Monday, June 28, 2010

Champions Cup - Semi-Final

This was the most hyped up semi-final of the Champions Cup. A match that would have made a fitting final, ended up being played in the semi-final stage due to KKZ's own undoing when they went down meekly against Alkatraz in their group stage match. However, that was not the only story at play here. The last time these two opponents played, in 2008, Kamikaze FC scored the first goal of the match only to be battered soon after, losing 12-2 in what remains as the biggest defeat of their history. Several key players remain in the team, and when talked to about that fiasco, they would only speak about the pain and scars that remain from that thrashing.

However, things have changed very much since then. The older players matured physically and mentally, several new players were brought in and indoctrinated with the Kamikaze spirit, and new bonds were forged to form a tightly-knitted team of hardworking and talented brothers. Outsiders FC came into the match as firm favourites and were banked on by the punters to end KKZ's fairytale season. The problem was, they believed it too.

Within 5 minutes of the kickoff, an excellent ball from Fazail, found Diego Haresh in his favourite left wing position, and he needed no second invitation to jink pass the Outsiders rightback before showing exceptional composure to cross the ball into farpost, where Thina da Silva was waiting. This youngster has been a highly-rated success story of the KKZ youth academy and he needed no prompting to nod the ball into the net and give KKZ a very important lead in a tough match. The goal helped ease the pressure on KKZ and they started playing the ball all over the park against their more illustrious opponents.

The possession told as Havey's undying pressure broke the defender down, and Havey pounced on to the loose ball before unselfishly squaring it for Diego, who once again celebrated his return of form with a calm finish to send the team into ecstasy. While the half ended 2-0, it was by no means done easily. Outsiders showed why they are the giants of local amateur soccer, by pouring into the KKZ half in numbers. But stoic, unyielding defence by KKZ, led bravely by USPO, Jraj and Spaceship meant that only frustration was increasing for the Outsiders forwards.

The second half started the way it ended, with Outsiders attacking in numbers, and trying to get an equaliser, but the result was the same as they were to find that this Kamikaze team was not one that they had fun thrashing. This was a team, while smaller to them in achievements, was no lesser than them in terms of desire and spirit. This was a team, that brought the forwards of the highest scoring team to their knees and reduced them to throwing tantrums, and wild tackles. Even a wrongly awarded penalty to Outsiders, could not help them as the Outsiders player saw his shot hit the post and come out. This was a day, where history could be made. And that was why, even when Akbar, who had one of his best perfomances in the KKZ jersey, was finally beaten when the Outsiders forward finally managed to pull one goal back, confidence in the KKZ camp never wavered. They fought hard for every ball, received nasty tackles like men and managed to pull off the unthinkable. Final score: KKZ 2 - Outsiders 1! And Team Kamikaze enters the first Cup Final of its history. The team has come a long way, from its twig-based formation days. Kamikaze is now the inspirational story for all young amateur teams. That success can be achieved even after undergoing the worst trials and humiliations.

This is not the end, The Final will not be the end. Kamikaze, we are here not for the victories, or the glamour or the prizes. We are here to redefine Amateur soccer. And such a mission has no end. KAMIKAZE!!!

Squad: Akbar Kuszczak, Suresh USPO, Jayraj Carragher, Thina Da Silva, Anand Spaceship, Hariboy Aerocratz, Yasin Scholes, El Fazail, Cristiano Barathi, Diego Haresh, Havey Adebayor, Victor King, Doctor Karthik, Lavanesh Valencia, Safar Torres

Final score: Outsiders FC 1 - Kamikaze FC 2
Goals: Thina Da Silva, Diego Haresh
MOM: Suresh USPO

Friendly at Broadrick Secondary

A training match to prepare for the big game in the next week. Focus was on short passes and tactical movements. Kong's bringing along of a big white board and Haresh sitting out of the match to focus on strategical movements all showed that the result of this match was not important but rather the getting into shape for the semifinals was. Objectives of the game was met, and a victory just made it sweeter. 3-0 to KKZ was the final score.

Squad: Premnathan Kawabanga, Jayraj Carragher, Suresh USPO, Thina Da Silva, Vinnie Obertan, Cristiano Barathi, Doctor Karthik, Yasin Scholes, Seelan Kong, Havey Adebayor, Sateesh Balloon, Safar Torres, Gowthaman

Final score: Unnamed Utd 0 - Kamikaze FC 3
Goals: Thina da Silva, Gowthaman, Sateesh Balloon
MOM: Thina da Silva

Champions Cup - Grp Stage 4th Match

In the last group match, Kamikaze had to win by atleast a 5 goal margin to have any hopes of topping the group and avoiding Tournament favourites and footballing giants Outsiders FC in the semi-finals. The intent was clear on the KKZ side, as they stormed to a 2-0 lead within 20 mins, with Yasin and Victor getting onto the score sheet. However, their recent problems in dealing with set -pieces once again reared its ugly head as they conceded one off a corner that saw their lead being cut going into half-time.

The second proved be to be a different story, as despite Pending Utd attacking non-stop, KKZ played with more attacking intelligence and caught them cold on the counter attacks. Yasin doubled his tally, after good work from Safar, who later scored one of his own, before El Fazail finished off the rout in a spectacular fashion by chipping the keeper from 20 yards out. And that was how the match ended, 5-1 to KKZ. However, the 'lack of goals' meant that KKZ ended up being second in the group and had a date fixed with giants Outsiders in the semis. Will the goliath be slayed, or will david end up being a meat patty? Watch this space..

KAMIKAZE!!!

Squad: Akbar Kuszczak, Premnathan Kawabanga, Jayraj Carragher, Thina Da Silva, Anand Spaceship, Cristiano Barathi, Doctor Karthik, Suresh USPO, Yasin Scholes, Diego Haresh, Havey Adebayor, Vinnie Obertan, Safar Torres

Final score: Pending Utd 1 - Kamikaze FC 5
Goals: Yasin Scholes (2), Victor King, Safar Torres, El Fazail
MOM: Akbar Kuszczak

Champions Cup - Grp Stage 3rd Match

6 Jun @ Hua Yi Secondary School 3pm

A stunning 12 game unbeaten run came to an abrupt end when Kamikaze FC met Team Alkatraz in the return leg of their group stage match. Atleast a draw and top the group, that was the equation for KKZ, however, complacency, inability to adapt to the horrendous pitch and bad refereeing meant that KKZ failed even to get a point. They conceded their first off a penalty and the second off a corner, and though Havey pulled back one before half-time, it was not enough to change the game in their favour as Team Kamikaze slumped to an unexpected defeat which meant that they had to wait till the last group games to know their semi-final opponents. Can they bounce back from this defeat? The next few results will show..

Squad: Akbar Kuszczak, Premnathan Kawabanga, Jayraj Carragher, Thina Da Silva, Anand Spaceship, Cristiano Barathi, Doctor Karthik, Suresh USPO, Yasin Scholes, Diego Haresh, Havey Adebayor, Vinnie Obertan, Safar Torres

Final score: Kamikaze FC 1 - Team Alkatraz 4
Goals: Havey Adebayor
MOM: Suresh USPO

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Update

Kamikaze has secured a passage to the quarter finals after beating pending united in their last group game. Kamikaze FC also awaits the results of pending vs alcatraz so that it would be clear that who their opponents will be in the quarter finals. When asked to comment about the possibility of a mouthwatering clash between outsiders fc and kamikaze , Team Manager Haresh said that " we came with a mindset to meet tough challenges in this tournament , and meeting outsiders is also a clash that i will look forward to definitely!". Having recently crowned champions of CFL 2009/2010 , Kamikaze FC went on a 12 game unbeaten run before crashing out to alcatraz fc. Known for collecting wins while gaining momentum and their fierce fiery attacking brand of play , kamikaze fc is also a hot favourite to snatch the Champions Cup away from its rivals. With that , i leave you all with the anticipation on whom we are going to face in the quarter finals. See You guys.

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Friendly at Marsiling Secondary

30 May @ Compassvale Secondary School 3pm

In more ways than one, this was to be an emotional match for Kamikaze. The field had bad memories, where they had lost twice in 3 outings, the last being to Eastboyz in a match where their unbeaten streak ended, title hopes wrecked and management changed. However, things had changed very much since then. Since that fateful day, the team has gone on another unbeaten streak of 12 games consisting of 11 wins and 1 draw, including 7 consecutive wins in the league. In the process they sewed up the league in convincing fashion by winning by a record 5 points margin. That was to be the reason why this match was emotional as well, since the trophy presentation was to be held after the match, no player in the KKZ camp wanted to lose and mar the mood, even though the opponents were good friends AMK Rebellionz.

The match started rather sluggishly as KKZ did indeed seem overawed by the importance of the moment. In fact it was Rebellionz who had all the better chances, and only a lack of composure and brilliance from returning keeper Habib, prevented them from going ahead. However, against the run of play Havey's probing run against the Rebellionz defence saw the ball finding its way to Victor King who made no mistake in beating the keeper and finishing the ball coolly to give KKZ an unexpected and probably undeserved lead. However, the goal seemed to spark the boys into life, as KKZ began attacking and were then unlucky to finish the half without more goals.

The second half started brightly as within minutes, Havey finished off excellent work by Lavanesh, who beat two defenders before crossing into the penalty box, where, Havey was there to slam the ball home. With the two-goal lead, the team started to take their foot off the pedal as they were getting ready to celebrate. However, that nearly bit them as Rebellionz showed exactly why they were a highly rated team by going close on more than one occasion. Akbar in goal and Jana in defence made sure that the scoreline didn't change however and 2-0 was how it ended. While it was not a good match for Team Kamikaze, no one seemed to care as the post match celebrations started soon after the final whistle. Videos will be posted of the presentation, but a few words must be said to the boys of Team Kamikaze.

The victory we achieved now was the result of hard work by you guys and people before you for 6 years now. To have gotten here, we have gotten through countless obstacles and heartaches. But now that we are here, being complacent would be the last thing anybody wants. Enjoy your victory, taste your sweet success, but come next sunday, it's back to business. No hangover, no partying, no victory parade. Just pure business.

KAMIKAZE!!!

Squad: Akbar Kuszczak, Thina da Silva, Anand Achu, Rio Jana, Jayraj Carragher, El Fazail, Yasin Scholes, Suresh USPO, Cristiano Barathi, Diego Haresh, Victor King, Premnathan Kawabanga, Havey Adebayor, Vinnie Obertan, Lavanesh Valencia, Seelan Kong

Final score: AMK Rebellionz 0 - Kamikaze FC 2
Goals: Victor King, Havey Adebayor
MOM: Rio Jana

Champions Cup - Grp Stage 2nd Match

23 May @ Compassvale Secondary School 3pm

After a morale boosting opener in the first match and the subsequent walkover fiascos in the CFL 2 which saw Team Kamikaze being crowned League Champions without even having to kick a ball against El Calcio or Dboyz, the team got back to business at Compassvale Secondary to attempt to achieve a unique double of their own.

However, what were to face them were not just tough opponents in the form of Team Alkatraz, but more rather, dangerous opponents in all senses of the phrase. Right from the first whistle, tackles came in fast and furious against Team Kamikaze who now more than once have had to play against teams who engage in physical play to thwart the attacking play of the team. However, the brave warriors of KKZ drew first blood, when sensational new loan signing, Doctor scored a screamer from the edge of the penalty box. Doctor of Kawabanga and Eastboyz fame, had been a long-term transfer target for Kamikaze and this goal just showed glimpses of why.

His centre midfield partner of the day, USPO showed that besides being one of the best centre-backs around, he can be an awesome midfielder too, when he finished off a free flowing move after industrious running to be at the right place at the right time.

Though Kamikaze played without a regular keeper, they ensured they finished the half with the upper hand, with Havey getting into the scoresheet in style with a delightful first half hat-trick. His goals, all oozing class made sure that Alkatraz were shut out despite scoring 3 of their own, due to keeping errors. And the half ended 5-3.

The second half was a completely different story, as the motives of the teams had changed. Alkatraz were out to intimidate KKZ and attempt to break their legs in the process, KKZ had to protect themselves as well as attempt to play soccer. It was an interesting battle that Alkatraz seemed to have won, with the referee seemingly having forgotten his cards and whistle. In fact, it was to have been a fairytale ending for Alkatraz, as they pulled one goal back and almost scored another, if not for the heroics of JayRaj in goal.

However, it was wonderkid Safar who was to have the final word as he slammed in KKZ's 6th goal and the final goal in this 10-goal thriller. In the end, KKZ left with their heads up high, legs well intact and 3 points in the bag. Till we meet our dangerous opponents, who didnt seem to fully understand our team name.

KAMIKAZE!!!

Squad: Victor King, Premnathan Kawabanga, Jayraj Carragher, Thina Da Silva, Anand Spaceship, El Fazail, Cristiano Barathi, Doctor Karthik, Suresh USPO, Diego Haresh, Havey Adebayor, Vinnie Obertan, Lavanesh Valencia, Safar Torres, Seelan Kong

Final score: Team Alkatraz 4- Kamikaze FC 6
Goals: Doctor Karthik, Suresh Uspo, Havey (3), Safar Torres
MOM: Suresh USPO