Sairol Hj Sahari (R) delivers a cross while being defended by Kwon Dakyung of Home United FC in their S.League match at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on June 10, 2014. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
SAIROL Hj Sahari has set himself a target of returning to playing football next year.
The former DPMM FC left-back hasn’t seen any action since rupturing his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) during a training session at the Jerudong Mini Stadium on April 25 last year.
Sairol, who celebrated his 34th birthday on Sunday, felt that he needed more time to get back to his best.
“I miss my teammates and football but I had to make the right decision on what is best for me. One of the reasons is that I have not fully recovered,” said Sairol in an interview with BruSports yesterday.
“I didn’t want to feel uncomfortable during training. During pre-season I thought to myself that it’s not fair for other players if I’ve been selected without going for training.
“I’m continuing my rehab and joining spinning classes. I’m also doing crossfit to keep myself busy,” he added.
“I’ve also back at my former club (Kasuka FC) not just for coaching but also to join in training to get my footwork and touches back.
“I hope that I can come back as soon as possible but next year surely I’ll be back. That’s my target,” continued the defender, who joined DPMM FC in 2006.
Sairol Hj Sahari (R) dribbling the ball while defended by Lay Raksmey of Cambodia in their match for the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 Qualifiers at the Youth Training Centre in Yangon on Oct 9, 2012. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
He had also upgraded himself by picking up the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) ‘C’ Coaching cert as well as Fitness Coaching cert from courses offered by the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD).
Sairol is now applying what he learned as an assistant coach at DST Super League side Kasuka FC.
“I’m there to gain extra knowledege and experience from a coaching point,” said the 34-year-old, who made his international debut in 2008 and has featured in three editions of the AFF (ASEAN Football Federation) Suzuki Cup qualifiers.
“So when I retire from playing football, I have got experience of coaching already and also so that I can rid the feeling of missing the game then,” he added.
When asked on the differences on being a player and a coach, Sairol replied: “Personally I rather be a football player than be a coach. It is not easy to become a coach.
“To be a coach, you need to prepare training programmes, players this and that. But being a player, you just need to play and follow the instructions given by the coach,” he added.
Sairol Hj Sahari (C) in action while DPMM FC coach Steve Kean looks on during a training session at the Jerudong Mini Stadium on August 18, 2015. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
Sairol also conveyed his best wishes to his DPMM FC teammates for their S.League campaign.
“Just pray for good things for me and my teammates. I know the guys can do better, be one team and I wish them good luck and all the best,” he concluded.
DPMM FC are currently second from bottom in the nine-team competition having notched one win and three losses.
They will host the unbeaten Warriors FC this Saturday at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
