Thursday, October 29, 2009

Friendly at Kranji Secondary

25 Oct 2009 @ Kranji Secondary~ 3pm

The Kamikaze warriors travelled to Kranji sec, after a 1 week deepavali break. The squad was also boosted by the return of 3 stalwarts, Manager Diego Haresh, defensive rock Achu Anand and midfield maestro El Fazail, all sidelined through injuries. Though, their displays in this exciting match made it look like they were never way. However, the real positives in this match was the energetic performance of its young players like Navin, Thina and Vinnie and the exciting debut of young winger Lavanesh.

KKZ adopted a conventional 4-4-2 formation, and attacked from the word go against their older and stronger opponents. Though the opposing team initially had better possession, it was KKZ who gradually enjoyed better opportunities. It was only a matter of time before the deadlock would be broken, and it was the debutant Lavanesh who was at the heart of the move which saw him chase down the opponent, winning possesion of the ball and laying it up to Hariboy, whose pinpoint pass found Haresh. Diego showed that the break did not do any damage to his finishing as he delightfully chipped the keeper with his left leg to open the scoring. 1-0 to KKZ.

Lavanesh continued to impress throughout the half, so did Thina and Navin who were both playing as rightback and leftback respectively, Navin in particular showed more talent and touches in this game than the previous games, and the mgmt was heartened with his progress. However, it was veteran maestro El Fazail who would prove to be a catalyst for the second goal, as his pass found Haresh, who once again, gave a lesson in finishing by unleashing a shot that gave the keeper no chance. To their credit, the opponents did give a few headaches, but Achu who also returned from injury, together with Prem ensured that the half ended 2-0.

The second half saw a few changes, as Victor who played in goal came upfront as Vijay replaced him in goal. The team had adopted a 4-3-1-2 formation, which on paper should have worked out well considering the weakened opponents, and the strength in the KKZ teamsheet. However, failure to understand systems and positional ill-discipline saw KKZ look amateurish and messy. They even conceded a goal, and there was little option but to change back to the more traditional 4-4-2. But not before, 2 assists by Victor that saw Navin grab his first goal, and Vinnie scoring his 3rd in as many games.

KKZ continued to attack relentlessly, and Fazail took a shot that was destined for goal, who was denied by the keeper's fingertips. However, Victor was on hand to tap the goal to round up KKZ's 5-star performance.

In conclusion, the scoreline flattered KKZ who were given a run for their money by the opponents. However, there was no doubting the strength of this KKZ team, who would be a formidable side in the upcoming league if they managed to cancel out their errors and further work on their strengths.

Squad: Victor, Achu, Prem, Thina, Navin, Hari, Magen, Fazail, Lavanesh, Haresh, Vinnie, Vijay, Seelan

Final score: Kamikaze 5 - Fadhil's Veterans 1
Goals: Haresh (2), Navin, Vinnie, Victor
MOM: Haresh

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Express Updating, (The delayed version)

Fast forwarded updates. To the best of my memory.

September 20
Kamikaze vs DBoys (Marsiling Sec 1pm)

Their final league game, due to the fact that Limelights had already withdrawn was marred by controversy, even before the kickoff. The point of contention was Dboyz, including the former Limelights' captain Vijay, in their starting lineup. They argued that it was fine to do so, because Limelights had already withdrawn from the league. But our point was that the league was still ongoing, and it was not right to field an ineligible player, who had already played for another team. In any case, that did not mar a collective bad display from the KKZ who were 1-0 up, only to lose the match 3-1 through a comedy of errors, and unfocused display. A bad end to the league, that was softened by the fact that they will still end up 3rd, and also the fact that Galaticos will eventually end up winning the league. Kudos to Galaticos!

Final score: Kamikaze 1 - Dboyz 3
Goals: Jayraj
MOM: Hariboy

September 27
Kamikaze vs Unknown Fc (Punggol Sec 5pm)

Kkz resumed its friendlies immediately after the league ended. Its first friendly saw it take on its opponents at Punggol sec with an understrength team. However Ganesh Vivace made his first appearance for the KKZ team in goal, and gave a fantastic account of himself. Haravin who made a return to the team also played well, and so did Hariboy. KKZ eventually drawed the game having trailed the opponents in a exciting match.

Final score: Kamikaze 3 - Unknown FC 3
Goals: Hari, Barati, Haresh
MOM: Haravin

October 4
Kamikaze vs Generous Utd (Ahmad Ibrahim Sec 3pm)

As the league ended, players' indiscipline returned to. The friendlies were viewed with a lax attitude. However, the management does not want to read too much into this, because it was a tough league campaign, and u guys fought admirably, and thus are allowed a bit of indiscretion. However, as the new campaign draws closer, the team would expect your commitment once again. KKZ started this match with just 7 Spartan warriors. Namely: Nesh, Hariboy, Vinnie, Kutti Ganesh, Mohan who made his debut, Havey who made his return and Victor in goal. But i would not be exaggerating if i said that KKZ gave one of its best performance with that lineup. Whoever said, that having not enough players equated to a loss. This team of committed players passed the ball around like there wasn't a problem at all, and went up 2-0 in just 25 mins. The irony was that as the full team started to appear later in the match, the scoreline became more even. But it was a good workout for the Spartan warriors, as they edged the opponents to become winners.

Final score: Kamikaze 5 - Generous Utd 4
Goals: Havey, Vinnie, Mohan (2), Mohawk Vicky
MOM: Mohawk Vicky

October 11
Kamikaze vs Cepat FC (Commonwealth Sec 3pm)

Kamikaze went behind very early to a highly intimidating malay team who were not just fast and aggresive but also posssessed lethal long range shots. But what impressed the Editor, was the never say die attitude that this Kamikaze team possessed. Even after going down a goal, KKZ played without fear and continued their own passing game. A very evenly poised match in which everybody played beautiful soccer, but special mention had to be given to Kutti Ganesh, Hariboy, Jraj, Yasin (who scored 2) and the most unexpected of them all, Vinnie. Truly gave a man of the match performance with two assists and his second goal in as many games. Has finally showed glimpses of maturing and KKZ hopes that he doesnt get carried away, but instead keeps his head down, and put in more hard work to fulfil his potential. The match ended in a draw but it didn't really matter as the objectives of the friendly, that was to keep the passing play, and play with the team spirit, were achieved. In any case the editor was also impressed that all the players gathered after the match to have dinner together. After quite some time, there was an atmosphere of TOTAL UNITY, and where it was seen that Kamikaze will withstand the tests of time to remain as ONE team. Always remember, no 1 is bigger than the team. Can't emphasise it more.

Final score: Kamikaze 4 - Cepat FC 4
Goals: Yasin (2), Magen, Vinnie
MOM: Vinnie