Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
AGE is just a number for DPMM FC goalkeeper Alizanda Sitom.
The 46-year-old became the oldest player to lace up in the S.League after starting in between the DPMM FC sticks in their 2-0 victory over Hougang United FC last night.
Aleksander Duric was previously the oldest before retiring in 2014 at the age of 44.
Alizanda came up big especially in the first half with a stop on Pablo Aracil from six yards out to preserve DPMM FC's one goal lead.
It has been 10 years since he retired and played veteran football before getting the call up to contest at a professional level once again.
He was delighted with the win in his first game back and credited the team for executing the game plan.
“The game tonight (Sunday night) was alright. We had a three-week break and had enough preparations ahead of this game,” said Alizanda in an interview with BruSports after the triumph at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
“We have done all the coach has asked us to do in training and we followed the strategy that was set out for us,” he added.
“Well done to the team tonight as we achieved what we have been working on in training. Now we will get ready for the next game,” continued Alizanda.
DPMM FC coach Steve Kean also heaped praise on his goalkeeper for his showing.
“He has been excellent. Like I said before, he is not here to make up numbers. He is here as serious player to put pressure on Wardun (Yussof),” said Kean in a post match interview.
“He has been excellent in training and makes saves. His starting position is good and tonight even came out for crosses.
“People might think he is getting on a little bit with his age and slightly smaller than Wardun,” added the Scotsman.
“But when you have the explosiveness like he has got in his legs and enthusiasm to make saves… turn things around the post and take the pressure off the back unit . I thought he was exceptional tonight.
“I'm delighted they didn't score. with his first game back with us to get a cleansheet and made some important saves at some important times,” he concluded.
DPMM FC will next face Balestier Khalsa FC on Friday at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
