First Session…

I didn’t know what to expect as I headed to the field. When I arrived, I was all alone, staring out into the vast greenery around me. As I wondered who would show up, I heard the familiar sound of my ringtone. I answered my phone hastily. It was Abang Sani. He said he could see me from where he was and asked me to join him on the other side of the field. I squinted my eyes and immediately recognized the silhouette of the man mountain across the park.

Thankfully, he brought a friend along for the kickabout. We talked a bit and slowly changed into our gear. As we were talking about our hopes for an improved attendance for the following weeks, the rumbling of the engine of a motorcycle caught my ears. It was Bai, as classy as ever.  Boy was he a sight for sore eyes. At about the same time, Jaz arrived in a cab. Such was his commitment to the kickabout. Even the skyhigh cab fees could not deter him from a game of football.

I quickly joined the others as Jaz talked furiously on his phone, directing his brother who was trying to find his way to the field. Even a simple exercise such as passing the ball to one another drew tons of laughter. Bai was practicing his unique, otherwise useless “skill” every now and then. The one where he pretends to touch the ball with his hand and kicking it instead. It looks cute, but his kick would always be astray or seriously lacking in power anyway.

Soon it was time to have some real fun! The cones were set up and soon we were off. Three on three. Such is the beauty of the game. It was not long before we started panting and wheezing. My team was facing an uphill task, literally. The first goal was a long time coming. Finally Abang Sani broke the deadlock, profiting from some queer dribbling by Bai. The Pain from Spain continued entertaining us. He tried to be cute in front of the goalpost and lost his balance again. This time, I had no qualms backheeling the ball into the unguarded net.

The game opened up from that moment on. Jaz treated us to his superb passing. Abang Sani was dominant and imposing as ever. Bai transformed completely after his earlier gaffes, performing all sorts of flicks, tricks and spins. I think he was the top scorer for the day. If only he could replicate that sort of performance during our matches. I’m sure he will, on a monthly basis. Haha. He did treat us to a fantastic piece of skill. I call it the “Spin and Fall”! Ask him about that.

We stopped at dusk. Jaz and I continued with some drills. Having recovered from injury, we know we need to do extra work to get back into shape. Jaz’s brother gamely participated as well. A future Redback perhaps? Imagine the Spiders lasting for many decades. Now that would be something.

It was a great evening. We hope more Spiders will come and take part in the fun and enjoyment. Thank you Abang Sani and friend, Sharm Bai and Muhaimin for making our first attempt a small success. We will continue coming down and enjoying the game together for many more Wednesdays to come.

Go Redbacks!

Training cum kickabout

Many people have been asking about it. Captain has been hoping for it. Therefore, Jaz and I will initiate it. We will be having a training cum kickabout session. It’s just for people to increase their footballing hours in a week. There will be two days and two separate locations.

Location 1
Feel free to bring friends. The more the merrier.
Open field in front of Innova Primary School
Days: Wednesdays
Time: 6.00pm onwards
Click here for map

Hope to see you guys there! Please contact myself or Jaz for more details. Regardless of how many players come, we will be there and practicing.

Back On Our Feet

Redbacks: 8
Whites: 3

Venue: Ahmad Ibrahim Sec Sch
Scorers: Hilmi (4), Faiz (2), Ayyub, Kai

It was goals galore! Every player played with plenty of heart and energy, as if each had a point to prove. It was a resounding win. A great lift for the team. As bizzare as it sounds, this reported was unable to witness any of the seven goals scored in the first half. Hilmi took the plaudits with a superb 4-goal performance. Ayyub and Faiz continued to combine well as they contributed another 3 goals to the tally. Mok enhanced his reputation as his excellent wing play continued to benefit the Spiders.

With a comfortable lead, the Redbacks took their foot off the gas in the second half. A change of personnel in the defensive midfield position brought instant changes to the team. Whites capitalized by scoring two quick goals. However, once the players injected settled into their positions, it was business as usual. We could only add a solitary goal to the tally with Kai rising to head in from a corner.

We hope to build on this positive result and hopefully it is a first of many more to come. We need to continue persevering and working hard. Still, it’s a result to remember and cherish.

Much Work Needed

Redbacks: 3
Orange Veterans: 3

Venue: Braddell-Westlake Secondary

Scorers: Azhar, Faiz (2)

Stepping onto the muddy, wet pitch, the Spiders knew we were in for a difficult game. It was hard to play our passing game on such a hazardous pitch. We were looking forward to try out the newly-renovated pitch at Anderson Secondary but it was not meant to be. Still, it was not the worst pitch we have ever played on and the Redbacks proved we were still up to the challenge.

It took a while for the team to get into the groove and we took the lead in the most fortunate manner. The rotund keeper fumbled Azhar’s attempt over the line for the opener. Chances were few in the first half and the score remained the same at half-time.

Several changes were made and it completely changed the complexion of the game. The game opened up with both sides looking to add more goals to their tallies. The veterans equalized and soon afterwards, we took the lead again when Faiz scored. He added another to give the Spiders a two goal lead. However, like the week before, we squandered the lead, allowing our opponents to score two goals and salvage a draw. Well, at least we did not lose. We should have done better from the chances that we created. Perhaps the Spiders should bring their scoring boots this coming week.

Looks like we just have to keep plugging away until we break the streak.

Work In Progress

Redbacks: 2
KCFC: 3

Venue: ADSS
Scorers: Hilmi, Ayyub

The Spiders remain very much a work in progress following yet another defeat. We started the game brightly scoring two goals in the second half. Hilmi got the ball rolling after he backheeled into goal following some excellent wing-play by Jaz on the left. Hilmi then provided a pass for Ayyub to stroke the ball in for the second. We appeared to be cruising but soon the weather and our lack of fitness began to make life difficult.

Some slack defending and curious refereeing allowed KCFC back into the game. The first goal appeared to be offside while a penalty was awarded when it appeared that Ridzuan actually made contact outside the penalty area. As the game wore on, the sun got to the players as we appeared confused and were running out of ideas.

KCFC eventually got their winner and there was nothing controversial about their third. We tried hard to salvage something from the match as we threw on almost all of our attacking-minded players but to no avail. In the end, we let a potential victory slip.

Team Photo 2008

Please be present for our match next week as we will be taking our team photo for this year!

Location and Date: TBC (Check “Next Match” for details)

Dress Code: New RED Umbro jersey with BLACK shorts and BLACK socks. (Please adhere to the dress code or you will be excluded from the team photo.)

Time: 30 minutes before kick-off.

Regardless of the number of players present, we will take the photo. No next time, so see you guys next week!

“Suspension” Of AFL Fixtures

An emergency meeting was held after the Redbacks’ latest defeat. After much discussion, we have decided to postpone our AFL matches until further notice. The senior players recognize the fact that our team is very much in transition and need more time and matches to gel together as a cohesive unit. We played like school children and the communication was lacking.

We shall use the next few weekends to organize more friendly games. We accept the fact that at this point of time, we are in no shape to go up against established teams such as Warriors, Knights and YV United. Our main problem is coping with the loss of two key players from last season. Since Aiman left the team and Nordin sustained a serious knee injury, things have not been the same. Many new players have been injected into the side and there is a feeling that there are a lot of individual play in the team. Perhaps with time, we will be able to foster better teamwork and really play and enjoy our games as a team.

Last year, we were content with letting Nordin and Aiman carry the bulk of the responsibility. Losing our record goalscorer has been a terrible blow. It is now up to every player to pull their weight and rise above themselves in order for the team to improve. The attendance for our recent games has been very encouraging and we hope they continue. It can only help the team.

Remember guys, a championship team is many times better than a team of champions.

Washout

Redbacks: 2
Warriors: 8, 9, maybe more (lost count)

Venue: Clementi Woods Sec Sch

Scorer: Hilmi (2)

When Azhar said this game was tough, he definitely knew what he was talking about. We conceded two early goals before we even settled to the game. That set the tone for the entire match as we were forced to play catch up. We managed to pull one back when Hilmi sprang the offside trap to apply a cool finish. Warriors scored once again before Hilmi nodded in a superb cross by Mokhtar to keep things tight. However, that proved to be a false dawn for the Spiders.

Warriors went on a warpath in the second half as they introduced their key players. From that moment on, they carved open the Spiders again and again. We were limited to damage control and did not manage to muster any meaningful attempt on goal. In the end, we were relieved to hear the final whistle. However, the damage was done and this result has all but confirmed our status as the whipping boys of the league.

Azhar reflected after the game that although technically and physically we could not match our opponents, it is important that we play with spirit, which has been lacking recently. Yes, we are perennial underdogs, but that just means we have nothing to lose. Therefore, we should go all out and give our opponents the biggest fight that we can. Hopefully, things will get better for the next game.

2008 is officially open!

It’s official! The order for the new jersey has been sent. If all goes well, we should be getting our jerseys on the 13th of January. Starting a new year with a new look. For those players who have not paid for the jerseys, please arrange to make payment by this coming Sunday, 6th January. You can call me to transfer the funds to me so that I can add more shirts to the order. Please take note that the actual cost for each jersey is $16. Therefore, the players who have paid for the jerseys previously, please top up another $1.

Hopefully, the new year will bring great promise and achievements. Happy New Year everyone! Go Redbacks!