Brunei Host Terengganu
By Dannie Abu Basrah

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei DPMM FC head coach Buketa Ranko will be hoping that his players will live up to expectations when they host Terengganu tonight at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in their opening Group A game of the 2005/ 2006 Malaysian Premier League.

When met while training with the team on Friday, Ranko-said that it was really important for Brunei DPMM FC to start well in early matches and admitted that the match against Terengganu will certainly be a tough encounter as the visitors finished last season as runners-up in Group B of the Malaysian Premier League.

Ranko also added he was delighted with the squad he currently has which features - more better local players including young players as well but was a bit disappointed in failing to secure AH United's Md Shahrazen and Safri Wahit of QAF FC too the Brunei DPMM FC team which he believes could add more depth to the squad.

Nevertheless, Brunei DPMM FC are in good shape after playing a few friendly matches in the build-up to the campaign as they drew 1-1 against Sabah, lost 2-1 to Sarawak and 2-0 to Perlis followed by a 31 win over the Singapore Young Lions which all came in only a space of seven days.

"Players must commit 100 percent in every game and stick to the tactical discipline if we are to get a good result - week in week out" according to Ranko and added that a win against Terengganu tonight would surely kick them off in the right direction.

Ranko also stressed on the importance of playing "our game", bringing the game and setting the pace to the opponent which was evidently clear displayed by his players in the friendly matches especially the one against Singapore Young Lions.

Although his team was a little let down by controversial refereeing decisions in the other friendly games, Ranko was still impressed with the teamwork and progress shown.

Talking about the short-term goal, Ranko said that Brunei DPMM FC will approach matches focusing"game by game", making a fresh new start in terms of preparation and motivation for every single game and a win is the main priority while in the long term perspective the coach would like to finish the season in the top four position.

Ranko also said that it would be great to have the support of their "12th substitute" which he regarded the local supporters as, to hear them cheer for the team through the good and especially tough times both on and off the field would be appreciated and needed throughout the campaign.

Meanwhile on Friday, the signing of contract agreement for players and head coach of Brunei DPMM FC was concluded. For this season, Brunei DPMM FC will be represented by a total of 25 players including import players Goran Vusanovic, Rene Kumar, Johney Mansulok from Sabah and 23- year-old Brazilian Rodrigo Lombardo Antonio Tosi who plays as a striker.

Brunei DPMM FC are drawn in Group A for this season's 2005/2006 Malaysian Premier League together with Johor, Pulau Pinang NTFA, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak UPB, Kedah and Sarawak. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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