Kamikaze Win their Maiden ESPZEN Title

ESPZEN Sunday League Season 20 Division 6

Kamikaze FC vs United Elite FC

12/01/2013
11am Kickoff
Bedok North Secondary

In what took a long-time coming, Kamikaze finally got their hands on the much coveted ESPZEN title. This has been a dream long-coming for all the players and staff at Kamikaze, who had highlighted it as one of their top goals in their 3-year plan for the club, instituted at the last club meeting held in 2012. The fact that it was now their 4th League victory and 3rd on the trot, in 3 different leagues, made it just that much sweeter.

Kamikaze had literally strolled to this title, winning 12 of their 13 matches, wrapping up the title with 3 league games to spare. The fact that only 4 points separate the next 5 best teams, highlight the dominance of Kamikaze who have steamrolled their opponents enroute to victory.

The fact, that yesterday's game had very little to note only understates the potential of this Kamikaze team. They are by no means the finished article and this team has the capability to go on and break a further few records.

The game itself was rather cagey as United Elite were determined to spoil the party. Kamikaze had not played a competitive game since mid-december, and their lack of match practice clearly showed as they were unable to break down their opponents' defence. The introduction of Aravin Yeli changed the pace of the game, but it looked like it was going to head down to half-time break as a stalemate. Yeli, had other ideas though. As a foul on Hara, won the team a free-kick 30 yards out just before the half-time break, the team packed the United Elite penalty area, hoping to get onto a good delivery from Yeli. As it turned out, no intervention was needed, as Yeli curled the ball in right into the top corner giving the goalkeeper no chance, and set the KKZ team into a lead that they will not relinquish.

The second half saw KKZ attack with renewed vigour as Siva, fought hard and won a ball inside the penalty box, before laying up for Shivaanan, who walked the ball into the net. Siva, was then again involved as his presence in the box, helped the team win a penalty after a United Elite player handled the ball under pressure. Victor stepped up to take the penalty and made no mistake from the spot.

While, the scoreline itself might have been a little dull for the team, there was no mistaking the impact of the moment. The team, had just sealed the deal, on a highly coveted medal, and once again came out of a league campaign, demonstrating their superior squad strength.

Stand-in Manager Victor summed up the victory.

"I'll be honest as I have always been. This season is not a true reflection of our capability. 77 goals scored and only 13 conceded without a first-choice keeper, and some might wonder whether I have lost my mind. But the truth is, we can only be better. This was not like the CFL victory where we felt like we gave 110% and overachieved. We won this league with about 80% of our efforts, but Kudos to the new additions to the squad as all of them had a stellar first-season. We will definitely take a moment to enjoy the victory, but the management will not let the team be caught up with complacency. There will be some changes to the squad, both in terms of personnel and systems, as I believe a good team is one that keeps reinventing itself both in terms of organisation as well as players. But for the next 3 weeks, there will only be celebration. And we will celebrate in the only way, we know how. On the pitch!"

KAMIKAZE!!!

Squad: Amzad, Dinesh Neshsta, Dinzo, Hara (c), Anand Spaceship, Gerard, Shivaanan, Mohaan, Siva Ganesh, Victor, Safar, Kishen, Premnathan, Aravin Yeli 

Goals: Aravin Yeli, Shivaanan, Victor
Assists: Hara, Siva (2)

Final Score: Kamikaze 3 - 0 United Elite FC