Kamikaze looks set to enter yet another new phase of rejuvenation. The amateur outfit which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this September has always been open to embrace change and has constantly reinvented itself and its methods to stay afresh and relevant in the amateur football scene. The openness amongst its teammates to change has to be the most important reason why it has 3 teams under the KKZ family, all playing enjoyable attacking football and helping to make Kamikaze a household name in the amateur football scene.
Seniors
One of the biggest changes to the Seniors set-up is the retirement of long-serving forward Victor. The player who holds the most number of appearances and possibly the most number of goals in the history of Kamikaze, leaves the Seniors set-up with 4 Championship titles, 1 2nd place medal and 1 3rd place medal. In his retirement speech, he mentioned 3 areas where the team will have to play special focus on.
1) To always remain a Team of Brothers
2) Brothers who remember that the needs of the team outweighs any personal or individual aspirations
3) Proper structures and processes are vital to ensure our long-term success
The team is also set to lose Shivaanan, as he returns back to Australia after a very successful 2-year stint where he picked up 2 title-winners' medals. In response to this departures, Kamikaze went on yet another successful transfer window, as they managed to sign Oswind Suriya Rosayro on a long-term partnership deal. The former S-league player is the most high-profile signing the team has signed, and the fans are all excited to see how he links up with his close friend and former teammate Mohaan. The team has also made the signing of Sasi a permanent deal. The young starlet who was acquired last season, had his contract made permanent, and this exciting winger looks set to win over hoards of fans with his direct attacking play. Another important addition to the team would be Pirakash, another pacy winger whose biggest strength is his ability to keep things simple and effective. The team also signalled its intent to renew the squad by signing 3 top-keepers in its roster.
Akbar is a name synonymous with Kamikaze as his arrival signalled the first title for KKZ. He was re-signed after a 2-year absence and will be rotated alongside, Karim who is a highly-rated goalkeeper known for his calm and collected style. The team also signed Tamilarasan from NUS who will deputise for Akbar and Karim. In the last season, the keeping area was the only achilles heel for Kamikaze, and by strengthening it, the management has shown its intent in aiming for higher goals.
Juniors
The Juniors are reeling from the expected departure of Shivaanan who is returning back to Australia, as well as the Enlistment of several key players. But the Management of Kamikaze is well-experienced in knowing how to manage NS transitions and with the guiding hands of Nesh and Victor, the Juniors look set to ride through this phase with minimal disruption. The form of new-signing Visnu V2 and Prabhu who has found a new lease of life, has given the managers some form of joy as they are currently 3rd in the table in their AISPORTS league. The juniors do have a keeping conundrum as Apek, their first-choice keeper is currently sidelined with work. However, in his absence, whether the second-choice keeper Pratip can make a claim to be a regular keeper or not will answer the question on whether they will maintain their form in the league.
At the end of the season, the management looks set to redraft the team and stream several players. This news has set hearts reeling in the Juniors' camp as all look set to maintain their form and fight for their place.
Veterans
This area has been of the biggest concern to the Kamikaze Management. Originally formed in 2010, the team was conceptualised with objective of bringing together past KKZ players back into the family fold and create an active recreational team, that would also serve the needs of the organisation as a whole. This team could be used to give some of the Juniors more game time and could also facilitate the rehabilitation process of injured players looking to return to first-team action.
However, it must be said that the idea looks set to have failed in its present form. It is a tough chore just to call up enough players to play a match, and often the team is being supplemented by several first-team regulars who help out by playing two matches in one week. Hence, this is the area, which the management is looking set to focus most of its efforts to rebrand.
With immediate effect, this team will be renamed Kamikaze Rangers 04. The short-term plans would be to gather a team of 11 regulars who will make it for the game week-in week-out. This regulars do not have to be veteran players, and need not have played for Kamikaze previously, although we strongly welcome all former KKZ players to support this initiative. The team will look to have players who are looking to play regular football, but without the pressure of being in a competitive league. Haresh, the manager of the Kamikaze Rangers 04 will also be given full freedom in shaping the make-up of his squad. There is no doubt that he will be up for this challenge and successfully revive this brilliant initiative.
One of the greatest hallmarks of Kamikaze is our ability to keep things exciting. We have always embraced changes and new innovations around us. We will continue in this vein of reinvention and will always be at the forefront of Amateur football. We are not Just a Soccer Team. We are a Way of Life!!!
KAMIKAZE!!!
Showing posts with label Veterans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Veterans. Show all posts
Thursday, March 06, 2014
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Veterans Show their Class
19th May 2013
Kamikaze Veterans Friendly @ Yusof Ishak Secondary
Kamikaze Veterans sauntered for another weekend rendezvous at Yusof Ishak Secondary to take on their opponents for a 5pm kickoff. With several members of the squad, rushing down from another match, the match had the feel of the good ol'days where pre-match briefings just consisted of wearing your boots and heading for the pitch. Team Manager Haresh, however, did have enough time to give his inputs on the style of play expected and shocked the squad with his selection, playing unfamiliar backfour, with Victor partnering Siva in the centre and Haresh and Barathi out on the wings.
The move turned out to be an excellent gamble, as the veterans were given further attacking width with the fullbacks constantly overlapping and Prem in midfield was able to dictate the play. Sivabalan and Victor formed a fantastic defensive pairing as the former launched several of his trademark tackles, whilst the latter led the team forward with composed passing. Shan Annae, a debutant for the Veterans ensured composure in goal. The first goal came in style, as a free-flowing move starting from the defence culminated in a beauty of a shot from Haresh that curled into the top corner of the far post.
Although the opponents did manage to equalise through a defensive mix-up, it was the Veterans who would take the lead into half-time courtesy of a neat Vinnie goal, where he left a defender for dead before unleashing a thunderous shot that the keeper could not hold on to.
The second-half however saw the Veterans hand over the advantage to their opponents, courtesy of two set-piece goals and looked to be heading towards a 3-2 defeat. But up stepped, Ghaz who once again proved his critics wrong, with an unstoppable shot from outside the box, that gave the keeper no chance as it went into the top corner.
A draw was probably a fair result, but the Veterans left home in happy spirits, having completed yet another game with the fun and camaraderie that this team was created to instill.
KAMIKAZE!!!
Squad: Shan Annae, Sivabalan, Victor, Barathi, Haresh, Prem, Manjan, Ghaz, Vinnie, Hevy, SR Ganesh, Navin, Seelan
Goals: Haresh, Vinnie, Ghaz
Assists: Vinnie, SR Ganesh (2)
Final Score: Kamikaze Veterans 3 - 3 Unknowns
Kamikaze Veterans Friendly @ Yusof Ishak Secondary
Kamikaze Veterans sauntered for another weekend rendezvous at Yusof Ishak Secondary to take on their opponents for a 5pm kickoff. With several members of the squad, rushing down from another match, the match had the feel of the good ol'days where pre-match briefings just consisted of wearing your boots and heading for the pitch. Team Manager Haresh, however, did have enough time to give his inputs on the style of play expected and shocked the squad with his selection, playing unfamiliar backfour, with Victor partnering Siva in the centre and Haresh and Barathi out on the wings.
The move turned out to be an excellent gamble, as the veterans were given further attacking width with the fullbacks constantly overlapping and Prem in midfield was able to dictate the play. Sivabalan and Victor formed a fantastic defensive pairing as the former launched several of his trademark tackles, whilst the latter led the team forward with composed passing. Shan Annae, a debutant for the Veterans ensured composure in goal. The first goal came in style, as a free-flowing move starting from the defence culminated in a beauty of a shot from Haresh that curled into the top corner of the far post.
Although the opponents did manage to equalise through a defensive mix-up, it was the Veterans who would take the lead into half-time courtesy of a neat Vinnie goal, where he left a defender for dead before unleashing a thunderous shot that the keeper could not hold on to.
The second-half however saw the Veterans hand over the advantage to their opponents, courtesy of two set-piece goals and looked to be heading towards a 3-2 defeat. But up stepped, Ghaz who once again proved his critics wrong, with an unstoppable shot from outside the box, that gave the keeper no chance as it went into the top corner.
A draw was probably a fair result, but the Veterans left home in happy spirits, having completed yet another game with the fun and camaraderie that this team was created to instill.
KAMIKAZE!!!
Squad: Shan Annae, Sivabalan, Victor, Barathi, Haresh, Prem, Manjan, Ghaz, Vinnie, Hevy, SR Ganesh, Navin, Seelan
Goals: Haresh, Vinnie, Ghaz
Assists: Vinnie, SR Ganesh (2)
Final Score: Kamikaze Veterans 3 - 3 Unknowns
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Veterans Slump to their first defeat
Friendly @ Canberra Secondary
Kamikaze Veterans vs Unknowns
The Veterans had been going into this match high on confidence carrying a proud unbeaten record since their resurrection. They left the game with their heads held even higher as they knew they had put in a performance that rolled back the years.
One had to go back several years to remember a Kamikaze match that was comprised of Sivabalan, Arafath, Shanmugam, Haresh, Jraj and Seelan all in the same team. Nostalgia ruled the day but the Veterans team put the criticism, that they were not fielding a true Veterans side, to bed by fielding a side that tugged at the heartstrings of Kamikaze faithful.
However, it was not to be a fairytale start as the Goalkeeping woes continued and Jraj's inexperience saw him concede two very early goals. That setback seemed to only spur the team ahead as they made a storming comeback to equalise through Arafath and Vinnie.
The highlight of the day definitely had to be the penalty incident that earned Kamikaze their 3rd goal. In what was already a controversial moment, Haresh had seemingly simulated a foul that convinced the referee to award the penalty. But the drama was happening outside the pitch, as Seelan who had just substituted in to replace Shanmugam, immediately substituted out to allow Shanmugam to take the penalty. Shanmugam showed extraordinary composure to drill the penalty straight down the centre before substituting himself out for Seelan. Once again, the fans were delighted at the rolling back of good old days, Veterans style, as opposed to the very rigid and structured organisation that the current KKZ teams show.
Although Spaceship popped in to score a superb individual goal, he could not prevent the team from going down 5-4. Nevertheless, the spirits were high, and Jayaseelan had this to say,
"After so long you had a team where the pioneers played. Not only did you have Arafath, Shan and Vinnie on the same pitch, you had them all on the scoresheet well. And the best thing about this team is that win, lose or draw, we celebrate the same!"
Haresh was quick to add,
"But some things never change and we sure are gonna give Jraj a thrash or two for his wonderful keeping. But kudos to him and the boys for their effort and spirit."
In a week that saw KKZ make headlines for all the good reason, there could never have been a better form of publicity for the team's longevity and endurance than this friendly match.
KAMIKAZE!!!
Squad: Jraj, Sivabalan, Premnathan, Anand Spaceship, Ghazali, Arafath, Seelan, Vinnie, Sangaran, Shanmugam, Jaya, Haresh, Vishnu
Goals: Arafath, Vinnie, Shanmugam, Anand Spaceship
Assists: Haresh (3)
Final Score: Kamikaze Veterans 4 - 5 Unknowns United
Kamikaze Veterans vs Unknowns
The Veterans had been going into this match high on confidence carrying a proud unbeaten record since their resurrection. They left the game with their heads held even higher as they knew they had put in a performance that rolled back the years.
One had to go back several years to remember a Kamikaze match that was comprised of Sivabalan, Arafath, Shanmugam, Haresh, Jraj and Seelan all in the same team. Nostalgia ruled the day but the Veterans team put the criticism, that they were not fielding a true Veterans side, to bed by fielding a side that tugged at the heartstrings of Kamikaze faithful.
However, it was not to be a fairytale start as the Goalkeeping woes continued and Jraj's inexperience saw him concede two very early goals. That setback seemed to only spur the team ahead as they made a storming comeback to equalise through Arafath and Vinnie.
The highlight of the day definitely had to be the penalty incident that earned Kamikaze their 3rd goal. In what was already a controversial moment, Haresh had seemingly simulated a foul that convinced the referee to award the penalty. But the drama was happening outside the pitch, as Seelan who had just substituted in to replace Shanmugam, immediately substituted out to allow Shanmugam to take the penalty. Shanmugam showed extraordinary composure to drill the penalty straight down the centre before substituting himself out for Seelan. Once again, the fans were delighted at the rolling back of good old days, Veterans style, as opposed to the very rigid and structured organisation that the current KKZ teams show.
Although Spaceship popped in to score a superb individual goal, he could not prevent the team from going down 5-4. Nevertheless, the spirits were high, and Jayaseelan had this to say,
"After so long you had a team where the pioneers played. Not only did you have Arafath, Shan and Vinnie on the same pitch, you had them all on the scoresheet well. And the best thing about this team is that win, lose or draw, we celebrate the same!"
Haresh was quick to add,
"But some things never change and we sure are gonna give Jraj a thrash or two for his wonderful keeping. But kudos to him and the boys for their effort and spirit."
In a week that saw KKZ make headlines for all the good reason, there could never have been a better form of publicity for the team's longevity and endurance than this friendly match.
KAMIKAZE!!!
Squad: Jraj, Sivabalan, Premnathan, Anand Spaceship, Ghazali, Arafath, Seelan, Vinnie, Sangaran, Shanmugam, Jaya, Haresh, Vishnu
Goals: Arafath, Vinnie, Shanmugam, Anand Spaceship
Assists: Haresh (3)
Final Score: Kamikaze Veterans 4 - 5 Unknowns United
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Rain puts a Dampen on a Perfect Day For Kamikaze
Veterans Friendly @ Yusof Ishak Secondary School
Kamikaze Veterans vs Uncle's United
The Kamikaze Veterans team played yet another friendly with an encouraging turnout at Yusof Ishak secondary. While the game did not start according to plan, with the Veterans conceding an early goal, the mood in the camp was bouyant with everyone in high spirits to enjoy a day of recreational soccer. The high spirits led to an improvement in the play, as Jayaseelan scored a sensational goal, in a virtual carbon copy of Cristiano Ronaldo's finish for Real Madrid against United, after excellent work by newcomers Sangaran and Riyaz. Kamikaze started peppering the goal with more threats and their persistence paid off. Yasin showed exceptional touch, strength and vision as he held off two defenders to thread a through-ball to Vishnu who showed a cool composure to give the Veterans the lead.
However, just when things were going into momentum for the veterans, heavy showers accompanied with lightning and thunder put an end to the proceedings with the game being called off with the Veterans leading 2-1.
The spirit of camaraderie and enjoyment of football are the key pillars of this Veterans team and the boys sure enjoyed their day out even though it was cut short by Mother Nature.
KAMIKAZE!!!
Squad: Pratip, Nesh, Hari Atom, Aravin Yeli, Sangaran, Jayraj, Hasiim, Riyaz, Sivabalan, Seelan, Yasin, Vinnie, Ghazali, Dinzo, Vishnu, Haresh, Victor, Premnathan, Jaya, Prabhu Pixel
Goals: Seelan, Vishnu
Assists: Sangaran, Yasin
Final Score: KKZ Veterans 2 - 1 Uncles' United (Game abandoned at 45 min)
Kamikaze Veterans vs Uncle's United
The Kamikaze Veterans team played yet another friendly with an encouraging turnout at Yusof Ishak secondary. While the game did not start according to plan, with the Veterans conceding an early goal, the mood in the camp was bouyant with everyone in high spirits to enjoy a day of recreational soccer. The high spirits led to an improvement in the play, as Jayaseelan scored a sensational goal, in a virtual carbon copy of Cristiano Ronaldo's finish for Real Madrid against United, after excellent work by newcomers Sangaran and Riyaz. Kamikaze started peppering the goal with more threats and their persistence paid off. Yasin showed exceptional touch, strength and vision as he held off two defenders to thread a through-ball to Vishnu who showed a cool composure to give the Veterans the lead.
However, just when things were going into momentum for the veterans, heavy showers accompanied with lightning and thunder put an end to the proceedings with the game being called off with the Veterans leading 2-1.
The spirit of camaraderie and enjoyment of football are the key pillars of this Veterans team and the boys sure enjoyed their day out even though it was cut short by Mother Nature.
KAMIKAZE!!!
Squad: Pratip, Nesh, Hari Atom, Aravin Yeli, Sangaran, Jayraj, Hasiim, Riyaz, Sivabalan, Seelan, Yasin, Vinnie, Ghazali, Dinzo, Vishnu, Haresh, Victor, Premnathan, Jaya, Prabhu Pixel
Goals: Seelan, Vishnu
Assists: Sangaran, Yasin
Final Score: KKZ Veterans 2 - 1 Uncles' United (Game abandoned at 45 min)
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