Al-Caliph started the game lethargically. Maybe its the long wait for kickoff that caused some unnecessary anxiety to set in. Maybe its the one week off from the league. Whatever it was, it was a dismal display in the first half. We couldnt hold onto possession or individually we were holding the ball too long. Opponents were quick to close us down and we were constantly left exposed.
We let the opponent control midfield. Zamri was not his usual self. He couldnt grab hold of the midfield. Maybe it was too early to have given him the MOM award. (Should he contribute 50% of the monetary reward into the team coffers? :) )
The rest didnt fare better in the half either. Cina insisted on holding the ball when a clearance would have been better. Cina wanted to atone his part in the mistake that led to conceding the goal by taking the freekick when it was obvious that the freekick was more suited for Khai. Gotta have faith.
Kathir was pitting himself against unnecessary pressure constantly when a quick 1 2 with either omar or syah would have fared better. He had ample support and didnt use them. Gotta have faith.
Khai did well to get into position to provide opportunities in the box. Unfortunately we were not able to have players move into the box fast enough to meet the crosses. Gotta have faith.
Bul came on as I had to plug midfield. To my relieve, he did it brilliantly; intercepting and dictating. He could have done one better if he had made better decisions and not try to do everything. During the break, I was very happy when he said that he wanted to win. From someone that is new to the team, he had felt that he had a stake in the team. However, he must also remember, so does everyone in the team. Gotta have faith.
Second Half I agree with captain's assessment that the team had played well in the second half because of what the first half team did. We provided plenty of opportunities but our last third has to be sharper. The game was for the taking. Like most had said, the opponent was happier with the draw than us.
Im happy with the passing level. We played according to instructions and did not make extravagant passes. Decision making is still poor though. Overall, the game showed that we have improved in the level of technical ability. We just need to be efficient with the ball. We are a team in ascendecy.
Discipline Omar had been fined twice for his yellow card. On both occassions it was not necessary. Therefore a third unnecessary yellow will see him being fined $10.
Cina was fined for dissent. I had let the first 3 incident in each of the previous games to slide without even mentioning a hoot. His over the top actions in the game was unbecoming and had jeopardised not only his well being but those who had intervened to ensure his safety. I will not allow anyone to mar the team's reputation. Further actions will be taken if there was a repeat.
Man of the Match
Bul had 60 minutes. In this one hour, he played an effective game compared to all the
games I had seen him. I have heard good things about him and in the game I saw it for myself. He was like a bull, intercepting and closing opponents. I have another Omar, only taller. On the attacking front, he almost made all the right decisions. If Zamri was at his best, we would have had 2 similar players in midfield. Im salivating in anticipation.
Another person I should mention is Zhaf. He is one of 3 utility players in the squad. In the game, he had to provide cover in central defence. For the first time in a long while, I have come to see the Zhaf of old. MOST IMPORTANTLY, MUST MENTION, he was motivating the team from the back. He provided a feeling of calm and ease. We need such leaders in the game, especially when the going gets tough. Zhaf, your play is on par to what I expect, as to what I have seen you from the past. Push a little a bit more and may possibly see you pip for the Man of the Match award.
Monetary Reward
We were fortunate to have Mr Dino grace the game even if it was for a few minutes. The fact that he had travelled all the way from east to west to see us play speaks volume of his interest in the team. To further show his commitment, he has decided to reward the man on the match in monetary terms. He has upped it and has forwarded me the money. Lets hope he comes for the next game and then he can give it to you guys personally.
I asked him if there were any repercussions to giving this award. My concern is that all this while it has been done by the players own willingness to perform. Now with monetary reward, Im concern that players would react negatively. He said that if the player or team does well, they have to be rewarded. I do agree.
My hope and prayers are for the players to keep playing to their true self, for the betterment of the team as a whole. I would not change the way I select MOM. Bul is an aquaintance for about 2 hours a week, that also if he comes for the game. His performance in that hour was enough for me to select him as MOM.
I reiterate, theres no sentiment. Yan and Wan are my cousins. They ride with me to and fro the games. Never at any time they have any ill feelings or mentioned anything about not playing after having to wake early sunday morning. Theres team spirit in them. Im sure there is the spirit among all of us.
After contemplating the ramifications of the reward, I have decided that if at any time, there are bad feelings or ill murmurs, I will informed Mr Dino to stop the reward. Frankly, theres more planned by Mr Dino. So lets play the game as a team and we will duly be rewarded.
Postponement I have informed organiser that we would not play on the 21 March as most players wouldnt be around.