Muara Vella coach happy
Friday, 30 July 2010 09:43
Muara Vella FC coach Mohammad Hj Tunjang is proud of his squad despite their 2-0 lost to Tutong B (Persatuan Sang Jati Dusun - PSJD) in the Veteran Football League final last Sunday.
"The players made me proud. I can't say that we expected to reach the final but it was through the efforts of our players that we were able to do it," said Mohammad.
The final was the only hurdle left for Muara Vella, who boasted an undefeated streak throughout the group stage.
In the semi-final against Kota Ranger on June 27, the 'Red Giants' advanced by defeating Kota Ranger 4-1 in the penalty shoot-out after a 3-3 stalemate in regulation time.
Prior to the final, coach Muhammad had pointed out that Hj Rosanan Samak and Md Nadzrin Abdullah as the Tutong B players they had to keep an eye on.
His words of caution proved to be right when Md Nadzrin successfully converted from the spot in the 21st minute to give Tutong B the advantage.
"That was the turning point of the match," said Mohammad.
Muara Vella were unable to claim a foothold throughout the contest and the goalscorer rubbed salt into their wound in the closing minutes of the match.
With only two minutes remaining on the clock, Md Nadzrin unleashed a curler into the top-right corner which was beyond the reach of goalkeeper Yahya Hj Bongsu, to seal Tutong B's victory.
Despite their loss, the coach went on to applaud the Veteran Football Association for successfully organising the tournament.
"Congratulations to the organisers for successfully running the league," he said.
"It (the tournament) gave the veterans a platform to once again become active in football, which also benefits their health," he added.
The Brunei Times
