Just OK

Though Al-Caliph upstaged Nauticals FC 5-2, I TOTALLY agree with Mr Faisal's assessment that the performance was just OK. Most of the players agree that we were capable of doing better. There were some slack defending from midfield and at times complacency sets in. However I must say that we learn to quickly regroup and reorganise.

Omar has scored 2 in as many games in his new position although the first via a corner. I do feel that he can contribute more with his playing style. In the last 2 games, he has been doing a lot of wasted runs. This nagging feeling can be offset if he gets the ball much more as he is often in the right position to score. He is often wide open. We should dink more to him from the width especially after a quick break. Not too high though, else he cant reach. (And Omar, 2 kaya toasted bread is not enough of a bribe to award you the MOM! But I thank you.)

Thus, in linking the team, Omar is up to the task. Theres Shy who offers a different option. And now, the experiment with Bul is causing me more headache. However, the field size at Beatty is not a good gauge though we did adapt well. There are another 2 players who I think can play there. More headache. (No, Doc is not one of them.)

Leonard had done well for the time he came on. He had some interesting moves. Not bad man. In these last 5 games, I have a problem fitting 4 left midfielders in the game. So I am thankful that players like Faisal who quietly got on his business although he was out of position playing on the right. To do that, I have to shift the right midfield players around as well. Sheesh! Managing midfield is something that Im aware of when the team got together for the season. Successfully converted Shahril. One down and lot more to go. Please do not be alarm when some may have to perform as covering full-backs in the future.

Another positive thing to note is that 5 different players scored. We should be very happy with this because the task is well spread out in the team. It reminded me of our pioneer batch where having 5 different players scoring mandatory. Those who are still around, you guys remember? Anyways, the rationale is that the burden of scoring is not rested on 1 or 2 shoulders. Plus it is a big boost in morale and ego for others. This way, everyone will have faith in playing with one another. There be more efficiency. (Look at Efficiency below.)

Combination Because of the team's effort, it had allowed me to have makeshift combination and experiment with players. The league has a long way to go. Touch wood, if players succumbed to injury, other players need to adapt quickly. An issue was raised when I changed of formation. Frankly, it shouldnt have been an issue as I have been doing this almost in every game. There has to be some initiative. I cant be shouting whats happening else advantage would have reversed. Nevertheless, we will improve on it.

And also, because of team's effort, everyone had about 20 minutes each to play. This is good for the team's morale and theres motivation to attend games. I know most are not that tired in the last game. This is attributed to the field size.

Efficiency We are lacking in efficiency in using the ball. The team need Zamri, Khai and Bul to show more cooperation and selflessness. They have to be quick in releasing the ball and making the right decisions. I have seen enough to know their technical abilities. If we can get them to click, we will be more efficient with the ball.

This applies to everyone as well. Watching Barcelona and Arse(nal) play is a joy to watch. There is a flow to the game. No individuals, just the team. (Although last night against Valencia, Messi insist on doing things on his own. It was later realised he wanted to show something printed on his T-Shirt. Whatever it was, he scored a hat-trick in the last 10 minutes. He is a different class altogether.)

Both these teams are simply efficient on the ball. Very pleasing to the eyes. You guys think you guys cant do it? You want an example?

Khai got the ball from midfield, held the ball for a second. Both Bul and Tyrus ran down his left and right Not to mention Leonard and Faisal who made themselves available. Khai perfectly timed the pass to Tyrus in between 2 defenders. Tyrus, looked up and pass a grounder towards the penalty box without any delay. Bul came charging in and scored.

Simple wasnt it? Efficient and effective. If we are able to reach this, maybe we can then get more supporters to come and watch us. (NFL Div 3?) Man of the Match In all honesty, as the game wore on, it was difficult to spot any outstanding individuals. Everyone put in a fair share of effort defending and going forward. 5 different players scored. An effort I really longed for.

However in the last half an hour, I spotted Khai deep in our half. He was defending as the game wore on and water carried the ball thru midfield and making influential passes upfront. It was not a one off effort but a continous one as the opponent poundered while we were going for the jugular at the other end. So I looked at the stats and it stated that he had scored one and had a hand in 3 of the other goals. In one of them, he had magnanimously allowed Zamri to take the penalty that he had won although I could see there were some debate going on.

I have a benchmark for him to achieve. However, for these outstanding efforts, it would have been remiss of me to not recognise them. Hence, I duly awarded him the MOM. I am glad that the team agrees.

Worthy of Mention We have to work as a team, work hard for one another, support near and always motivate. Always recognise each others effort, something Zhaf has been doing since his return. Outstanding. He gives me a sense of assurance and I am not even playing! Gives me the feeling of picking myself up and go again. Outstanding! Did I mention it again?

Khai also recognise the passes made by Zamri. And everyone was elated not for Bul scoring but for Tyrus timed run and cross. This augurs well for the team. When the first goal was scored, all was elated. There were high five among all the players from the keeper, defenders right up to the front. Everyone is making an attempt to recognise one another's effort. Make it happen more next time.

During half time, the reserves will refill the water bottles. Its been 5 games now and I have noticed that almost EVERYONE on the reserve bench helped to refill. NO MATTER WHAT CLASS OF PLAYER THEY ARE, THEY ALL HELPED!

Supporters Once again Mr Dino attended our match. In a teleconversation, he said;

"I am very happy with the boys. Im very happy with the performance. I saw all the goals even the first one from the car-park. They were a bit complacent. Nak gentel. If they had made a quick one two pass, we would be better. Nevermind, Im happy with their performance."

This is from a former player with tonne of experience.

I would like to apologise to Zhaf's and Nadeem's girlfriend for not showing our appreciation for their attendance during the game. Thank you for waking up early on sunday morning to watch us. Do come again.