Projek Ikan Pusu scores a rare win
By J Klinnsmann

Greetings from Projek Ikan Pusu players

Projek Ikan Pusu (PIP) scored a rare and hard-fought 3-2 win in a friendly against STAMP FC, a Brunei-Muara Division 3 team. The PIP goals were scored by Md Esmendy Brahim (2 goals) and Haji Najirilah Hj Laming.

This win is historic as it may well mark the turning point in the progress of Projek Ikan Pusu: Brunei's National Football Development Program organised by the Department of Co-Curricular Education and BAFA as well as sponsored by NBT(Brunei) Sdn Bhd, said PIP chief coach Haji Omar Haji Jamil.

"We had been exposing our most senior players (U-16 years) against stronger adult teams as part of our development strategy. That is the only way to progress as we do have the budget for trips abroad to play stronger age-group opponents. On behalf of PIP and the parents, I would like to thank STAMP FC for accommodating us," he added.

When asked about PIP's successes against bigger and stronger adult teams, PIP assistant coach Soffriana Hj Masri revealed that it all boils down to teamwork. "Unlike other youth programmes, the PIP teams train and play together regularly as a team. This builds up better team-work and understanding.

For example we have intensified daily training during the current school holidays to make sure that our boys will be in tip-top condition for the coming JBS Tsunami Charity Tournament beginning March 27," he explained.

"We are always mentally and physically prepared. And that's why our boys have survived the tough tackles and the often physically challenging styles of adult teams. But I know there is no better way to prepare our boys. Just look at the current Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy: our boys definitely lose out in the size and height departments," added Haji Omar.

"I don't see many of our boys being able to challenge the physical advantage of some of the Asean teams in five years' time. It may sound incredible but it is true. Our boys have another five years before they can qualify to play in the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy.

"Nonetheless, in preparation for that day, whenever we play senior teams, we adapt by playing faster, use shorter and quicker passes and keeping the ball lower. To play that game we have to have very good team-work and understanding as well as be physically very fit.

"The JBS Tsunami Charity Tournament is an open tournament and some strong adult teams are participating. PIP is entering two teams for this event and we will do our best and learn as much as we can," he further explained.

\Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin