Caption: New signing Daud Gazale (L) might make his DPMM FC debut against Home United tonight. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
DPMM FC will be looking to turn their S.League season around when they face Home United FC to start the second round at the Bishan Stadium in Singapore tonight.
The Brunei side are currently second from bottom in the nine-team table with four points after eight matches and are 21 points off the pace from leaders Albirex Niigata FC (S).
On the other hand, Home United are second in the standings with 20 points having only tasted defeat once so far.
Afiq Roslan (L) being defended by Azim Suhaimi during a training session at the Jerudong Mini Stadium on Wednesday. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
DPMM FC coach Steve Kean remains in a confident mood despite their position.
“We are in a position that we have never been before since I’ve been here for the past four seasons,” said Kean in an interview after a training session at the Jerudong Mini Stadium yesterday.
“You don’t become a bad team overnight. We have had very few changes to the squad and the nucleus is the same.
“We just need to play with confidence and start games better. To turn things around we need to bring the quality in training into games,” he added.
There is a major change on the attacking front as the Brunei side announced through their official website the signing of Chilean striker Daud Gazale, who will replace the outgoing Billy Mehmet.
Gazale, who has eight caps for his country, might be able to make his debut against the Protectors having passed the 2.4km test yesterday.
Meanwhile, other foreign players have also been sighted on trial the past two weeks and when asked about the situation, the Scotsman replied: “We have had lots of forwards and defenders come on trial. We have been having a look.
“It is unusual because it is the middle of the season and we have never done this,” he added.
“With our position in the league, we try to have a look to see if anything can be changed.
“If not, bringing in some to look at will put all (other imports) on their toes because nobody wants to lose their position in the team,” continued the former Blackburn Rovers manager.
Azwan Ali Rahman (L) shields the ball from Helmi Zambin during a training session at the Jerudong Mini Stadium on Wednesday. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
DPMM FC fell 3-1 to the Protectors the last time the two teams met on March 3 at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
The 2015 S.League champions put up a strong showing but Singapore national goalkeeper Hassan Sunny put on a superb performance to ensure his side walked away with three points.
Home United coach Aidil Shahrin expects yet another tough encounter.
“There is no easy match this season. Even against Young Lions, we found it a tough match,” said Aidil.
“it won’t be easy to win as the opponents will come into the match with a winning mentality to get their season back on track.
“But our mindset remains the same, we go for the three points,” he added.
DPMM FC will be missing the services of goalkeeper Wardun Yussof, who picked up a right thumb injury on Saturday, and defender Ak Yura Indera Putera Pg Yunos due to suspension.
On the other hand, the duo of Aqhari Abdullah and Sirina Camara are out for the Protectors.
