Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
DPMM FC have their eyes set on achieving a double when they resume their Singapore Cup campaign against Hougang United FC today at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
The newly crowned Singapore Premier League Champions currently have one point to their name after salvaging a 1-1 draw against Geylang International FC thanks to a last gasp goal by Andrei Varankou on Sept 25.
It has been three weeks since DPMM FC played their last game on Sept 29 - also against the Cheetahs in their final League game.
DPMM FC have been in celebratory mood - as should be - but coach Adrian Pennock is not focused on making history.
“Everybody involved with DPMM FC should be on a high and long may that continue but obviously we got a big game on Saturday against Hougang,” said Pennock in an interview with BruSports News on Wednesday.
“It is going to be tough. It would have been nice to be at home as that’s where we are strong.
“But we will give it our all and get through to the next round first because we want to make history and get the double. We will do our utmost to achieve it,” he added.
DPMM FC will be travelling with an 18-man squad to Lion City and there isn’t much time to rest with the games scheduled just days apart.
They will complete the group stage against Albirex Niigata FC (S) on Thursday.
When asked on the rotation of players, Pennock replied: “I think we have to see how the games go but of course most important would be to get a win (on Saturday) as we already drew against Geylang.
“That game was forced upon us as it was in between the League games. We want to be positive and get the three points in both games,” he added.
Hakeme Said is the only player confirmed not to travel with the team having to sit for his GCE O’ Levels while Azizi Ali Rahman (ankle) and Najib Hj Tarif (knee) are doubtful.
DPMM FC had their best performance in the Singapore Cup last year when they reached their first final where they were beaten 4-1 by Albirex.
