League Match 2

Match Details: (1st Jan 2010, Saturday)

Time: Be at the field by 230pm SHARP

Opponents: Supernova FC (Relative unknown quantities. Fingers crossed that no BWB turns up)

[Link: http://www.espzen.com/teams.asp?teamno=681&leagueNo=83]

Venue: Old Jurong Stadium (Grass Pitch)

(Link to venue: http://www.espzen.com/pitches.asp?pitch=45)

Attire: Yellow top, black shorts and black socks (Shin pads are a must!)

Fond memories of a good pitch which we are quite likely to revisit more than once during our time in the league. We are expected to be featuring at this venue for at least 3-4 other games and thus getting used to it asap would be great. As mentioned, the result of our friendly game against BWB casts an unwanted shadow over us and granted that although it may not have been the best way to prepare for a league game, let us be positive in the sense that at least it happened in a meaningless friendly. We should also take into account that we have not played together for the last 2 weekends and a priority of mine was to ensure that everyone got some game time to get back up to a decent level of competitiveness for the weekend's game.

I looked hard for a positive from the game yesterday and in fact, there were plenty. In particular, Vic's leadership qualities were apparent for all to see. Dinie also got himself a good run out after suffering a thigh injury on the MBFP while Hoe's decent defensive performance against our much more illustrious opponents were a couple. Of course, Wong's reappearance after a long layoff was the icing on the cake. However, the biggest positive was probably the look of hurt on the faces of the guys. The defeat stung and the fact that you guys felt anguish at the hammering we took means that all of us care about the team. This is football and shit happens. The next game cannot come fast enough and I will be looking forward to seeing us fighting for every ball and attempting to right the wrongs of our horror result yesterday. Cya peeps.

Expected Personnel:

Allan, Phileo

Sw, Farhan, HG, Jason, Alaric, HuiJie, Hizam

Ronald, AhCool, Law, Mok, Ws, Vic, Lq, Kass,

Juf

Outclassed on a STAR-ry STAR-ry night

Tampines Safra, 1900 Hrs

SUFI FC 1 BWB 5

(Vic x1)

What do you say to a team that has just been on the receiving end of a 5-1 scoreline? Well think... Pause and think harder..... Keep going folks...

Hmmm, I guess that there will be times where you will probably struggle to find enough positives to make that bruised ego of ours feel any better. Well peeps, tonight was one such situation. And in line with the shell shocked ending to our game earlier, I will have a match report that replicates just that. Here are 10 reasons why we lost tonight:

1) I had a full cup of Koi grass jelly milk tea just before the game. Excellent stuff, but it didnt help the engine room at all folks 0.0

2) Its not cool when you line up to kick off a game at a decent venue and you see the likes of Mhd Noor Ali decked out in the opposition's gear. Talk about being a bummer. BAAA

3) I decide to bring morale down with a super half volley clearance that went up up and away!!!! Weeeee. And the 'clearance' landed just 2 yards from my starting position.

4) The sick ass passing and movement of the opposition coupled with the size of the field gave us all sorts of problems. Unfortunately, we gave ourselves Mount Fiji to climb when their striker strolled into our box unmarked to nod home from a corner. 2-0.

5) BWB reportedly has an average age of 30. Well, 3-4 of them anyway. The rest were men who were in their 30's and ran like they were 18. I look forward to being 30 folks.

6) The release of the news that Powerbalance was a sham left a lasting impression on our top class winger. Folks, he will probably never be the same again. Screw the guys who revealed that! Wait, i think it was me. 0.0

7) When guys with the names Yang (Goat), Sio (Hot) and Pee (Universally known) tear your defense apart at break neck speed, you know... That it is just one of those days.

8) Our only ray of hope, their goalkeeper who has a tummy the size of 2 mikasa balls put together decides to calmly chip the ball over your head from a backpass whilst u chase him down. PERIOD.

9) The opposition communicated with each other throughout the game as though it was their Annual General Meeting. What a great company they would produce. Im sure of that.

10) We trailed 2-1 and had a couple of chances to equalise with 10 minutes to go. The opposition's response? To score 3 more goals to send us home.

And there you have it peeps, 10 reasons/excuses for the events of the day. At the end of it, I would just like to say that our opposition did indeed give us a kick up the backside. Their team movement and passing was a joy to watch at times, as painful as it was.

And with fire in our bellies now, we can turn it around this sat. Just like how it was in the past, all teams recover from setbacks, and be sure to know that this will not be the last. However, what we can do is to minimise the occurrence of such events.

MOTM: The man who turned in the only goal with an excellent finish and who was full of running and aggression. Vic. Sorry dude if i failed to help out sufficiently man! Special mention to HoeGuan whom i felt did very well in his time on the pitch. But u r not taking anymore throw in's from now on!

Cheers and cya guys this sat at Jurong Stadium folks. Time to focus again!

The turn of the new year promises much joy for one of our very own

Well, as in everything else in life, there is always a first for something. And although our grand old man, Allan has the honour of being the only married personnel in the team, he was already one when he joined us.

However, come the 1st of Jan 2011, we will be wishing one of our pioneering members and current flying winger, Rudee much marital bliss! For most of us, we have seen the man grow and become a pivotal member of the team and of course his nonsensical behaviour never fails to crack us up. It has also been heartwarming to see his girlfriend and wife-to-be Suzie, join us for our games in recent months. And as such he will be the 1st member on the team to make the transition from being unmarried to join the other side!

The man will be having his ROM next saturday and from what i know, it will be a really private affair and thus unfortunately we will not be able to there to witness it. However, he has promised to invite the SUFI boys for the big one whereby the wedding dinner and all is planned and pardon my ignorance on the muslim culture but I heard that it would be in a year or so. Damn, too long eh!

So anyway, feel free to congratulate him here on the blog aite. And here's one from me and Cat: Wishing both Rudee n Suzie much joy and bliss in your relationship and oh! The process of forming future SUFI youth team members can start soon too! Cheers!

P.S: Dee, hope u dont mind me stealing your display pic ah. HAHAHA.

Monday Night Friendly

Match Details: (27th Dec 2010, Monday)

Time: Please be at the field by 630pm. Game kicks off at 7pm sharp

Opponents: BWB (Average age of 30+)

Venue: Tampines Safra Pitch (Astro)

(Link to venue: http://www.espzen.com/pitches.asp?pitch=80)

Attire: White top, white shorts and white socks

Expected Personnel: 15

Allan

Kassler, Farhan, HoeGuan, Alaric, Ronald, Hizam

AhCool, Wong, Vic, Mok, Law, Syafiq, LQ

Dinie

Doubtful:

Sw, Jason

Breakdown of Teams for Sat League Season 7, Div 2

Alright peeps, since I've now got some free time back on my hands again I will be looking to blog more often and in the process bring back some life to our blog whom I believe has been taking as long of a break as we have been. Oh, and thanks to Weisheng for the interesting article on boots! The man is definitely the go-to guy if u have any questions on the type of boots that would suit you man!

Well, since the start of the league has dawned upon us and also as with how I normally do things, I would like to build up some anticipation by introducing what I know about the other teams in our division. For the guys who have been away for some time due to their various reasons, do know that we have been placed in Division 2 for Season 7 of the Saturday Espzen League. There will be 4 divisions in all so I guess our decent friendly results have had a favourable impression on the Espzen league organisers. Our division is made up of 8 teams and each team will play each other twice thus we will have 14 games in our league season. This is more or less just like our D2D Season so I guess we should be pretty familiar with what to expect.

And on top of these league games, we have also put our name in the hat for the Espzen FA Cup that will see us pitted against the Sunday and Midweek Teams. Although the games are tentatively supposed to be played on sundays itself, I will try my best to reach a compromise to hopefully play them on Saturdays. Do know that our commitment in the cup is a minimum of 2 games as it is in a knock out format. If we lose in the 1st round, we will then fall into the Plate category thus explaining the minimum of 2 games. This will bring alot of exposure and I believe this is what Huseyin wants of the team as well. Do not forget that this season, we will not only be playing for ourselves, but also with the reputation of our big boss on the line. Lets hope to bring him more bragging rights as we have done with our solid victory on the floating platform and of course hope to captivate him sufficiently so that his association with the team does not end after just 1 season. =D

So here are the teams in our division and a brief outline of what to expect from them:

Arizen Football Club (Link: http://www.espzen.com/teamsdiv.asp?leagueNo=83&teamno=629)

This team has an average age that is more or less similar to us and is mainly a chinese team. We should be expecting them to be similarly in terms of fitness so 2 tough battles with theses guys are to be expected. AFC debuted last season in the Sat league and they finished 3rd in Division 3 thus earning promotion to Div 2 this season. For the pioneering members of YSOSRS, you guys may remember this guy called Wenhao (Full back) who actually had a trial with us in our very 1st game. Well, coincidentally he plays for AFC as well. But do not be fooled, as I do have intel on these guys and they could spring a real surprise or 2 on their day.

Dynamites Football Club (Link: http://www.espzen.com/teamsdiv.asp?leagueNo=83&teamno=443)

The average of this team remains relatively unknown but from viewing their player's list, I believe that these guys are in their early to mid twenties as well. Majority of the team are malay guys and they have been in the league for 2 seasons now. The team also got promoted from Div 3 of last season by finishing in 2nd place just above AFC. Unfortunately, these guys got ousted on the final day of the season where 3 points were needed to win the league however they contrived to lose out on the title after being 3-1 up with 10 minutes to go in that final game. Unfortunate circumstances but you can be sure that they will definitely be hungry to make it right this time round. Like AFC, I'm expecting them to possess the surprise element that could hurt us if we lose focus.

Premier Football Club (Link: http://www.espzen.com/teamsdiv.asp?leagueNo=83&teamno=512)

PFC have an average age of 30 or so if I'm not wrong. More or less the seasoned campaigners as they have been plying their trade in the Espzen Sat league for a couple of seasons now. Mahdi had 1st hand experience playing with them a couple of times last season as PFC were in Division 2 as well. These guys finished 5th out of 8 teams and narrowly avoided relegation last season. They probably did not have the best of overall performances but a point of caution is that they did beat the meridian team 2-1 in one of their early meetings last season. So like the other 2 teams, PFC could be a force to be reckoned with on their ON days.

Real Ale Madrid FC (Link: http://www.espzen.com/teamsdiv.asp?leagueNo=83&teamno=10)

The only expat team in our Division this time round and they also happen to be champions of Division 3 last season. They muscled off the fierce competition from AFC & Dynamites as well as FC Hospitality whom we overcame in a friendly sometime back, to earn the title. The team has an average age of above 35 and from what I know, they have a certain legendary Norwegian Striker named Olai who just like his namesake (Ole Gunnar Solskjaer) scores goals by the bucketloads every season. The man is definitely one to watch out for should we come face to face with him. A big strong team and we ourselves have had the experience of playing both St Andrews as well as New Team FC in our friendly games and we know how these guys are like. Not going to be an easy ride against them for sure.

Redsaga II FC (Link: http://www.espzen.com/teamsdiv.asp?leagueNo=83&teamno=577)

Well, we've already faced Redsaga in our 1st league game and while we did come out of the clash with a positive 2-0 win on the day, I did hear that they were not at their full strength and were missing several key players. Truth is, neither were we. These guys are mainly Chinese nationals who are PR's right now. And as those who made it for the 1st game would have known, their secret weapon is in the Kazak playmaker striker that they have. Redsaga have been playing in the Sat league for 2 seasons now and they finished 2nd in the 11 team Espzen sat league 2 seasons back whereas they finished 5th out of 8 teams in Division 1 last season. Coming from division 1 and finishing just behind St Andrews FC that we played at the MBFP recently who were 4th, my understanding of this team is that they will be right up there competing for honours this time round. We will be expecting a tough return leg against this guys.

Supernova Football Club (Link: http://www.espzen.com/teamsdiv.asp?leagueNo=83&teamno=681)

SFC havent uploaded a team logo thus far and are till now the only team in the league who remains a relatively unknown quantity. Contrary to what Syafiq told me some time back, this isn't the same team that has featured in the Goal Arena Sunday league (Due to some serious snooping on my part) and the only thing I do know is that these guys are more or less similar in age to us and are mainly made up of malay guys. They did play a friendly game against Team Intense FC who are in Div 1 this season and who are made up of former Asian University Games soccer players (according to Yasin), and SFC lost out narrowly to them in a 2-1 defeat. Just FYI, Naranja played against Team Intense and lost 3-0. So yeah, I'd expect SFC to pose a threat to us. We will certainly need to be on our A game to beat them and we will be facing them in our next league game at Jurong stadium in a week's time.

TeamCuzz Football Club (Link: http://www.espzen.com/teamsdiv.asp?leagueNo=83&teamno=497)

Finally, as mentioned above for Redsaga who finished 2nd in a 11 team sat league 2 seasons back, Teamcuzz finished 3rd in that very same season in the process narrowly losing out to Redsaga on goal difference. These guys are one big family team and they did have 3 of Mahdi's meridian team mates playing for them in that season (including the nigerian guy whom we played against when we faced SOS last season). Those meridian guys are now no longer featuring for TCFC but my understanding of the team's strength would be that they would quite likely pose as much of a threat as Redsaga II FC. I'm pretty certain that they would be direct competitors for any honours this season and will be a team to watch out for. So mark those dates down on your calendars as our big games have already been planned out.

So there it is, a very brief outlook at the teams whom we will be facing and a final update on the signings for our Espzen season will see these guys featuring for us in the league.

IN:

1) Kassler

2) Jason

3) Yasin

4) Mahdi

5) Jasmond (Expected month of return: Mid to Late Feb)

Out:

1) Phileo (Unfortunately the man will be having church commitments on most saturdays from the turn of the new year and thus we will be seeing lesser of him. Damn)

In other news, young Alan has unfortunately decided to stay on with the meridian team and hopefully we will be able to have him join up with us next season instead. Cheers and all the best dude. Hope to hear from you soon!

So cheers, and I sincerely hope to see all of you guys at the upcoming events for the team. Like I said, the quicker the entire group of us bond especially with the newer guys, it would allow us to improve on the camaraderie with each other and also see us perform better on the pitch. Adios and cya peeps!

Christmas Dinner at Sufi

Alright guys, in line with the sms that I have already sent out to everyone and just to inform you guys again, the team will be having a X'mas dinner at SUFI restaurant on the 25th of Dec, 730pm. There will also be a gift exchange (please at least try to wrap the present k) of which the budget would be $10-$15. Any rich guys wana spend more, no issues there! I know it may seem rather kiddy or what not but it's really just for the fun of it.

There are no plans for after dinner as of now so if u guys wana do anything of have any suggestions, do feel free to comment here alright. Cause only 1 thing comes to mind for me right now and that is drinking. Damn. Cya!

Sufi FC Football Boots Spotting

Hi boys.

Some of Sufi’s very own have started donning first-tier boots on the field and the craze is catching on. Although wearing a pair of expensive boots does not necessarily translate into better on-the-field performance (Yes, I’m referring to myself), it does increase the feel-good factor exponentially. Anyhow, I shall cut to the chase and introduce some of the boots that you might have seen or will see.

CTR360 Maestri

To be worn by: Yasin, Mok

Worn by: Ws

Worn by Pro: Cesc Fabregas, Andre Iniesta, Jack Wilshere, James Milner, Lucas Leiva, Javier Masherano

A relatively infantile series launched in October 2009, the Ctr360 is marketed as a control boots. It is made of Kanga-Lite material, a type of synthetic leather by Nike which gives the ball feel of a real Kangaroo leather but asorbing 20% less water at the same time. It also has dampening pods which helps cushion the ball for control and a rubber passing pod at the instep. The elite version is actually the same as the first-tier but spots a carbon-fibre soleplate, which makes the boot 19% lighter and also stronger.

The CTR360 2 has just been released, currently only in the red white colourway. (looking very similar to CTR 1)

Samir and Jack wearing CTR and Adizero respectively.

Adidas Adizero

Worn by: Rudee (synthetic), Juf (synthetic), Mok (leather)

Worn by Pro: Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Saloman Kalou, David Villa, Nani, Samir Nasri

A speed boot that was the world’s lightest in 2010 until PUMA came up with an even lighter speed boot. The adizero comes in either a synthetic upper or a leather upper – the synthetic upper being slightly lighter than the leather one and is often favoured by players with pure pace to burn while the leather upper is favoured by those still preferring the touch of a leather boot. A very popular attacker’s boot.

In 2011: Adidas Adizero Prime

The Adizero Prime, currently spotted on players wearing the black-out versions around the world, will be released in 2011 and is rumoured to be even lighter than the current versions. Apparently it has Kevlar laces which is lighter.

Adidas Adipure

Worn by: Kassler (Adipure II)

To be worn by: Ws (Adipure III)

Worn by Pro: Xabi Alonso, Frank Lampard, Kaka

Recently released Adipure IV

Adipure 1 to 4 (from right to left)

From Soccerbible.com:

Introduced by adidas at the end of 2007, the adiPURE series took inspiration from years of adidas history and heritage, added with modern technology and construction. Adidas built on the consistent popularity of boots such as the adidas World Cup and Copa Mundial by introducing a classic looking boot with improved sole plates, comfort and durability.

The adiPURE boots have always been made from the finest k-leather that is not only soft and supple but tough too. They have built a reputation on their comfort and feel for the ball.

Ws: Nothing special, just a comfortable pair of K-leather boots.

Year released:

Adipure 1 (2007)

Adipure 2 (Jan 2009)

Adipure 3 (Dec 2009)

Adipure 4 (Dec 2010)

Xabi in his Adipure IIIs.

Xabi and Mikel Arteta. B-BB-BBBest Friendsss

That’s all for now, folks.

-Xabi Ws

Upcoming Schedule

Friendly Game: 27th Dec 2010, Monday. 7pm kickoff @ Tampines Safra (Astro) VS BWB FC

League Game: 1st Jan 2011, Saturday. 3pm kickoff @ Jurong Stadium (Grass) VS Supernova FC

Do take note that there will be no games from now till the 27th. So enjoy your holidays and the break in the meantime!

For those expecting to miss any of the above games, do let me know in advance by dropping me a sms. Do give priority to the league game thou. Thanks.

A walk in the park it wasn't. But 3 points are all that matters

Orchid Park Sec, 1500 Hrs

Redsaga II FC 0 SUFI FC 2

(Jufri x2)

Good performance, good win and one helluva satisfying feeling after the game. That is probably the best way to sum up a day whereby the guys who turned up showed the true strength in depth of our squad. Top class.

I would like to praise the attitude and spirit of those who featured during the game. We fought for each other and during the moments where our opponents attempted to overrun us, we held our own and stamped our authority by winning battles all over the pitch. And of course, our attackers who despite not having too many clear cut opportunities, took their chances and made it count where it mattered.

1-0: After some tentative early play in the 1st half, the break through came when a ball spread out to the left for ahcool saw the man finally with some space. Without breaking stride, he centered the ball for our onrushing goal machine who cut past 2 men before firing home from just outside the box. Clinical finish that we have become accustomed to. That was how it finished in the 1st half as the midfield in particular stuck to their roles well and nullified the threat from the opposition playmaker.

2-0: Although we were defending in numbers for most of the 2nd half, it was probably well deserved that once again after a break from Yas through the middle, he found Juf with a lobbed ball forward. Despite having much to do, our goalscoring machine sidestepped his marker with ease and smashed the ball home from outside the box, leaving the keeper with absolutely no chance. And that was how it finished with the SUFI boys sticking to their guns and being uber efficient throughout the game.

My MOTM: Farhan. The man was possessed today with fair but crunching tackles for the entire duration of the game. Probably to make up for missing our midweek game, it is fair to say that our opponents never found the key to unlock his door. Together with a top notch defense today, he was an unmovable rock at the back. Kudos to you bro.

Gaffers thoughts: Pardon my rather short summary of the game as my mind shuts down with illness overcoming me but i believe our character showed in todays game. We were not at our full strength by any means but because everyone selflessly sacrificed their bodies, nose (in sianwei's case) and whatnots for the team's cause, we achieved a decent victory in our league debut. Redsaga like i mentioned would quite likely be our closest rivals if we harbour any intentions to challenge for the title and our performance today was clinical and business-like. A clean sheet and 2 goals says it all. Well done boys.

Do take note that our next game is a monday night friendly game at 7pm @ Tampines safra on the 27th of december. I organised this game to prep us for our next league game which would be on the 1st of Jan. Unfortunately, i believe we will have to go ahead with this as our season is tentatively suppose to end on the 23rd of april which would just nice coincide with the start of NUS's exams for next sem. Pushing any games back will only cause a clash with the exams which is not something we would want. Lets stay focus and get the job done whenever we are called upon. For now, rejoice over our good start to the season and i will see u guys in 2 weeks time. Cheers.

Personnel:

Allan, Phileo

Sianwei, HG, Farhan, Hizam, HuiJie

Rudee, AhCool, Yasin, Mok, Syafiq, Ws, Kass

Juf

Fans in attendance:

Liza, Suzie

Just a whole lot of fun

Alright boys, here we go again! The long awaited espzen season has finally dawned upon us and after a solid pre-season of 10 games and an awesome set of results, im pretty sure we SUFI boys are gelled and ready for what is to come. With our new signings having settled in and the squad assembled for our assault on the upcoming league, there is a sense of optimism as we await the kickoff at Orchid Park Sec this weekend. Well, as with the kickoff of every league... Here are some expectations and goals that we would be striving to achieve.

Primary Goal: Gelling more in terms of team spirit. There can only be more joy when we feel comfortable playing with each and every player. Seriously, let's knuckle down and make all in the team feel at home.

Secondary Goal: A good strong assault on the league title. Well, we always aim to compete and needless to say, we will try to reach for the stars ;)

We have a long season ahead of us and while it is always fine and dandy with lots of love going abt whilst we win. We do have to keep in mind that the ball is round and based on our experience in our maiden season with D2D, there will be bad days where we end up on the wrong end of a score-line. Encouragement should not only come from me alone as it is the responsibility of every player to remain confident in the abilities of your teammates and to also assist in lightening the mood. Keep in mind that each and every player in SUFI FC was selected specially based on ability and of course, character. This could be the 1st time u see me saying this, and for the old boys, it would probably be the 10th time or more. Regardless of whatever case, should we be going through a purple patch, never fail to tell yourself this: Have Faith. We are a team and we will grow as one through success and failure.

P.S: As with our usual practise, check your own personal schedule with the team's schedule and do inform me in advance of any games that you would be missing. This would facilitate the planning and also ensure that we will always have adequate numbers for games. Do assist me in this throughout the season, especially the newer guys. Thanks.

And at the end of this rather boring but necessary post, I sincerely hope that the entire team enjoys our upcoming 6 months of footie action and may more brotherhoods be forged. Cheers!