vjeran Simunic, who has made a comeback after being forced out when Fifa suspended Brunei and in extension, DPMM FC from international football for 20 months.

Hj Muhd Subhi Abdilah Hj Bakir, a key cog in Simunic's midfield, is itching to lace up in Singapore again. "Of course it's a great idea for us to play there again like before," he told The Brunei Times yesterday.

"We've been resting for a long time so I hope we can get back (into the S-League) and I think there's a big probability we will. We have been out of competition for nearly two years so we all can't wait to get started. Now that Fifa lifted the suspension (in May) it will be good for Brunei footballers to get back to playing international football and improve our standard.

"All of us support the decision to bring Simunic back. We would support any coach the club bring in but Simunic has helped us to achieve something. The players are all in-tune with his training, strategy and formation ... Though training might be hard, it's for the good of the club and players," added Hj Muhd Subhi.

Another key component in Simunic's squad is Mohd Wardun Yussof, the goalkeeper who was the team's hero during the 4-3 penalty shoot-out win over Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) FC with back-to-back saves against midfielder Masahiro Fukasawa and defender Razaleigh Khalik.

He has also been in fine form in the domestic league, helping Majra FC claim the DST Group Brunei League Cup in June.

The shot-stopper also featured for DPMM FC when they were in the Malaysian Super League (MSL) in the 2006/07 and 2007/08 seasons, but maintains that neither the DST Group Brunei League nor the MSL can compare to the S-League.

"I'm happy to hear the news and hope it works. It is a very good league which is well organised and has really professional players and they are also more open," said Wardun.

"I also support the decision to bring back Simunic since he led the club to a trophy. It's a better idea to bring in new players and new faces instead of a new coach," he noted.

The team's deadliest striker, Shahrazen Hj Md Said, felt that a move back to the S-League with Simunic marked the club's natural progression after the Fifa suspension was lifted.

"It's a good idea. It's easy for us to communicate with Simunic and he knows our style of play ... We're like family," he said.

"We've been enjoying returning to training with him and we have really started preparing hard for the league," said Shahrazen, who finished the 2006/07 MSL season as joint top-scorer with 21 goals and also led DPMM FC in scoring during the 2008/09 S-League season with nine.

Another player who has been enjoying working with Simunic again is midfielder Hardi Bujang.

"For me it's a good idea to bring him back because if we get another coach we need to learn his style all over again," he said.

"He has really been concentrating on fitness during training and we're running a lot," he added.

French side Etoile FC are the S-League's defending champions, with the competition starting on Feb 12 with a dozen teams playing in three rounds

Currently in its 16th season, Singapore's top-flight is scheduled to end on Nov 28 though hopefully DPMM FC won't have to wait until then to find out if they can play.

News courtesy of The Brunei Times.
17th September 2011

Brunei Football is BACK!!

After two long hard years of football oblivion, Brunei Football is back on track. Bruneian Fans especially the DPMM FC fans can now give out a sigh of relief after it was announced that NFABD is now a member of FIFA, so therefore the Suspension on Brunei is now lifted.

"We're Back"

S.League Table as of 24th March 2009

DPMM FC Go Top Of Table

By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - Unbeaten Brunei DPMM FC topped the S League for the first time when they edged Sengkang Punggol FC 1-0 in front of their supporters at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium last night.

After the game, Brunei DPMM FC coach Vjeran Simunic was ecstatic and saluted the fans for the immense turnout to support the team. "The best players are the fans, they came to create an incredible atmosphere for the players. Fans who are not here (stadium) have missed a crucial game of Brunei DPMM FC," he said. On his team's performance, the Croatian coach said: "We did our best, all my players are heroes tonight. We expect a very tough game and Sengkang are here to dethrone us but we managed to overcome the early jitters to grab the win." The coach also has nothing but praises for Shahrazen for scoring the winner. "He did his job and I like the goal he scored today. Shahrazen is my best player, he took control of the ball and rose to the occasion." Both teams started off the match cautiously for the first 20 minutes but it was Brunei DPMM FC who almost scored on 23'1 minute when Shahrazen Said's header went just a whisker wide from a cross by Hj Subhi Abdillah. Brunei DPMM FC's goalkeeper War-dun Yussof was called into action on 27th minute when he managed to save a powerful shot outside the penalty box from Sengkang Punggol's Abdoulaye Diallo. Seven minutes from half-time, the visitors almost went ahead but Brunei DPMM FC's goalkeeper managed to make a diving save to preserve his record of a third consecutive clean sheet. After the breather, Brunei DPMM FC introduced Abdel Hamid Bergiga for the injured Rosmin Kamis and the import player nearly drew first blood when he lashed on a pass by Ivan Jerkovic and with the keeper to beat, Abdel Hamid sent the ball over the bar. Ten minutes after Shahrazen's dramatic goal in the 61st minute, Sengkang Punggol's hope of a comeback was dented when they were reduced to 10 men when referee Abdul Malik gave Jerry Bartholomeusz a second yellow card for unsporting conduct. In the dying minutes, Brunei DPMM FC's substitute, Nardi Bujang nearly put his name to the scoresheet when his long-range effort sailed just inches over the crossbar. Brunei DPMM FC's next game will be April 31 against Tampines Rovers FC at Stadium Jalan Besar in Singapore.

'The Legacy of Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien'

I'm an history buff especially when it comes to my country Brunei Darussalam, Here i'll be posting the full text of the speech by Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew at the Sultan Sir Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Memorial Lecture. The article is copied from the Borneo Bulletin, 26th February 2009.


I am honoured that with the consent of His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam, the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah foundation has invited me to deliver the first of the Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Memorial Lectures.

It is fitting and proper that the Seri Begawan should be commemorated. At a turning point in its history, the Brunei Sultanate would have ceased to exist as an independent state without him.

In August 1963, Indonesia was opposing the proposed Federation of Malaysia and confronting Malaya and Singapore. Only eight months earlier, on 8 December 1962, Brunei had faced a revolt by Sheikh Azahari of the Partai Rakyat Brunei (PRB) and British forces from Singapore had flown in to put down the rebellion.

It was a time of great peril when the Sultan decided not to join the proposed Federation. Singapore went ahead and joined the Federation. Sultan Omar Ali was under great pressure from the British who had hinted that they would be leaving the region soon.

But he stood firm.

He put his position as Sultan and the fate of his people on the line. His judgment was that the British would be responsible enough to give him some time to get his country in better shape before British forces left.

In 1932, at the age of 18, he left with two of his cousins to enrol at the Malay College in Kuala Kangsar, Malaya.

He studied there for four years and returned with a Standard 4 examination certificate. He then entered the State Administrative Service with the encouragement of the British Resident, later Governor of North Borneo, R E Turnbull.

He was stationed in Kuala Belait for a year, lived and worked in the jungle in Ulu Belait.

After a year, he joined the Legal Department as a cadet officer, and learned aspects of civil and criminal law, understudying Hughes-Hallet, the Assistant British Resident.

In 1938, he left the legal department and devoted his time to study religion under well-known religious teachers.

In 1941, he joined the Resident's Office. On 6 September 1941, he married Pengiran Anak Damit, the daughter of the Pengiran Bendahara. Brunei was occupied by the Japanese military in early 1942.

He was nominated to the State Council from 29 June 1942 and worked at the Governor's office at the request of the Japanese military administration. His brother, the Sultan, Ahmad Tajuddin, died on 4 June 1950, and Omar Ali was proclaimed Sultan on 6 June 1950.

He was crowned on 31 May 1951 as Brunei's 28th Sultan at the age of 35. He was made a Knight by the British monarch. I first met him in September 1960 in Bandar Brunei when he had invited the Yang Di-Pertuan Negara of Singapore, Yusof bin Ishak, me as the new Prime Minister and our wives to Bandar Brunei for his 46th birthday celebrations.

He had gathered some Malay literary figures from the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka in Kuala Lumpur, including Syed Nazir, the then-President of the Dewan. He spent time the next few days discussing Malay literary works.

The late Sultan was a modest man. He was soft-spoken, with a frequent smile when speaking to his friends. He lived a simple and frugal life. For his birthday, he had built an annexe to the old Istana.

It was not air-conditioned.

He did not like air-conditioning. The room that my wife and I stayed in within this newly-built annexe was very hot, like an oven event at night. The sun would shine on the building in the afternoon and there was not enough ventilation. So I quietly moved out to stay at the rest-house in a room with a window-model air conditioner.

It was during this visit to Brunei that we struck a friendship that was to grow and endure the rest of his life. On May 1961, Tunku Abdul Rahman, the Malayan Prime Minister, at an address to the Foreign Correspondents Association in Singapore, mooted the formation of Malaysia, to include Brunei, Sarawak, North Borneo (subsequently to be named Sabah), Singapore and Malaya.

On 5 December 1961, Sultan Sir Omar Ali described the Malaysia proposal as very attractive. In January 1962, he appointed a Brunei-Malaysia Commission to report on the opinion of the people. On 18 July 1962, the Sultan stated that he accepted the Malaysia proposal in principal, but that did not necessarily mean it was final.

If agreement could not be reached on important conditions affecting benefits to the people and the state, Brunei would not participate in the Malaysia plan.

In August 1962, the Partai Rakyat Brunei (PRB) won a landslide election victory in four District Councils, which in turn would choose 16 members for the Legislative Council (LegCo). The PRB won 54 seats and had all the 16 members required for the LegCo.

But they could not form the government. The 17 government nominees outnumbered the PRB in the 33-member Council. Sheikh Azahari, leader of the PRB, rejected the proposal that Brunei join the proposed Malaysian Federation.

Azahari put forward three motions at the LegCo meeting, for 5 December 1962; first, to reject the proposal of a Malaysian Federation; second, to request the restoration of Brunei's sovereignty over Sarawak and North Borneo and the installation of the Sultan as constitutional monarch of the North Borneo Federation; and third, a request to the British to grant independence to Brunei not later than 1963.

The Speaker of the LegCo disallowed the motions because the issues fell within the purview of the British government under the 1959 British-Brunei Agreement. Sheikh Azahari, the PRB leader then decided to resort to a military solution and staged a rebellion led by its military wing, Tentera Nasional Kalimantan Utara (TNKU).

The revolt began on December 8. It was put down in short order by British forces flown in from Singapore. On 20 December, Sultan Omar Ali declared a State of Emergency, suspended the Constitution, dissolved the LegCo, and appointed a 14-member Emergency Council comprising four ex-officio members, including the British High Commissioner, Sir Denis White, and 10 members nominated by the Sultan.

Negotiations on Malaysia were resumed in earnest following the end of the rebellion. The sultan did not accept the terms that Malaya offered him. When the Malaysia Agreement was signed on 9 July 1963 in London, Singapore, North Borneo and Sarawak signed on. Brunei did not. I had been in frequent touch with the Sultan in London, then staying at Grosvenor House. He was very firm in his decision not to join. As a result, after Malaysia was formed on 16 September 1963, Tunku Abdul Rahman, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, recalled hundreds of Malaysian teachers and government officers seconded to serve the Brunei administration. Their departure caused a temporary dislocation in Brunei.

Several accounts were given to explain the reason for Brunei's decision not to join the Malaysian Federation. One account cited disagreement over oil revenues as the primary cause. Kuala Lumpur wanted Brunei to hand over control of its oil to the federal government after 10 years. Kuala Lumpur also wanted to immediately tax any new oil and mineral finds discovered after Brunei joined Malaysia and to make the Sultan's contribution of $40 million to the federal revenues compulsory rather than voluntary. The Sultan was said to have found these terms unacceptable.

Another account from Kuala Lumpur alluded to the Sultan's unhappiness over the issue of royal precedence. However, I believe Sir Omar was neither willing to compromise Brunei's control over its oil revenues nor ready to have his privileges as the Ruler of Brunei curtailed. More to the point, the vibes that Sultan Omar Ali felt during the negotiations were that he would become subordinate to Kuala Lumpur's leaders and he would rank behind Malaysian's nine Sultans in seniority, besides giving up a chunk of this oil wealth to KL. When we met soon after Singapore was asked to leave Malaysia in August 1965, he nodded with satisfaction that his decision not to join was wiser than Singapore's acceptance of Malaysia.

Just over two months after Malaysia was formed, on 1 December 1963, the British Colonial Office cut its long-term connection with Brunei. The British High Commissioner in Brunei, no longer called the British Resident, henceforth would deal with Secretary of State for Commonwealth.

When the Labour Government took office in 1964, it became clear that sooner or later they would withdraw their forces from east of Suez. This would jeopardise Brunei's secure position as a protectorate. British advisers pressed the Sultan to hasten the implementation of constitutional reforms so that there could be a democratic government in place. In March 1965, a second general election was held for District and Legislative Councillors. 36 candidates contested for 10 LegCo seats in the 21-member LegCo that would comprise six ex-officio members and five members nominated by the Sultan. 88 candidates fought for seats in four Districts Councils. A large number of candidates contesting under political parties were defeated by independents because the political parties were weak.

On 4 October 1967, Sultan Omar Ali, then aged only 53, abdicated in favour of his 21-year-old son, Hassanal Bolkiah, born on July 1946. It was a strategic move he made to buy time before a British withdrawal. I was invited to the coronation of his son in 1968. Protracted negotiations with the British on Brunei's future continued following the abdication. The Sultan, now the Seri Begawan, dragged out the discussions. He wanted the son to get familiar with the administration. Moreover, his son was only 21 years old. He deflected pressure to adopt the British adversarial Parliamentary system.

He argued with the British that he needed a few years for the young Sultan to learn the ropes and strengthen the domestic situation ahead of any constitutional changes. He bought time from 1963 to 1983, over 20 years, when the British finally withdrew, and Brunei became an independent state. Without the skilful and determined stand taken by Sultan Omar Ali in the full knowledge that he was risking the future of his Sultanate if the British were to leave precipitately, he saved his dynasty, delayed majority rule before Brunei was ready, and secured Brunei's continued defence by an agreement to pay for one British Gurkha battalion that would stay in Brunei but under British control. A discreet presence remained.

The Seri Begawan has preserved Brunei's oil wealth. He left the bulk of his country's reserves with the Crown Agents to manage. He was fortunate that Britain acted with responsibility. Most of all, the Seri Begawan played his hand with considerable skill. He pleaded for time to educate enough local Bruneians who could manage the administration of the country.

Way back in the 1960s, he and I had become close friends. He trusted me because I never took advantage of his friendship to ask for favours. On one occasion, he asked his sons to sit in when I met him and he told them in his presence that I was a friend who could be relied upon.

He wanted the friendship between us to continue with his sons. It has. The close ties continue between the Sultan and his brothers with the present PM and other leaders of Singapore. Less than three years after independence, on 7 September, 1986, he passed away. He was deeply mourned by the people of Brunei. They knew that he had saved their independence and are able to live as they wish, keeping their oil wealth. It was Sir Omar's statecraft. He built the infrastructure of state. By the 1980s, he had given the sultanate's 200,000 people a high per capita income of US$20,000, among the world's most privileged. He strengthened Brunei's Islamic institutions.

Sultan Omar Ali took calculated risks with courage. He has a keen sense of what was politically possible. During the 17 years from 1950 to 1967, he brought economic, social and political developments to Brunei. With two Five-Year Development Plans, he provided for an education system throughout the state.

He built schools to teach English, gave scholarships to promising young students to study in overseas institutions. He provided school children with at least one free meal a day. Religious schools were given high priority. Hospitals, clinics were set up and dental services to schools were provided.

He eradicated dysentery and malaria. He provided electricity for the whole state. He developed the roads and telecommunication system. He reclaimed swamp lands and resettled people.

He set up the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment in 1961, which evolved into the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. The Currency Board was established in 1967. Sultan Omar Ali has ensured the survival of an independent Malay Muslim monarchy at the end of the 20th century.

He has built a strong foundation before passing the mantle to his eldest son. His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has guided Brunei since independence in 1984, a 25-year period, during which Brunei has progressed in material and social terms.

The old Sultan would have been happy to know that an independent Sultanate in Brunei has progressed in the quarter century after independence. His son, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, has preserved his heritage. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has continued to expand the numbers of abler Bruneians who are educated abroad, and created a thicker layer of the higher educated and well-informed elite.

It was good for Brunei that at the time it became independent, the leader of Asean was President Soeharto of Indonesia. He knew that I was a good friend of the Seri Begawan. So he asked me to invite Brunei to join Asean. Brunei did join and become a member of the family of Asean states. This consolidated Brunei's sovereign status, especially when it was recognised by its neighbours. Joining Asean also reduced the dangers of conflict between Brunei and its neighbours.

The close friendship and mutual trust that the father established with me have continued in the leaders of the next generation. This is a special relationship. We are the two smallest countries in Asean. One natural area of cooperation is defence, where our two countries have a longstanding, deep and extensive relationship that goes back to 1976. There are extensive interactions between the two Defence Ministers and the Armed Forces at all levels, from the ministers to the younger officers.

All Singapore Prime Ministers and Ministers have scrupulously followed my policy of never taking advantage of our close friendships with the Brunei Royal Family, their Ministers and officials.

The two armed forces train together in Singapore and Brunei on a regular basis. They conduct seven joint exercises annually. The Singapore armed forces is particularly grateful for the opportunity to conduct some of its training in Brunei, given Singapore's land constraints.

RBAF officers and soldiers attend a wide range of military courses in Singapore, together with their Singaporean counterparts. These range from technical courses to Officer Cadet School and the Command and Staff Course. Likewise, SAF officers attend courses in Brunei such as the executive development programme and the RBAF junior staff course. A recent addition is the scholars exchange programme for scholars from the defence establishments of both countries before they depart for their studies. These exchanges have enabled the officers to enhance their military knowledge. More importantly, they get to know one another at a personal level. Such interactions provide the foundation for ensuring that the relationship between our two armed forces remains strong in the coming years.

Another important area of collaboration is the Currency Interchangeability Agreement. In December 1964, a year after Malaysia was formed, the Malaysian government decided to terminate the Board of Commissioners of Currency and to issue a new currency for Malaya, Singapore and the Borneo territories, including Brunei.

The Malaya-British Borneo Currency Agreement was terminated two years later. The Malaysian government in Kuala Lumpur declined Brunei's request that it be given a seat on the policy-making body. Also, Malaysia opposed Brunei's request that the portrait of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia should not appear on the new notes. Hence, Brunei enacted legislation in January 1967 to form its own Currency Board.

Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore adopted a Currency Interchangeability Agreement, which allowed our currencies to be accepted interchangeably in the three countries.

Although Malaysia withdrew from the Agreement in May 1973, Brunei and Singapore have maintained the agreement till today. In June 2007, His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong celebrated the 40th anniversary of this Agreement and jointly launched two $20 polymer commemorative notes in Bandar Seri Begawan to commemorate the event. This agreement reflects our long-standing friendship and mutual trust, and has deepened economic ties between Brunei and Singapore.

Singapore's leaders have continued the close ties with Brunei after my long association with the Seri Begawan and his sons. This association has endured and flourished because it is based on mutual respect and trust, and utmost good faith Future generations of leaders and officials should build upon and enrich this special relationship.

The history of Brunei has been a most unique and unlikely story of a Sultanate that has survived into the 21st century as an independent oil-rich state in a turbulent part of the world. Singapore and Brunei share fundamental similarities. I remember during one of the Seri Begawan's visits to Singapore after our independence, he had smiled broadly and, with his eyes twinkling and his moustache twitching, said, "You are now like Brunei. It is better for you."

As small states surrounded by bigger neighbours in an increasingly uncertain and complex world, we share similar aspirations and concerns. We can complement on our respective strengths to enhance our development and growth. Both bilaterally and multilaterally with our other partners in Asean, we can help Asean become an integrated, stable and thriving regional association at peace with one another and at peace with our larger neighbours, including China and India.

This is my favourite part of the speech:

I remember during one of the Seri Begawan's visits to Singapore after our independence, he had smiled broadly and, with his eyes twinkling and his moustache twitching, said, "You are now like Brunei. It is better for you."

S-League unveils Brunei DPMM as 12th team for 2009 season.

The S.League has confirmed today that Brunei DPMM will be the 12th team in the competition for the 2009 season.

They will replace Chinese Dalian Shide Siwu with the new campaign kicking off on Monday 16th February.

S.League CEO Winston Lee said, "We are delightedto welcome DPMM FC to the S.League.We were impressed with their proposal including their management capabilities.Our clubs playing their away games against DPMM FC in Brunei and will definitely add to the excitement of the league and will also provide better exposure and branding opportunities for the S-League and our partner."

Brunei DPMM FC will be based at the 30,000 capacity Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan,Brunei. In a first for the S.League, league matches will be played outside Singapore with the other 11 teams flying to Brunei to take on DPMM FC at least once each during the season.

Said Brunei DPMM's Vice Chairman, YAM Pg Anak Abd Rahim, "The idea of playing in the S.League came about a couple of seasons ago.The S.League is very competitive and DPMM FC are looking forward to the challenge pf playing one of Asia's top 10 leagues.The inclusion of teams from Japan and Korea makes the s.League very exciting too, so it was a simple choice for us to be a part of this."

Brunei DPMM FC is coached by Croatian Vjeran Simunic and will make their S.League bow on 27th February when they take on Young Lions at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

Their first S.League home game at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium will be on 5th March against 2008 runners-up Super Reds.

(From: DPMMFC Official website)

Brunei DPMM to Join S-league??

Jason Thomas

DPMM FC yesterday confirmed rumours that they are interested in playing in the Singapore League (S-League) subject to approval from the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa).

The Brunei Times on Jan 10 quoted DPMM FC team manager Pg Waslimin PSJ Momin as saying that the club was “looking at other alternatives such as playing in other foreign leagues” since it was banned from playing in the Malaysian Super League by the Football Association of Malaysia after the Registrar of Societies (RoS) deregistered the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (Bafa) in November for failing to submit its activity and financial reports as requested.

Pg Waslimin travelled to Singapore this week to meet Football Association of Singapore (FAS) and S-League officials and yesterday revealed that there was still hope for competitive football this season.

“There are still a few matters to be resolved such as the home and away format and approval from Fifa,” Pg Waslimin told The Brunei Times yesterday.

“But in Fifa’s eyes Bafa is still the governing body for football in Brunei.

“The S-League has talked to the chairmen of all the clubs (in Singapore) because we want to play our home games in Brunei.”

Set to kick off on Feb 16 and end on Nov 8, the S-League will involve 12 teams with each side playing a total of 33 matches during the 2009 season, which is divided into three rounds.

Pg Waslimin added that the club would be happy if it could play a third of their games at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas, but admitted that he was resigned to the possibility of S-League officials denying the request.

With only three weeks to go until the season kicks off, fixtures need to be reworked to accommodate DPMM FC and S-League clubs might be hesitant to agree to the idea.

“Whatever it is, the ball is in their (S-League officials) hands,” said Pg Waslimin, adding that the club would also be able to compete in the Singapore Cup.

Bafa’s status and the possibility of DPMM FC joining the S-League will be on the agenda during Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) executive committee meeting early next month, with S-League officials expected to confirm DPMM FC’s inclusion either next Wednesday or Thursday.

Bafa secretary-general Pg Matusin Matasan was also fully behind DPMM FC joining the S-League, but said that the matter was one which needed to be resolved between FAS and Bafa.

“It has nothing to do with Fifa … this is only between the two associations,” he said.The Brunei Times

Local Football News

Liga Perdana Brunei tidak terjejas - AFC

Oleh: Amnri Haji Zainuddin

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Jumaat - Berita baik untuk pemain dan peminat bola sepak tempatan - Liga Perdana Brunei tidak terjejas dengan pembatalan pendaftaran Persatuan Bola Sepak Brunei Darussalam (BAFA) dan boleh dilangsungkan pada bila-bila masa.

Perkara ini dimaklumkan oleh Pegawai Media Konfederasi Bola Sepak Asia (AFC), Lazarus Rokk ketika dihubungi Media Permata di Kuala Lumpur, petang ini.

Perkhabaran itu sekurang-kurangnya merawat duka daripada episod hitam yang menimpa badan induk bola sepak Brunei itu setelah rayuannya agar pembatalan pendaftarannya diketepikan ditolak oleh Kementerian Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri Rabu lalu.

Namun apa yang lebih dibimbangkan iaitu Brunei melalui pasukan atau kelab-kelabnya tidak dibenarkan sama sekali menyertai mana-mana pertandingan atau liga yang bernaung di bawah AFC dan Persekutuan Bola Sepak Antarabangsa (FIFA) menjadi kenyataan.

Menurut Lazarus: "Brunei tidak boleh sama sekali menyertai atau menganjurkan mana-mana kejohanan antarabangsa kerana ia sudah pasti tertakluk kepada AFC dan FIFA. Ini memang peraturannya.

"Namun Brunei tidak ada masalah untuk meneruskan liga mereka sendiri. Dalam erti kata lain, liga bola sepaknya (Liga Perdana Brunei) boleh diteruskan seperti biasa. Malah semua aktiviti bola sepak domestik tidak terjejas dengan pembubaran BAFA. Mereka bebas meneruskan sebarang pertandingan tempatan."

Bekas Setiausaha Agung BAFA, Pengiran Haji Metussin Pengiran Metassan ketika dihubungi untuk mendapatkan komen mengenai berita baik itu berkata: "Saya tidak mahu bercakap apa-apa ketika ini. Saya akan bercakap minggu depan."

Ditanya mengenai kemungkinan persatuan bola sepak baru seperti BAFA perlu didaftarkan semula untuk membolehkan mana-mana pasukan negara bertanding di pentas antarabangsa, beliau sekali mengulangi: "Tunggu saja minggu depan."

Pihak Urus Setia Liga Perdana Brunei juga tidak mahu mengulas perkhabaran dari AFC itu.

Ini bermakna kelab elit negara, DPMM FC, yang kempunan bertarung dalam Liga Malaysia 2009 selepas disingkirkan oleh Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM) ekoran kegagalan BAFA memberikan penjelasan mengenai status pembubaran mereka baru-baru ini, boleh bersaing dalam liga kebangsaan - yang tidak pasti bila akan membuka tirainya.

DPMM FC semalam mengambil keputusan menamatkan kontrak dua pemain Malaysia, Chan Win Hong dan Bobby Gonzales namun di masa yang sama mengarahkan pemain lain menjalani latihan seperti biasa.

Di sebalik berita menggembirakan itu, kedudukan Kejohanan Trofi Hassanal Bolkiah yang dijadualkan tahun depan berada dalam kekaburan kerana ia melibatkan penyertaan pasukan negara-negara ASEAN.

Pertandingan yang dilancarkan pada 2002 melibatkan pemain Bawah 21 Tahun itu dianjurkan dan secara teknikalnya diuruskan oleh Kementerian Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan dan BAFA dengan kerjasama Persekutuan Bola Sepak ASEAN (AFF).

Acara berprestij yang berhasrat menyahut titah Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan itu adalah untuk mendedahkan kemampuan semangat kesukanan ASEAN kepada dunia di samping memberikan peluang kepada pemain muda berentap di pentas serantau.

Sementara itu Lazarus berkata, beliau sendiri ada mendengar mengenai pembatalan pendaftaran BAFA namun enggan mengulas lanjut sebaliknya berkata hanya pihak atasan AFC boleh memberikan kenyataan berkaitan.

BAFA pada asalnya ditubuhkan pada 15 Mac 1956 di Seria dengan nama Persatuan Bola Sepak Amatur Negara Brunei (BSAFA) sebelum menjadi Persatuan Bola Sepak Amatur Brunei (BAFA). Apabila Brunei mencapai kemerdekaan pada 1984, ia ditukar kepada Persatuan Bola Sepak Brunei Darussalam sehinggalah ke hari-hari terakhir pembatalan pendaftarannya.

DPMM FC News - Import Players Appeal rejected!!?

It looks like DPMM FC's effort to reverse the Football Association of Malaysia's (FAM) ban on imports for next season are not working out, with their team manager yesterday revealing that the chances of it happening are now next to impossible.

"We have yet to receive in black and white that our appeal is not successful, but I have heard that it is not going to happen," said Pg Waslimin PSJ Momin during a telephone interview yesterday.

The FAM ruled August to ban all foreign players from its domestic leagues next season in a move aimed at developing local talent, but Brunei's premier club wanted to convince it to make an exception.

According to FAM's head of the Department of Competition Ahmad Fuad Daud, when contacted in mid August,no other team have made such an appeal.

The news will come as no shock to the team's two imports, Guinean striker under-performed Keita Mandjou and Croatian defender Rene Komar- especially for the latter who admitted last month that his chances of playing for the Sultanate's premier club next season were slim.

Meanwhile, Pg Waslimin confirmed that ex-Malaysian international Chan Wing Hoong, who used to ply his trade for Perak, was the club's newest signing.

Arriving in town on Nov 6, the long-serving Perak defender signed on the dotted-line four days later, with his contract officially starting on Nov 1.

"After watching him in action during training, the coach (Vjeran Simunic) felt that signing him would be a good decision," said Pg Waslimin.

"He brings years of experience to the side and the coach was really impressed with him," added the team manager.

Chan made his name playing for Perak where he served for nine season in two spells from 1998-2005 and again from 2007-2008.

He also participated in the 2002 Tiger Cup, 2006 Merdeka Tournament and the 2007 Asean Football Championship.

Another player who had signed for the club was Bobby Gonzalez and Pg Waslimin said that the ex-Sabah striker was fitting in well.

Pg Waslimin added that DPMM's other new player, ex-Selangor captain and current Malaysia national team skipper Mohamad Shukor Adan, would only be making his way to Brunei after the AFF Champions Suzuki Cup.

Official Malaysian Super League Transfer

LIGA SUPER\SUPER LEAGUE -

DPMM

MASUK: Bobby Gonzales (Sabah), Mohd Reithaudin Emran (Perlis), Affendi Yati Tuah (NBT FC), Mohd Nazlee Pehin (AM Gunners FC), Mohd Helmi Zambrin (AH United), Azman Ilham (NBT FC), Muhd Abu Bakar Mahari (NBT FC), Chan Wing Hoong (Perak), Shukor Adan (Selangor), Mohd Reduan Petra, Abdul Aziz Tamit, Awangku Muhd Nurhikman Pengiran Rajid, Mohd Rozaimi Petra (tidak diketahui)

KELUAR: Suhaimie Mohd Yussof (MS ABDB), Sariful Rizal Zainal (Wijaya FC), Mardi Bujang (QAF FC), Pengiran Hamzah Pengiran Abdul Rahman, Abdul Wahab Mansor, Shariman Che Omar, Fadlin Galawat, Ahmad Hafiz Said, Rosmin Khamis (dilepaskan)

JOHOR FC

KELUAR: Daudsu Jamaluddin (Kelantan), Tengku Hazman Raja Hassan (Terengganu)

KEDAH

MASUK: Shahrul Nizam Mustapha (Perak), Farizal Rozali, Azrul Ahmad (Pulau Pinang), Afif Amiruddin (Polis)

KELUAR: Ahmad Shakir Mohd Ali (Harimau Muda), Hasmawi Hassan (Felda United), Zamzuri Mohd Isa (Perlis), Redwan Nawi, Hazwan Zainun (dilepaskan)

KL PLUS

MASUK: Fadzli Shaari, Safiq Rahim (Selangor), Razali Umar Kandasamy (Perak), Norhafiz Zamani Misbah (Pahang), Irwan Fadzli Idrus (UPB MyTeam), Amir Shahreen Mubin (Pulau Pinang), Suhardy Elby (PKNS)

KELUAR: Adrian Dario Trinidad (Perth Glory), Nazrul Erwan Makmor, Khairul Anuar Jamil, Rizal Ahmad, Hasmarul Fadzil Hassan, Afiq Kamaruddin (Felda United), Nur Aliff Zainal Abidin (T-Team)

KUALA MUDA NAZA

MASUK: Mat Saiful Mohamad, Zulhisyam Jamaluddin (Pulau Pinang), K. Rajan (Pahang), Mohd Nor Ismail (Perak), Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli, Suffian Abdul Rahman (Selangor), Syed Muhammad Syed Hassan (Kelantan)

KELUAR: Mohd Sairozi Daud, P. Sivanathan (Johor), Mazlizam Mohamad, Firdaus Mohd Faudzi (Perlis), Rosyadi Saheb (dilepaskan)

NEGERI SEMBILAN

KELUAR: Khairul Anuar Baharom (Selangor), Yazid Yassin (Perlis), Effendi Malek, Abdul Aziz Zainal, Mohd Hafiz Khazali (dilepaskan)

PAHANG

MASUK: Shahrizan Salleh, P. Suthazon, Badrul Hisani, Rosfaizul Azuar Ali, Wan Azwari Wan Noor (Shahzan Muda)

KELUAR: Cristiano Lopes Figueredo (Pelita Jaya), Tarik El Janaby (PKT Bontang), Rashid Mahmud (Felda United), K. Rajan (Kuala Muda Naza), Norhafiz Zamani Misbah (KL Plus), Subri Sulong, Rosdi Talib, Syamsuri Mustafa, Kamal Rodiarjat, Hairuddin Omar (T-Team), V. Saravanan (dilepaskan)

POLIS

MASUK: Silvester Sindih, Eddy Gapil (Sabah), Jeffrey Untam (Sarawak)

KELUAR: Noh Alam Shah (Tampines Rovers), Wan Zaman Wan Mustapha, Faizol Che Noh, Nor Farhan Mohammad (Kelantan), Agu Casmir (Gombak United), Norhisham Hassan (Felda United), Sanjos Sundawat, Fazli Baharuddin (Selangor), Gasili Pengalot (Sabah), Afif Amiruddin (Kedah), Mohd Fadly Kassim, Mazwandi Zekeria (Sarawak), Nizam Abu Bakar (Perlis), Yosri Dermaraju (Johor)

PULAU PINANG

KELUAR: Alex Daniel Cabrera (PSIS Semarang), Farizal Rozali, Azrul Ahmad (Kedah), Mat Saiful Mohammad, Zulhisyam Hassan (Kuala Muda Naza FC), Amir Shahreen Mubin (KL Plus), Chun Keng Hong (Perak)

PERAK

MASUK: Mohd Syazwan Roslan (Perlis), Chun Keng Hong (Pulau Pinang)

KELUAR: Razali Umar Kandasamy (KL Plus), Khalid Jamlus, Azlan Zainal (Kelantan), Danial Fadzly, Fakri Saarani (Perlis), Nasril Nourdin, Hamsani Ahmad, K. Nanthakumar (Selangor), Shahrul Nizam Mustapha (Kedah), Khairi Zainuddin (Kuala Lumpur), Chan Wing Hoong (DPMM), Hardi Jaafar (Selangor), Ahmad Shahrul Azhar (bersara)

PERLIS

MASUK: Nizaruddin Yusof, Nizam Abu Bakar, (Polis), Danial Fadzly, Fakri Saarani (Perak), Farizal Marlias (Shahzan Muda), Mohd Kamil Ghani (Melaka), Badrulzaman Abdul Halim (PKNS), Yazid Yassin (Negeri Sembilan), Zamzuri Mohd Isa (Kedah), Mazlizam Mohamad, Firdaus Mohd Faudzi (Kuala Muda Naza)

KELUAR: Mohd Syazwan Roslan (Perak), Reithaudin Emran (DPMM), Azlan Ismail (Terengganu), Zainal Rabin (Felda United), Rudie Ramli (Selangor), Zulkifli Yusoff, Khairul Anuar Ramli, Azizi Mat Rose, Rusfazly Rahman (dilepaskan)

SELANGOR

MASUK: Khairul Anuar Baharom (Negeri Sembilan), Nasril Nourdin, Hamsani Ahmad, K. Nanthakumar (Perak), Sanjos Sundawat, Fazli Baharuddin (Polis), Rudie Ramli (Perlis), Hardi Jaafar (Perak),

KELUAR: Elie Aiboy (PSMS Medan), Fadzli Shaari, Safiq Rahim (KL Plus), Abdul Ghani Rahman (Felda United), Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli, Suffian Abdul Rahman (Kuala Muda Naza), Indra Putra Mahayuddin (Kelantan), Shukor Adan (DPMM), Megat Amir Faisal, Wan Hoesne Wan Hussain, Nuraizat Aziz (dilepaskan)

TERENGGANU

MASUK: Shahrizam Mohamad (Sarawak), Azlan Ismail (Perlis), Mohd Hafizi Awang (Kelantan), Tengku Hazman (Johor FC), Wan Mohd Aliff Wan Jasni (PKNS), Syam Syahril Ghulam, Badrul Hisham Morris (Proton)

KELUAR: Che Hishamuddin Hassan (Kelantan), Durahim Jamaluddin, Zulfahmi Ariffin (dilepaskan)

UPB MYTEAM

MASUK: Stanley Bernard (Kuala Lumpur), Hariri Safii (Harimau Muda)

KELUAR: Mohd Haris Safwan (T-Team), Irwan Fadzli Idrus (KL Plus)

DPMM FC Update - Shukor Adan plays for DPMM next season

Shukor Adan sah wakili DPMM Brunei musim depan

KUALA LUMPUR, Selasa (Bernama) - Ketua pasukan kebangsaan Mohd Shukor Adan akan mewakili pasukan Brunei Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota (Brunei DPMM) pada saingan bola sepak Liga Super musim depan.

Perkara itu disahkan oleh pengurus pasukan Brunei DPMM, Pengiran Muhd Waslimin Pengiran Abdul Momin kepada Bernama setelah kata sepakat dicapai antara kedua-dua pihak pada awal bulan ini.

"Shukor akan menandatangani kontrak dengan Brunei DPMM dalam masa terdekat setelah selesai tugasannya dengan skuad kebangsaan Malaysia di Myanmar," katanya, Selasa.

Muhd Waslimin memberitahu pemilihan Shukor,yang menjadi buruan mereka sejak bulan lepas, adalah berdasarkan pengalaman dan mutu permainan yang ditunjukkan oleh pemain berusia 29 tahun itu.

"Malah kita juga telah menandatangani dua bekas pemain pasukan Malaysia iaitu Bobby Gonzalez dari Sabah dan pemain pertahanan, Chan Wing Hoong yang bermain untuk Perak musim lepas," katanya.

Sebelum ini, pasukan Brunei DPMM cuba memikat pemain kebangsaan Indra Putra Mahayuddin dengan tawaran gaji yang lumayan tetapi bekas pemain Selangor itu memilih untuk menyarung jersi Kelantan.

Muhd Waslimin berkata pasukannya itu meletakkan sasaran lima tempat teratas pada musim depan yang bermula Januari ini selepas hanya menduduki tangga ke-10 daripada 13 pasukan musim lalu.

Pasukan negara kini menyertai Kejohanan Piala Cabaran Grand Royal Ketiga di Yangon, Myanmar, mulai hari ini hingga 21 Nov ini.

Skuad bimbingan B. Sathianathan itu diletakkan dalam Kumpulan A bersama Ulsa Hondai Club dari Korea Selatan dan skuad bawah 22 tahun Vietnam manakala Myanmar, Indonesia dan Bangladesh membarisi Kumpulan B.

Malaysian Football - Transfer Rumors (Players & Coaches)

Ani hanya lah transfer gosip bagi Liga Malaysia 2009. Updates can be found at harimaumelaya.com . Please visit the forum.

PLAYERS

Bobby Gonzales - Sabah to DPMM FC / Kedah
Rezal Zamberi Yahya - not joining Selangor (continuing his 2 years contract with NS)
Mohd Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak - NS NAZA to Kedah / Johor FC / Selangor / UPB MyTeam / Sarawak / Perlis / PDRM / SLOVAKIA
Mohd Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak - NS NAZA to Kedah / Johor FC / Selangor / UPB MyTeam / SLOVAKIA
Hardi Jaafar - Perak to Perlis / Selangor
Khairul Izwan Jamaluddin - Melaka to DPMM FC (attending trial 12th September)
Durahim Jamaludin - PDRM to DPMM (attending trial 12th September)
Mohd Irme Bin Mat - Sarawak to DPMM FC (attending trial 12th September)
Megat Amir Faisal - Selangor (free) to Melaka / Perlis / Perak (attended trial)
Shukor Adan - Selangor (free) to Melaka / KL Plus FC / DPMM FC / UPB MyTeam FC / Negeri Sembilan / Kuala Lumpur
Azizan Baba - Johor FC to Melaka
Azuwan Arif - Johor FC to Melaka
Eddy Helmi Abdul Manan - Johor FC to Kedah
Sumardi Hajalan - Johor FC to Kedah
Suffian Abdul Rahman - Selangor (free) to NS Naza / Felda United FC
Ahmad Tarmini Saiban - Sabah to Johor
Wan Hoesne Wan Hussain - Selangor (free) to KL Plus FC & Felda United FC
V. Saravanan - Pahang to Kelantan
Mohd Alafi Mahmod - PKNS to Perlis
Syed Adney Syed Hussain - UPB MyTeam FC to DPMM FC
Amini Ahmad Tabarani - KL Plus FC to DPMM FC (arriving for trial)
Mohd Ivan Yusoff - Kuala Lumpur to DPMM FC (arriving for trial)
Hazmizan Kamaroddin - UPB MyTeam FC to DPMM FC (arriving for trial)
Henri Parsi - Sabah to Kedah (trial)
Zamzuri Mat Isa - Kedah to Kuala Muda Naza FC
Redzuan Nawi - Kedah to Kuala Muda Naza FC
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P Sivananthan - Kuala Muda Naza FC to Johor
L. Ragesh - Sarawak to Johor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ishak Majali - PDRM to Sarawak
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zamzuri Mat Isa - Kedah to Perlis
Mohd Firdaus - Kuala Muda NAZA FC to Perlis
Mazlizam Mohamad - Kuala Muda NAZA FC to Perlis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mohd. Iqbal Suhaimi - Pahang to Proton FC (trial)
Sharil Faizal Ahmad Sharifuddin - Pahang to Proton FC (on trial)
Nik Ahmad Fadley Nik Leh - Free to Proton FC (on trial)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nizaruddin Yusof (Perlis to Selangor)


COACHES

Karel Stromsik - to Sarawak / Kuala Muda NAZA FC (Head Coach)
Wathiq Nadji - Melaka (Head Coach)
Mohd Fuzaimi Ibrahim - to Melaka (Head Coach)
Rahim Abdullah - to Melaka (Head Coach)

DPMM FC News

DPMM FC sah sertai Liga Perdana Malaysia

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Rabu - Pengurus pasukan DPMM FC, Pengiran Waslimin (gambar atas) mengesahkan kelab DPMM FC akan mewakili pasukan negara untuk beraksi dalam kancah Liga Perdana Malaysia dan FA Cup musim 2009.

"Kita perlu lebih cemerlang pada persaingan musim baru ini," jelasnya ringkas tetapi penuh bersemangat ketika ditemui di Gadong hari ini.

Beliau mengakui pihaknya telah menerima tawaran dari FAM untuk menyertai kejohanan itu bagi musim 2009.

Kelab DPMM FC ketika ini sudah menjalani latihan secara berterusan bagi meningkatkan keupayaan dan kemantapan pasukan di bawah kendalian ketua jurulatih, Vrejan Simunic dan Mohd Ali Haji Momin selaku penolong jurulatih.

"Selain mengekalkan pemain-pemain lama, kita juga dijangka akan mengekalkan beberapa pemain yang sama-sama beraksi dalam Piala Suzuki AFF di samping mempelawa beberapa pemain muka baru dari kelab-kelab tempatan," ujarnya.

Dalam masa yang sama, DPMM FC juga terus membuka pintu kepada pemain-pemain berminat dari kelab-kelab di Semenanjung Malaysia termasuk dari Borneo untuk menyarung jersi DPMM FC bagi musim 2009 ini.

"Sebelum ini, beberapa pemain dari Malaysia yang berminat telah datang menjalani latihan ujian bersama pasukan. Kita menilai beberapa sudut sebelum menawarkan mereka untuk bermain bersama pasukan kita," jelas pengurus itu.

Antara pemain yang telah ditawarkan ialah pemain lincah Shukur Adan dan Bobby Gonzales dari Sabah dan berhasrat membawa kembali khidmat Jagathan yang pernah beraksi selaku penyerang tengah DPMM FC musim lalu.

Menurutnya, dijangka 4 sehingga 6 pemain akan ditawarkan untuk menyertai kelab DPMM FC dalam memberi cabaran lebih hebat musim ini.

Ketika ditanya status perkembangan mengenai cadangan kelab berkenaan untuk meminta pihak FAM agar mengecualikan pasukannya dari "membawa" pemain import, Pengiran Waslimin menjelaskan setakat ini pihaknya belum menerima jawapan dari pihak FAM.

Bekas pemain pertahanan kental, Rene Kumar dan penyerang berbisa kancah Liga Malaysia, Keita Manjou sebelum ini sudah mengikat kontrak bersama kelab DPMM FC.

"Kedudukan mereka akan diketahui sedikit masa lagi apabila FAM akan mengadakan mesyuarat mereka bagi meneliti dan mempertimbangkan sama ada membenarkan pasukan kita menyenaraikan pemain import lagi bagi musim ini," jelasnya.

Liga Perdana Malaysia musim 2009 dijangka akan membuka tirai pada awal Januari depan.

Oleh: HJ Rahim

Malaysian Football

Indra sah wakili pasukan Kelantan

Oleh AZRAN FITRI RAHIM

Annuar Musa (barisan depan dua dari kiri) menerima surat kontrak daripada Indra Putra Mahayuddin pada majlis Rumah Terbuka KAFA sempena Aidilfitri di Kota Bharu, semalam.

KOTA BHARU - Pemain bola sepak kebangsaan, Indra Putra Mahayuddin semalam sah berada dalam senarai pemain berstatus bintang skuad Kelantan untuk menempuh musim baru Liga Malaysia lebih menyakinkan dan penuh harapan.

Pengumuman mengenainya dibuat oleh Presiden Persatuan Bola Sepak Kelantan (KAFA), Tan Sri Annuar Musa pada majlis rumah terbuka sempena Aidilfitri persatuan tersebut di Wisma KAFA dekat sini, semalam.

Kedatangan bekas pemain Selangor itu telah melengkapkan pasukan tersebut dalam usahanya menyuntik nafas baru agar skuad Kijang berupaya melompat lebih jauh dan berada dalam lingkungan pasukan elit di negara ini.

Menurut Annuar, Indra telah menandatangani kontrak bersama Kelantan sejak beberapa minggu lalu, namun tidak dihebahkan kepada media kerana memberikan ruang kepadanya untuk menumpukan sepenuh perhatian dalam skuad kebangsaan.

"Kita sengaja tidak menghebahkan perkara ini lebih awal kerana tidak mahu tumpuan Indra yang ketika itu sedang memikul tugas bersama skuad negara dalam Pestabola Merdeka terjejas.

"KAFA amat berharap dengan kehadiran pemain ini akan memberikan suntikan semangat dan melengkapkan pasukan dalam mengharungi cabaran dalam Liga Perdana nanti," katanya.

Sementara itu, Annuar turut mengumumkan, ketua jurulatih Kelantan, Peter Butler sebagai pengurus pasukan yang baru bagi menggantikan Timbalan Presiden KAFA, Ahmad Jazlan Yaacob.

Menurutnya, bekas jurulatih Persiba Balik Papan, Indonesia itu dilihat berupaya untuk memikul tanggungjawab tersebut selain mencorakkan pasukan yang akan dibentuk.

"Kita mahukan satu kelainan sebab itu kita memilih Peter untuk menjawat jawatan sebagai pengurus pasukan yang mempunyai kuasa sepenuhnya.

"Kita tidak mahu berlaku pertindihan atau perbezaan pendapat antara jurulatih dan pengurus dalam menentukan kedudukan pasukan," katanya.

Dalam pada itu, Indra yang baru tiba di bandar ini bersama seorang lagi pemain kebangsaan, Daudsu Jamaluddin optimis dengan keupayaan pasukan barunya ini.

Pemain sayap itu juga percaya gandingannya dengan bekas rakan sepasukan di Perak, Khalid Jamlus dalam skuad Cik Siti Wan Kembang ini mampu memberikan impak yang besar kepada pasukan lawan.

"Kami berdua tidak pernah berbincang mengenai perkara ini (menyertai Kelantan) dan saya gembira sekiranya digandingkan bersama Khalid lagi selepas kali terakhir kami bersama pada 2001 ketika mewakili Perak.

"Saya berazam untuk membantu Kelantan menjuarai Liga Perdana dan membawa negeri ini menyertai Liga Super untuk musim seterusnya selain membawa pulang beberapa piala lagi tambahan pula pasukan ini ialah tempat asal ibu saya," ujarnya.

AFF Suzuki Cup 2008 - Brunei out of competition as Cambodia goes On..

PHNOM PENH (25 Oct 2008) – Cambodia celebrated their qualification into the main event AFF Suzuki Cup 2008 in December when they beat Brunei 2-1 in the fifth and final match day of the qualifiers at the National Olympic Stadium.

With both teams needing to win the tie on the day to make into the next round, it was Brunei who drew first blood through Hardi Anak Bujang in the 44th minute before Cambodia replied with the equaliser through Sam El Nasa a minute later.

But Borey delivered the winning strike in the 73rd minute for the more than 15,000 fans a reason to get to their feet.

“We are happy with the results and of course, making it to the main event of the competition,” said Prak Sovannara, the head coach for Cambodia.

“It was a tough match but I think that Borey has improved tremendously and that made the difference on the day.”

The game started with a curling corner from Hardi which forced Cambodian keeper Ouk Mic to come out for the punch.

Cambodia replied with a freekick from Kim Chanburith but Mohd Wardun Yussof was equal to the task.

The game went into higher gear after that with Brunei’s Mohd Abu Bakar Mahari going wide while Cambodia’s Chan Rithy’s cross was denied by Wardun.

But as the game became to slow down going into the break, Brunei grabbed the lead in the 44th minute with Hardi turning a defender before blasting the ball past the rooted Ouk Mic.

Under pressure from the fans, Cambodia pushed ahead and it took them less than 60 seconds to find the equaliser as Sam nailed the rebound off an earlier shot from Chan Rithy.

The second half saw Brunei playing it a little more cautious while Cambodia kept up with the same momentum.

In the 48th minute, substitute striker Kouch Sokumpheak broke through but his grounder went straight to Wardin instead.

Brunei’s only real chance after the break came off Mohd Subhi Bakir which came off the right post.

But there was no denying Cambodia the win and the full points when Borey picked up a short pass form the middle before putting it past Wardun.

Five minutes to the end, Borey had another chance to wrap the game up but his shot went inches wide in front of an open goalmouth.

“It was not easy to bring up the spirit of the players after the loss they suffered in the last game,” said Vjeran Simunic, the head coach for Brunei.

“But I am very disappointed with the loss today. It was a sad result for me.”

With the win for Laos, it has made the passage for the Philippines for the meet in December a lot harder.

AFF Suzuki Cup 2008 - Late Goal Downs Brunei

PHNOM PENH (23 Oct 2008) – A late header from Saynakhonevieng Phommapanya took Laos a step closer to confirming their place in the next round of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2008 when they beat Brunei 3-2 in the fourth match day of the qualifiers here at the National Olympic Stadium.

With the score tied at 2-2, Saynakhonevieng headed home the winner from the far post to give Laos their second win following their victory over the Philippines in their last match.

“We changed five players for this game and that was probably why we did not play well in the first half,” said Veleriy Vdovin, the head coach for Laos.

“We brought in the regulars after the break and we played much better after that. But I think that we were a little lucky today because if the Brunei team had defended better towards the end, we would have lost.”

With the win today, Laos have picked up six points while Brunei are still on four points going into the last match of the qualifiers on Saturday.

Laos, who had won the qualifiers two years ago in the Philippines, started stronger with Vongphet Sylisay blasting over a cross from Lamnao Singto early in the seventh minute.

But a minute later, Laos took the lead when Visay Phaphouvanin blasted in a goal mouth melee which took a deflection off a defender before sailing into the Brunei goal.

Rattled, Brunei pushed forward and while they totally muffed a double chance off a corner in the 20th minute, they made that up with the equalizer eight minutes later.

Mohd Azwan Saleh floated in a cross from the right for Hardi Bujang to deliver an inch perfect glancing header into the Laotian goal.

With the score level at 1-1 at the start of the second half, Brunei played a more defensive game while Laos piled on the pressure in search of the winner.

In the 53rd minute, Phayvanh Lounglath’s freekick went straight to the arms of Brunei keeper Mohd Wardun Yussof while five minutes later; a header from Lamnao came off the woodwork.

But while Laos was busy trying to prise open their opponent’s defence, it was Brunei who took the lead in the 84th minute when off a cross from Azwan, substitute Mohd Abu Bakar Mahari headed home from the near post for them to be in front for the first time in the game.

Laos maintained their composure and continued to pressure the cagey Brunei defence.

And before long they finally found the equalizer late in the 89th minute when Lamnao picked up a cross from the centre before chipping the ball over Wardun to put the score at 2-2.

With seconds remaining to the final whistle, came Saynakhonevieng’s header which put Laos firmly in the driver’s seat as they look to playing against Timor Leste in the final game of the qualifiers in two days.

“We are very disappointed with the results. We do not think that we deserve to lose this match,” said Vjeran Simunic, the head coach for Brunei.

“We have three players suspended and with this defeat, it is very difficult for us to qualify into the next round.”

AFF Suzuki Cup 2008 - Brunei Go Top

PHNOM PENH (21 Oct 2008) – Brunei blasted Timor Leste 4-1 to go top of the standings in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2008 qualifiers here at the National Olympic Stadium.

With Laos beating the Philippines 2-1 in an earlier match, it has made the chase for the two only available spots into the next round still open.

“It was an excellent game and it was tough until the final whistle,” said Vjeran Simunic, the head coach for Brunei.

“But we were going for the positive result as we needed the points to make sure that we have a good chance to qualify into the next round.”

With Timor looking a shade off colour as captain Alfredo Esteves looking a little restrained, it allowed Brunei more space to push forward.

It did not take too long for Brunei to go in front where in the ninth minute off a short pass from the left, prolific striker Mohd Shahraezn Said blasted home to put them in front.

Timor continued to struggle after that and with the failure to win the midfield battles, their stray passes added to the confusion of the forwards as Brunei continued to stamp their authority.

In the 26th minute, Shahrazen was again on target when he headed home a well-executed cross from Sairol Sahari to put the sultanate in a confident mood as they head into the dressing room at the half.

The second half saw Simunic urging his lads on and in the 57th minute, Brunei nailed their third goal of the evening when a clever chip from the midfield was put well beyond the reach of Timor keeper Leonel Araujo by the nippy Mohd Azwan Saleh.

Brunei gave then gave themselves an unassiable lead in the 76th minute with a penalty from Sallehuddin Damit although Timor did pull a goal back ten minutes to the end from Rosito Soares.

“Brunei started the match better than us,” lamented Pedro Almeida, the head coach for Timor Leste.

“We made two mistakes earlier in the game and they scored both times. That is football.”

After the loss today, Timor Leste became the first casualty of the qualifiers.