Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
TUTONG are ready to begin their National Basketball League title defence when they take on Belait B at the BBA court in Batu Bersurat on Sunday.
They captured the crown in the inaugural season after edging Brunei-Muara A 80-75 in the final last year.
Tutong have retained the core of their title-winning squad with the addition of a few new faces but Tutong coach Hj Aeide Sowerdey Hj Abu Hassan is not thinking about the trophy just yet.
“At the moment we don’t want to speak and think too much about the title. We want to take it one game at a time,” said Hj Aeide in an interview with BruSports News yesterday.
“We're fully aware and the team is going to play hard throughout this tourney. Team preparations have been great as we started few days after the new year.
“The main focus is pushing the youngsters as they will get a feel playing alongside the seniors. Mentally and physically they're ready and looking forward to it,” he added.
“I’m also confident that the seniors, with their vast experience of the game, know how to lead the team of youngsters,” continued the Tutong coach.
The League will feature a total of six teams - all four districts with Belait and Brunei-Muara entering two - same as last year.
When asked on the biggest contenders this year, Hj Aeide replied: “I think that we are everybody's target team to beat.
“Belait A are another team to lookout for. Honestly I want to see good competition throughout the game and let it speak for itself,” he added.
The League introduced the home and away format which saw teams play in three districts - Brunei-Muara, Tutong and Belait.
However, all matches will be held at the BBA court this year due to the COVID-19 situation.
“The organisers had to take extra safety measures to have the games played at only one venue. But it’s great to see that everybody is there and have nothing against it,” said Hj Aeide.
“The games should at least to be played home and away format and I hope that it will be back by next year,” he concluded.
The second game will see Brunei-Muara A take on Belait A at 8.30pm right after the opening ceremony.
