Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
THE national team are raring go against Mongolia in their first round encounter of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar and AFC Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers.
They have just arrived in Ulanbaatar after completing their eight-day training camp in Beijing, China yesterday.
The Wasps are in high spirits and national skipper Sairol Hj Sahari believes that they are fully prepared for the meeting.
“We are all ready for the game. Since the first day of training, we have already planned something good for the team,” said Sairol in an interview with BruSports News yesterday when contacted.
“I believe if we stick to the plan, good results will follow. I hope that all goes well for us,” he added.
The 36-year-old also felt that the training camp was exactly what they needed.
“We would like to thank the Chinese Football Association. We feel honoured to be able to experience staying and playing football here in China,” said Sairol.
“The facilities here are really top notch and professional. It is definitely something Brunei should aim to have.
“All we have done here is play football, eat, sleep and repeat,” he added.
“We played well in the friendly (against Beijing Sport University) and coach was very happy because we played exactly the way how he wanted us to.
“Hopefully we will be able to execute our game plan against Mongolia as well,” continued the Kasuka FC left-back.
It isn’t exactly easy to be away from the family during this festive period but Sairol knows exactly what needs to be done.
“I feel a bit emotional because we have to celebrate Raya away from home but we know that we have to sacrifice our time as the country needs us,” said the former DPMM FC player.
“I also just want to wish all Muslims around the world Selamat Hari Raya, maaf zahir dan batin. Drive safe people,” he added.
Brunei are ranked 194th in the FIFA World Rankings while their opponents sit in 187th.
Despite being lower in the rankings, vice-captain Shahrazen Said is also in a positive mood and believes that team chemistry will be key in their encounter against Mongolia.
“I believe that we can fight against Mongolia. Eventhough coach (Robbie Servais) hasn’t been around that long yet but we feel like we have been training under him for a long time, said Shahrazen.
“It feels good that we are able to catch up with the technical and tactical strategies that he has for us.
“The friendly was a tough game but we all know our jobs in every position. It seems we have a way to challenge Mongolia,” added the 33-year-old.
The DPMM FC striker has also called on the supporters back home to spur them on.
“Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all the Muslims everywhere especially to my parents, wife and children. We hope that everyone back home will wish us success here,” he concluded.
The return leg will be contested next Tuesday (June 11) at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas
Brunei’s last attempt to qualify for the World Cup was in 215 where they lost 2-1 on aggregate to Chinese-Taipei.
They made history by winning their first ever game with a 1-0 away victory after a solitary goal from Adi Said before falling at home in the second leg.
