Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
DEFENDING Champions DPMM FC will not contest the remainder of the Singapore Premier League (SPL) season due to Brunei's COVID-19 travel restrictions.
This was announced by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) in a press statement yesterday.
It is the first time in Singapore’s professional league history that the reigning champions will sit out the season after clinching the title.
DPMM FC coach Adrian Pennock was left disappointed but felt it was more important to look at the bigger picture.
“My first thoughts are that we are very disappointed that we are not able to defend our title. Those were my initial thoughts but I’m not overly surprised and we fully respect the decision made,” said Pennock in an interview with BruSports News today.
“Safety is the most important for both sides and it is better to be safe than sorry.
"Brunei has done well to keep the virus away from the country,” he added.
DPMM FC haven’t had any full training and only trained with groups of 10.
Brunei’s only professional team had only played one a game - a 2-0 home win over Tampines Rovers FC on March 6 - which will be voided.
They haven’t had a game since - let alone full training - and have only been training in groups of 10.
Pennock commended his charges for putting in the work during these tough times.
“It has been a long eight to nine months. The players have been fantastic in attending training,” said the Englishman.
“They must be mentally drained as we all train to play but haven’t had any of that,” he added.
Pennock’s one-year contract is also up at the end of the season and when asked on what’s next, he replied: “We will have a meeting with the management and players next to see what will happen next.”
