On a hot Saturday afternoon, Team Kamikaze headed on to Woodlands Sec to face its demons head on. It was their first match of the MDIS league and there were 3 very good reasons why KKZ were anxious to be over with match. Kamikaze has had a very bad record at league games. While they routinely steamrolled opponents in friendlies, they somehow had a problem negotiating through league games. And just when they were trying to gain some confidence to get ahead with the match, the venue posed a jinx. This was the same pitch where KKZ was leading 5-1, only to end up drawing the match 5-5. Even if they could have put that aside, the opponents for the afternoon proved to be the biggest obstacle. Chesire Utd were no strangers to KKZ, they were the very opponents who were losing 4-0 to KKZ at Braddell field only to sub in their nigerian import and steal the match 7-6 right under the noses of KKZ. To sum it up, it was gonna be one tough game!
However, there was a quiet sense of confidence in the dressing room. They arrived to the match, with a stable formation, fully-fit players and a optimal number of subs, and the preparations were soon to bear fruit.
KKZ took the game to their opponents in trademark style, throughballs were played at ease and shots were taken at want. However, it was Chesire Utd who could have taken the lead very easily. A free-kick just some distance away from the penalty-box was destined for the far post. But stand-in keeper Subra, who was on a 1-match loan from Sambal SK, made, what would be the first of his many saves in the game, look far too easy.
But before Chesire even had time to moan over the miss, they were to fall back in the match. Leftback Suresh Boyyee, skipped pass two defenders elegantly and played a neat throughball to find wonderkid Vijay. Vijay, who is on loan agreement from Kawabanga, made sure that his high scoring rate got even higher with a crisp finish that gave the keeper no chance. KKZ1 - Chesire 0.
Credit must have be given to the opponents. Chesire's right winger David was constantly troubling the KKZ defence. However, centre-backs Sudesh and Captain Nesh made sure that no damage was done. And the stability offered by the defence allowed KKZ to push further ahead.
Again the same combi, again the same result. Leftback Suresh this time played a teasing cross across the goalmouth, and once again it was Vijay who was there to make sure the ball ended up in the net. KKZ 2- Chesire 0.
KKZ went into the halftime with happy heads, but they were well too aware of the dangerous opponent's comeback tactics. Substitutions were made. The exciting and ever dependable, Mohawk Vicky came in for Magen and Sriram, also from Sambal SK, came in for goalscorer Vijay. Midfield maestro Faizal chose to rest and in came Nayee Vicky. The engine room of the team needed some rest too and so Bala went off, and in came Prem of Kawabanga to partner Gerard.
KKZ started the second half from where they left out, and were soon pushing for the third. Habib whose enterprising movement and constant pressure on the opponent's defence led to the first two goals, also played a part in the next 2. His distraction, allowed Sriram to pressure the opponent into playing the ball into their own net. Habib was once again in the scene, pressurising the opponent's centreback to play the ball on to the path of Nayee Vicky who made no mistake as he slotted the ball coolly past the keeper. Habib was soon to get his own goal, as another hassling of the opponent's defence allowed him to steal the ball and poke it past the keeper. By now the opponents were weary and the poor refereeing coupled with the hot weather caused some minor arguments on the field.
But the drama wasn't over yet. Against the run of play, Chesire earned a corner that allowed their DM, Sathya, to 'head' the ball into the net. Only that he used his hand, just like a certain cheating Argentinian in the 1986 World Cup. However, Vijay who re-entered the match made sure that KKZ had the last word, by finishing with style that ensured he got his hat-trick.
A minor scuffle at the end of the match, did not dampen the spirits of the team. It was a comprehensive win, with good displays on both halves by every player. But this was just the first game of the week. They need to maintain the performance level for 9 weeks more, and this will be a league tournament to remember. Special mention must be given to the performances of rightback Vinod and keeper Subra. Though overall, it was a fantastic performance by everyone.
Just a note from the Editor. Team discipline has improved off the pitch, but there is some space for improvement on it. When calls aren't given, do not argue with the Ref. At any time, it should only be the team Captain or vice-captain who will be speaking to the ref. And never ever, retaliate to any tackle. Do not do something foolish, and bring the team down with your red-card. The management takes a serious view of such incidents. Play soccer, be a professional amateur.
What could have been a bad week, turned to be quite alright for KKZ. Now the onus is on them to maintain the expectations. Till we meet again,
Kamikaze!!!
Match Stats:
Final Score: Chesire Utd 1 KKZ 6 (0-2)
Goals: Vijay (3), Nayee (1), Habib (1), Own Goal (1)
Assists: Suresh 2 (1), Habib (1), Prem (1)
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