Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
DPMM FC are looking to start their Singapore Premier League (SPL) season off on a winning note when they host Home United FC tomorrow night (Saturday) at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
It will be a Singapore debut for DPMM FC coach Rene Weber and he knows the importance of getting their campaign off to a good start.
“We must show that we are the boss when playing at home. We want to have a good game and win,” said Weber in an interview with BruSports News today.
“We have improved after having some friendly games but I know it won’t be easy because Home United are a good team.
“I know the way they play after watching them win their first game. It will be difficult but I hope we can win to start the season in a good way,” added the Brazilian when met at the Jerudong Mini Stadium.
The Brunei side are coming off a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Malaysian Premier League side Sabah FA in a friendly on Monday night.
Despite the setback, Weber felt that it was a much needed tune-up game to get them prepared for the SPL.
“It was a difficult game,” said Weber.
“They were really strong and it was very physical but it was a good test for us,” he added.
The duo of Iranian winger Mojtaba Mostafa and Adi Said didn’t lace up for the encounter but will be available for selection after passing the Yo-yo test, a prerequisite to compete in the SPL, yesterday.
DPMM FC coach Rene Weber (2nd L) giving instructions to his players during a training session yesterday at the Jerudong Mini Stadium. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
Home United have had more games under their belt having already contested in four AFC Cup matches.
They had started their SPL campaign with a 3-1 comeback victory over Balestier Khalsa FC at the Bishan Stadium on Wednesday.
Weber managed to get a view of the Protectors and knows what they are up against.
“They are a strong and experienced team who are also competing in the AFC Cup,” said the former Brazil national under-20 football team.
“Right after this we have to play defending champions Albirex (Niigata). We play two strong teams at the start of the season.
“If we want to expect something for this season then we will have to do well against both of them,” he concluded.
DPMM FC will be without Ak Md Fakharazzi Pg Hj Hassan and Reduan Hj Petara through injury.
The trio of Abd Hariz @ Amani Herman, Md Azim Izamuddin Hj Suhaimi and Ak Yura Indera Putera Pg Yunos are also unavailable as they are with the HBT team.
Goalkeeper Ak Md Mu’izzuddin Pg Ismail is out with a thumb injury and is set to be replaced by HBT team goalkeeper Ishyra Asmin Jabidi for the remainder of the season.
Meanwhile, Home United lost their topscorer Stipe Plazibat, who netted 25 goals last season, Faris Ramli and Singapore No.1 shotstopped Hassan Sunny in the offseason.
In turn, they signed Singapore national captain Shahril Ishak and Faritz Hameed to fill in the void.
