Caption: Billy Mehmet (L) in action against Albirex Niigata FC (S) on March 9. Picture: Courtesy of Ortus Media
Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
BILLY Mehmet believes that DPMM FC have got what it takes to challenge for the S.League title this season despite their poor start.
DPMM FC dropped their opening two games - the first time in four seasons under Steve Kean - against Home United FC and defending champions Albirex Niigata FC (S) respectively.
Mehmet, who finished as the 2014 Malaysian Premier League topscorer with 23 goals from 26 matches, is confident that they can turn things around considering that they have been playing well.
“I believe in myself and the players. We have a very good team and we will challenge for the title,” said Mehmet in an interview with BruSports on Monday.
“We got to keep going and believe in ourselves. It has only been two games and I believe when we win a game we can go on a run and score more goals.
“We can look and say we played bad but we haven't. We were brilliant in the opening minutes (against Home United) till they got a penalty (in the ninth minute).
“And had I scored against Albirex then the game would be different,” he added.
“The goals we conceded could have been avoided. It is not that they have done unbelievable and scored.
“If we can cut out errors and get luck at the other end. We have been creating chances but just unlucky.
“Only if we haven’t create chances then we got to start asking questions. If we keep creating, the goals will come eventually,” continued the West Ham United trainee.
The 33-year-old, who netted a total of 20 goals for Tampines Rovers FC in all competitions last season, has yet to open his account for the Brunei side.
He came close on two occasions in the opening two games.
The first against Home United FC in the season opener where he placed a header into the bottom right corner but Hassan Sunny went full stretch to keep the ball out.
The second came against Albirex Niigata FC (S), an 18-yard header which grazed the woodwork.
He is not bothered by the individual goal tally and is focused on the team.
“I’ve scored everywhere I go. I'm confident I can score. That is not a problem,” said Mehmet
“Important is that the team wins. When you are younger 18-19 years old, you think all about you and that you must score.
“When you get older and more experienced, you understand it is not about you but the team,” he added.
“If I score two goals and we lose 3-2, it is not good for the team.
“It doesn't matter. I don't care who scores or how many we score in games. Most important is to win the games,” continued Mehmet.
It is the fourth year in Southeast Asia for Mehmet and asked on how he feels about Brunei, he replied: “The boys have been brilliant. All the lads looks after me. Everyone has been welcoming and it has been pretty easy.
“The food is a bit different and I’m enjoying it. I'm also confident in the team,” he added.
“I know this team when we get our first win, we can go on run. We don't deserve to have zero points and should have at least four.
“But that is football. There might be times in a season where we play a game and get smashed but win,” he concluded.
DPMM FC will resume their campaign when they host Hougang United FC this Sunday at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
