Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
DPMM FC coach Adrian Pennock has played down their tags as favourites for the upcoming Brunei Super League.
“It won’t be easy as our players are playing against their friends and family and every game we play will be like a Cup final as everyone wants to beat us,” said Pennock in an interview with BruSports News yesterday.
“It’s nice that people see us as favourites but we will respect everyone we play and give it our all.
“We can only try to beat the team that’s in front of us on a Sunday evening,” he added.
It is no surprise that DPMM FC received the tag as they have kept most of their players from their 2019 Singapore Premier League title-winning squad.
The team have been keeping in shape and Pennock is thankful to his coaching staff for keeping things in order.
“It’s been a very tough one year and three months with no competitive football being played,” said the Englishman.
“Through lockdown and restrictions it’s been very difficult but my staff, Moksen, Jorge, Jason, Faisal, Kasim and all the players have been incredible.
“The team is looking very good. Their work rate, commitment, understanding and wanting to learn has been fantastic,” he added.
“We are one big Family that want one thing and that is to focus on winning the Brunei Super League,” continued the former Stoke City coach.
They will open their campaign against BAKES FC on June 27 at the Jerudong Mini Stadium.
It will be the first competitive game back for DPMM FC since a 2-0 victory over Tampines Rovers FC at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium in Berakas on March 6 last year.
“It’s great that we can play in front of our wonderful fans again. They must be like us, really looking forward to seeing us play competitively again & carrying on where we left off,” said the 50-year-old.
“I hope they all turn up every week at the Jerudong Mini Stadium and cheer us on, as it will be great to say hello to all of them and for us as a team, we can hopefully repay them with their tremendous support by winning the Brunei Super League," he added.
“Finally I must give a big well done to the Government of Brunei who have kept this country safe during these tough times.
"Lots of love and hugs to all the frontline people that have worked tirelessly and bravely through these unprecedented times,” he concluded.
