Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
DPMM FC coach Rene Weber was proud of his charges for delivering a third place finish in the Singapore Premier League this season.
The Brunei side leapfrogged Tampines Rovers FC into the second runner-up spot in the nine-team competition after closing out their campaign with a 3-1 victory over the Garena Young Lions at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on Tuesday night.
Najib Hj Tarif (L) holds off Rusyadi Salime of Young Lions. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
The result is a stark contrast to their previous campaign where they placed second from bottom.
“It is very good (to finish third). Congratulations to the players because they did well,” said Weber after the triumph.
“We put a target to finish in the top four at the start of the season. We had the chance to even become second but we lost it. So third is what we deserved this season,” he added.
The win over the Young Lions was the first in three meetings this season after the previous two ended in 1-1 draws at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
"It was difficult in the beginning but it is normal as the team is nervous knowing that they had to win," said Weber.
"Our opponents came here to defend but congratulations to the team to get the win. We can do more with this team and hopefully we can win it next season," he added.
Volodymyr Priyomov (R) finished second in the goalscoring charts this season with 18 to his name. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
After a goalless first half, DPMM FC broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute after Adi Said volleyed home a Najib Hj Tarif cross from the left.
They doubled their advantage after a good solo effort by Volodymyr Priyomov, who eventually finished in tied-second with Warriors’ Jonathan Behe in the goalscoring charts with 18 to his name, five minutes after the hour mark.
The visitors grabbed one back just moments later off a setpiece through Hami Syahin.
DPMM FC responded immediately through Azizi Ali Rahman heading home at the far post after just substituting into the game to see them take all three points from the encounter.
Azwan Ali Rahman (L) was sent off late in the game reducing DPMM FC to 10 men. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
The Brazilian also highlighted that with more planning the team can reach even greater heights.
“We got good players but we need to have a big plan. Not just for DPMM FC as we have got good players here in Brunei,” said Weber.
“We must prepare these players and I know that we can improve further. It was also good that we managed to reach the final of the Singapore Cup. Next season the target will be to become the champion,” concluded the 57-year-old.
DPMM FC coach Rene Weber (L) in a photo with fitness coach Luciano Ilha and his son. PIcture: Yee Chun Leong
