Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
WARDUN Yussof is fighting to break into the DPMM FC starting lineup once again.
The 35-year-old goalkeeper sustained a thumb injury on May 20 and hasn’t featured in any games despite having recovered.
Ak Mu’izzuddin Pg Ismail has since taken over in between the sticks and Wardun is looking to work his way back into the No 1 spot.
“It’s about time. I’m training hard every session and hope that it will open coach’s eyes,” said Wardun in an interview with BruSports News last week.
“I will just keep doing what I do best for now. I’m a competitive type of person.
“That’s why I’m still playing compared to most of my colleagues who are of the same age,” he added.
“There are always ups and downs in football. After almost 20 years, I injured my finger for the first time. I just need a little push and I’ll be back for sure.
“But If I play and my team aren’t solid then it will feel useless as well,” continued the national shotstopper, who first joined the national team in 2000.
Despite being the third oldest player on the DPMM FC roster - with only Alizanda Sitom (47) and Rosmin Hj Md Kamis (36) older - he is not ready to call it quits any time soon.
“For a goalkeeper is different as the older you get, the more experience you got,” said Wardun, who joined DPMM FC in 2002.
“You will do more talking than doing the goalkeeping job,” he added.
The future looks to be in good hands for Brunei after strong standout performances by national under-22 custodians Haimie Anak Nyaring and Ishyra Asmin Jabidi at the 29th SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.
When asked about the situation, Wardun replied: “We all have to start from the bottom and the SEA Games is a good platform for them.
“I feel that they performed 9/10 but they will definitely need more games under their belt,” he concluded.
DPMM FC will resume their S.League campaign against Home United FC at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on Sept 8.
