Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
BRUNEI'S head coach Mario Rivera Campesino has called on his players to adopt a winning mentality ahead of their 2018 Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy opener against Timor Leste.
The Spanish, who has only been appointed early in February, hopes his side will be able to get the three points against Timor Leste at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium tomorrow night.
"I hope to win... hope to win all matches... everything (not just matches) but duels, situations, runs, we have to win all the time," said Campesinos in an interview with the press yesterday.
"We are taking on Timor Leste in our first match, they are a good team and they have good players but I think we will be able to beat them.
Brunei are pooled in group A alongside defending champions Myanmar and two-time champions Thailand and Campesino believes that his charges are ready for the challenge.
"I always tell my players everyday to concentrate and to always give their 10, fight for their country and play like how they train," said the Spanish.
"I have been training with the team for about two months now, introducing to the team the Spanish technology.
"They (players) have been with the ball and I am trying to teach them to make decisions on the field so I think they are ready," he added.
Brunei head coach Mario Rivera Campesino. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
The national side is boosted by the arrival of Leicester City reserves player Faiq Bolkiah, who will play important role for the team.
"Faiq is a good player, we are happy to have him. He played yesterday (Friday night) in the first-half (against Labuan Complex FC) but the field was no good (not in a good condition) because of the rain," added Campesino.
"He met all the players now and they are doing well, raining well and I am sure he is happy," he concluded.
Brunei will take on Thailand on Friday before ending group stage play against Myanmar on April 30.
