We displayed a brand of high energy football to beat the league leaders Musketeers 3-0 at Juying Secondary School.
The team came happy although it had to be kept at a restricted level. There was a task at hand. We were facing the league leaders known for their pace and physical presence. We had played them before and knew full well what they were capable of. Further, we had a bigger agenda; to put what went wrong against Ace right.
Commitment The week built up very well when Zhaf and Yusman could make it for the game. Doc sent me an SMS to say he would be playing despite having a night shift with no rest similarly with Jeff and Mahdi. Sahfari too was able to make it as well although he had to book in later on Sunday night. Im sure there were others who sacrificed their time and effort or rearranged their schedule so that they could be at the game. Such commitment is heart warming. It augurs well for the team.
Moral Boosters Game started as planned. We were ready and passed the ball well whereas the opponent was still thinking that the game had not started. We were not overawed and everyone uplifted everyone else, including the subs. There was constant talking and acknowledgement be it a good or bad move. One up morally.
Defence was excellent especially Doc and Deva who cleared all incoming first time. Two up morally.
Midfield closed down opponents fast. Yusman and Aizad were snap snap snap. They gave the opponent no space and were on par during attacks. Workhorse stamina. Three up morally.
Khai played excellently upfront. Exactly what I envisioned. He shielded the ball and brought midfielders into play constantly. Both him and midfielders were in tandem. Unselfish play to hold the ball and poke it. Followed through to receive the ball back.
Faith Time and again I had empasised the need to have faith for a fellow team mate. When a player is running wide with the ball or chasing a supposedly loss cause, a team mate follows him with another go to the center to anticipate a cross. This was clearly evident in the game. At any time there were 3-4 players upfront. This resulted in 2 of the goals that came from the wings.
Corrections 1. Should eliminate unnecessary free kicks. Shoving and handling of opponents bring unnecessary pressure on defence. 2. Sahfari's outburst was uncalled for. When the ball passed over the defender's head, its the keeper's ball. 3. Doc shouldnt have used the F word no matter what the circumstances. 4. Khai shouldnt have prod the ref to give the opponent a yellow card. Ridhuan and Razif should trap their mouth shut as it would only incite violence. We did our job and it made the opponent angry. Anger made them loose focus and collapse as a team. Disjointment is a by product that help us.
Time again I said we must make use human factors to our advantage. At this level, it gives us a leg up. HOWEVER, we must not succumbed to it.
Fine Sahfari and Doc are fined $10 each. Please pay to Razif.
Fulfilment Like Khai and Shy, I felt joy and a fulfilled Sunday morning (damn spurs had to loose and spoil the day). I am sure all of us feel the same way. When we play the way we played as a team with constant acknowledgement as friends should be, and when things fall into place, the sense of enjoyment will be experienced by all spontaneously. Of course, seeing the opponent collapsing was a boost to the ego. (bad!)
3 against league leaders with a clean sheet both in concede and cards is something to savour. Don't get carried away, more teams to come. Eat wisely and have good rest. Work out every moment you get. Zhaf and Jeff have to shed loads of weight.