Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
DPMM FC are looking for a positive result against Warriors FC in the S.League tonight at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium in Singapore to carry into The New Paper League Cup starting next week.
The Brunei side are without a win in seven matches and last tasted victory on April 2 - triumphing 2-0 against Hougang United FC - their only win of the season so far.
The Warriors FC walked away with a 5-3 win in their last meeting at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on April 15.
Daud Gazale (C) in action during a training session. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
DPMM FC coach Steve Kean knows what to expect from their opponents and is ready for the encounter.
“We know Warriors like to attack and sometimes leave a bit of space at the back and that's when we like to attack,” Kean told BruSports on Friday.
“That is what we have been working on for the last 16 days and we need to make sure when we lose possession, it will be difficult to play through us.
“Against Albirex, they had 4 chances and scored 4 goals. We actually had more chances but didn't score,” he added.
“Football is all about how you play in both boxes. We need to be ruthless in the attacking box and be really resolute and strong defensively in the defending box.
“We have done lots of work on that. If we can mimic what we have done in training, get the ball in box and be ruthless and get our blocks in with great determination and not even to let our goalkeeper to make saves, then I think we can get a good result from this game,” continued the Scotsman.
DPMM FC coach Steve Kean (R) looks on during a training session. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
There is a different feeling at the training ground with sessions held at a high intensity after the additions of their latest signings last month.
“Training has been excellent and there is a good and positive atmosphere with a good intensity. Having brought in new local players and obviously new imports... they are all trying to impress and gel with rest of squad and it gives an extra spark,” explained Kean.
“But I've said many times there is no point training really well and be disappointing in games,” he added.
Abdul Mu'iz Sisa (R) on the ball while defended by Md Haizul Rani Metusin. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
DPMM FC will be without Brazilian striker Rafael Ramazotti for the second straight game through injury.
Kean hopes to see others step up while the two-time S.League topscorer is out.
“It is difficult as you never like to lose your main strikers. Before he got injured, he played every game since he had been here. He was devastated to miss the game (against Albirex),” said the former Blackburn Rovers manager.
“Football is unusual where you go three years without injury and done remarkably well up till now.
“But It gives (brothers) Shahrazen and Adi (Said) as well as other strikers who are selected an opportunity to play and grab their chance.
“He (Rafa) will be out for a few more weeks and that is enough time for the other strikers to make their mark,” he concluded.
The other game will see Geylang International FC take on the Garena Young Lions at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
