Heart-breaking loss as Kamikaze concede in the final seconds

MOF SEASON 7 DIVISION 1
ROUND 2
KAMIKAZE FC vs Lost Generation
8th Feb 2015
1pm Eastspring Secondary

It was always going to be a difficult match against a group of opponents who have the pedigree of having played in the highest levels. Lost Generation are a very good team of footballers who have vast experience having played in the various national age-level squads with even a couple of former S-league players. Yet, Kamikaze approached this game with confidence brimming that they could pull off an upset.

It was however, not the best of starts, as within 10 minutes the team found themselves trailing by 2 goals, The first was a beautifully simple 4-touch passing move that underscored the class of the opponents. The second however, was an unfortunate own-goal, after Kishen, looking to clear, sliced at a low cross only to see the ball end at the back of the net.

It sparked memories of the team's previous Division 1 experiences and there was a fear of capitulation. However, there was something different about this new-look Kamikaze outfit as there was real character flowing through the team. They refused to give their opponents any more respect that they deserved and took the game to them, pressing them quickly and challenging for every ball. The move paid dividends as by half-time, the scoreline was even thanks to two goals from the talismanic goal-machine Safar both assisted by Doctor.

The team knew that they had a good chance of getting something out of the game, but crucial to that was keeping a clean sheet in the second half. That plan fell awry within 15 minutes of the restart, as the team once again conceded 2 goals, the first a mistake by the goalie and the second due to yet another mesmerising play by Lost Generation.

Just as heads were dropping, Safar, Jefri and Mohan stepped up to once again show the team's determination. They were spurred on by the captain Hara who called on the team to not give up. Even when a penalty was missed, the team continued resiliently and were duly rewarded when Mohan curled in a beautiful goal from the edge of the box. When KKZ were awarded a second penalty for dangerous play in the penalty box, and Safar completed his hat-trick, it looked like the team had completed a great escape.

However, hearts were cruelly broken, as Lost Generation pumped up a long punt down the ground and a mix-up between the defenders and the goalkeeper saw the LG striker poke in with virtually the last kick of the match.

While they were beaten narrowly, KKZ can take a lot of heart from the style of football they played and the character they showed on the pitch. This experience will indeed serve the team well as they take on the other teams of the division.

KAMIKAZE!!!

Squad: Vishnu (GK), Prem, Gerard, Kishen, Hara (c), Marek, Doctor, Pira, Jo, Jefri, Safar, Pratheepmuse, Victor, Mohan, Riswan

Manager Of The Day: Victor

Goals: Safar (3), Mohan
Assists: Doctor (2), Safar

Final Score: Kamikaze FC 4 - 5 Lost Generation
Man Of The Match: Safar

Kamikaze Begin New Season With a Win

MOF SEASON 7 DIVISION 1
ROUND 1
Swat FC vs KAMIKAZE FC
1st Feb 2015
5pm Sembawang Secondary

Kamikaze got off to a bright start in their lead campaign as they blazed away Swat FC in an ill-tempered clash that saw their opponents get a red card for violent play and almost ran into abandonment.

KKZ entered the game with a strengthened squad that looked like it meant business. Within 2 minutes, the move paid dividends as Visnu played Safar on and last season's top scorer did not need a second invitation to open his account.

Although Swat responded almost immediately with an equaliser, play was dictated by KKZ and the pressure paid dividends as Safar turned provider this time drilling in a low-cross that Mohan did well to turn into goal after a lung-bursting 30-yard run. The game was put beyond doubt when Safar doubled his tally 2 minutes later after a sensational lofted pass from Jeff put him through on goal.

Sasi, tipped to have a sterling season made his mark in the second period as Safar again turned provider threading in a through ball that saw Sasi rounding the keeper before scoring into an empty net. The scoreline pressure for last season's unbeaten Div 5 champions proved too much to handle as they exploded in the 65th minute with their captain reacting angrily to a tackle. It sparked a free-for-all melee that saw the game paused and teetering on the verge of abandonment before common sense prevailed and play resumed.

The break in momentum worked against the Samurais as they conceded a quick goal, but there was enough experience in the squad to see the result through as they made a strong start to what is tipped to be a very tough season.

Squad: Vishnu (GK), Prem, Jayraj, Kishen, Hara (c), Marek, Jayraj, Marek, Riswan, Visnu, Mohan, Jefri, Safar, Sasi, Nesh, Kavin, Sasi, Pira

Manager Of The Day: Seelan

Goals: Safar (2), Mohan, Sasi
Assists: Visnu, Safar (2), Jeff

Final Score: Swat FC 2 - 4 Kamikaze FC
Man Of The Match: Safar

Kamikaze sew up 2nd Place with an easy win

MOF SEASON 6 DIVISION 2
ROUND 14
KAMIKAZE FC vs Outlander Smurfs
18th Jan 2015
3pm Regent Secondary

Kamikaze entered this game knowing that a point will earn them second-place, yet they could not afford to take things lightly. They entered the pitch with a considerably strengthened squad, but that did no magic to improve their patchy play. 

Nevertheless, against the run of play the team took a lead after a cross from Pira found an unmarked Mohan who made no mistake in knocking in the header. 

The second-half saw a slight improvement in the team play and despite a red-card to Prem, the team managed to get a second-goal after Pira found Sasi with a through ball that the young winger made no mistake in converting. The tie was sealed when Pira unleashed an unstoppable short after Sasi returned the favour and played him through.

It was an adequate end to a slightly disappointing season. Nonetheless, the team had much improvements from the previous season's lows and also ended the season as top scorers. The challenge remains to sort up a leaky defence and improve the team play. There remains no doubt, that Kamikaze and its management will definitely be up to this task.

KAMIKAZE!!!

Squad: Vishnu (GK), Prem (c), Jefri, Gerard, Jayraj, Marek, Riswan, Jo, Mohan, Pira, Victor, Thanraj, Kavin, Vishnu Jrs, Alvin Jrs, Sasi, 

Manager Of The Day: Seelan

Goals: Mohan, Sasi, Pira
Assists: Pira (2). Sasi

Final Score: Kamikaze FC 3 - 0 Outlander Smurfs
Man Of The Match: Pira

Kamikaze limp to a defeat against the champions

MOF SEASON 6 DIVISION 2
ROUND 13
KAMIKAZE FC vs TGXI
11th Jan 2015
3pm Secondary

It was as expected a feisty encounter by a wounded giants who were fighting for second-place against a young, fit team on the rise having secured the division crown. While both teams started the game brightly, it was TGXI who took the lead after yet another familiar defensive lapse, showcasing KKZ's inability to deal with the high balls. Before they could regroup, KKZ found themselves 2-0 down after a hopeful shot found the keeper out of position and unable to deal with the dip in the shot.

Veteran striker Victor showed his poaching instincts as he grabbed one after a very brave interception by Siva who got injured in the process. However, a lack of creative instincts from both teams saw the second-half end goalless.

It was as expected, a tight, cagey encounter. But KKZ's inability to break down their opponents' defence spoke volumes of the issues surrounding the KKZ camp as much it spoke of the organisational capability of their opponents.

This should be a challenge for those in the KKZ family who have become used to success. Success does not come without trying. Anyone who thinks otherwise, probably doesn't know what they are talking about.

KAMIKAZE!!!

Squad: Vishnu (GK), Nesh (c), Jayraj, Pira, Jo, Viki, Jefri, Marek, Safar, Vinnie, Vishnu (Jrs), Siva, Victor, Prem

Manager Of The Day: Victor

Goals: Victor
Assists: Safar

Final Score: Kamikaze FC 1 - 2 TGXI
Man Of The Match: Prem

Defensive lapses end Kamikaze's title run

MOF SEASON 6 DIVISION 2
ROUND 12
KAMIKAZE FC vs Y Homeless
4th Jan 2015
3pm Pasir Ris Secondary

It was an important game against an opponent who have troubled KKZ far too often in recent times, but the fight put up the KKZ warriors were definitely praise-worthy. Right from the start it was a cagey encounter, but when KKZ spurned 4 glorious chances to go ahead within the opening 30 minutes, it seemed like a matter of time before they would be punished. When they conceded however, it came out of the bolt, as a harmless corner-kick evaded everyone and found the Y Homeless striker opened as he toe-poked the ball into the goal to send his team up by 1 at half-time.

The second-half saw KKZ throw everything they had against their opponents and continue to create good chances, but without the luck to finish off. When Y Homeless, were awarded a dubious penalty, it seemed like the match was over, but Vishnu had other ideas. He correctly guessed and sprang to his left-hand side to keep out the ball, which was destined to head to the top corner, and his efforts spurred the team on,

Oswind and Jeffrey led the charge with Barathi and Sasi continuing their raids down the flanks and one exceptional move saw Oswind thread the ball through to Sasi who made no mistake with his finish. That signalled the Kamikaze siege on the opponents' penalty box and when Hevy scored from an acute angle, it looked like their title ambitions were back on track.

But in the least unexpected manner, a long punt from Y Homeless saw the ball sneak between the KKZ centrebacks and the forward once again toe-poked it past an oncoming Vishnu to earn a point and end KKZ's title charge.

While it might not have been how they envisioned their season to end, there is still plenty to fight for as the second place is up for grabs and a final showdown with Champions TGXI is still left on the cards. While this season, might not have gone the way the team would have liked it to be, a second place finish is definitely respectable and Kamikaze will look to finish the team strongly.

Manager Seelan was forthright in his assessment,

"We have scored twice as many goals as the Champions, but they have conceded half as many as us. And that's exactly where the problem lies. We will look to start improving our defending as a team, if we want to do better next season."

Kamikaze!!!


Squad: Vishnu (GK), Prem, Jayraj, Kishen, Nesh, Hara (c), Viki, Gerard, Pira, Barathi, Hevy, Sasi, Jeffrey, Riswan, Nelson, Oswind, Doctor

Manager Of The Day: Jayaseelan

Goals: Sasi, Hevy
Assists: Os, Sasi

Final Score: Kamikaze FC 2 - 2 Y Homeless FC
Man Of The Match: Barathi

Spartan 9 rescue the season for Kamikaze!!!

MOF SEASON 6 DIVISION 2
ROUND 11
KAMIKAZE FC vs MAK HITAM
21st Dec 2014
11am Mayflower Secondary

It was all set to be a shambolic day in KKZ's history. On the day of what was to be a mega-important league match against tough opponents, where a win was vital to keep pace with the league leaders, Kamikaze saw only 8 players turn out for a 11am kickoff with several key players out due to unforseen circumstances. The lack of a goalkeeper saw Manager Victor kit up and take his place in between the posts to signal a premature return from injury.

It was not how the team envisioned going into a must-win clash, but the 9 had a duty to perform and what unfolded would provide a legendary topic for years to follow, as they carried out the ultimate smash and grab result against a revitalised Mak Hitam outfit who would have surely fancied their chances.

From the first whistle, Mak Hitam knew what they had to do as they kept playing the long diagonals to put whatever remained of the Kamikaze defence under pressure. But in Prem, Nesh and Jayraj, there were three of the most experienced defenders in Kamikaze history and they knew exactly what they had to do to hold on to a chance of winning.

The midfield saw, Gerard and Mohaan partnered by Pira and Doctor as their first priority was to give cover to the defence and hope that the inspirational Safar upfront could pull off a magic. The tactic of lying deep and relying on well-planned counter-attack paid dividends even as Mak Hitam scored first from a long throw set-piece.

A quick counter-attack saw Kamikaze break quickly, and a foul inside the penalty box saw them being awarded a penalty, from which Gerard made no mistake from.

Any hope of good luck shining their way was soon shaken as they saw two penalties awarded against them in the second half. But when the second-penalty was missed by a nervous Mak Hitam forward, Kamikaze began to believe that this might be their day after all. Their belief became stronger, when Mohaan ran close to 40 yards before finishing a move that drew the team level.

And just when it seemed that a draw might be the best they get, against the run of play, Doctor unleashed a scorcher that the Mak Hitam keeper could not hold on to, and it seemed that footballing gods were on KKZ's side after all.

Manager Victor was in no celebratory mood though,

"I am very proud of the 9 of us today. There will be no man-of-the match awarded as all 9 are man-of-the match, but there is nothing to be happy about really. To see a team like KKZ only have 9 players for a league match is unacceptable. There will be consequences internally, but for now the priority is to sew up the league. And the fact that we are still in with a shot is thanks to these Spartan 9 who deserve sincere plaudits from everyone associated with Kamikaze!"

Squad: Victor (GK), Jayaraj, Prem (c), Nesh, Pira, Gerard, Mohaan, Doctor, Safar

Manager of The Day: Victor

Goals: Gerard. Mohaan, Doctor
Assists: Safar (2), Pira

Final Score: Kamikaze FC 3 - 2 Mak Hitam
Man Of The Match: Spartan 9

Honours even as title-contenders clash

MOF SEASON 6 DIVISION 2
ROUND 10
KAMIKAZE FC vs Toh Guan XI
14th Dec 2014
5pm Fuhua Secondary

It was the highly anticipated clash of 2 giants. One exciting young team perched at the top of the table, and the other a seasoned campaigner stuck in 3rd place, but quietly plotting a move up the table.

But even before the first whistle, it was the young TGXI who drew first blood as they assembled early and started their warm-ups, signalling their intent to the experienced veterans. The move paid dividends as right throughout the first half, the famed Kamikaze attack were kept in bay by their fitter opponents, and chances were hard to come by.

In all honesty, it was a cagey encounter in which neither side were willing to risk too much, but it was a slice of luck that saw the Kamikaze defender slip, and the TG winger made the chance count as he squared the ball to his forward who made no mistake inside the box.

The second-period however saw, a completely revitalised KKZ team who were determined to prove a point and they threw all they had as Kamikaze launched wave after wave of their trademark attacks down the wings. With just 9 minutes to go, their efforts paid off, as Jefri played Safar through and his low-cross found Siva who tucked the ball home to equalise and set off a frantic finish to an otherwise well-paced game.

A draw was probably a fair result, though both teams had opportunities in the second period to seal the game. TGXI will be happier with the result though, as it meant that their position at the top of the table was extended with just 3 games to play.

Manager Seelan was unperturbed though,

"It's good to see a young indian team so organised and disciplined on the pitch. TGXI will definitely become a household name in the future and there is no question about that. But on today's performance, I felt that we were more than a match for them despite having a few old legs in our team. The second leg is wonderfully poised now, but we have to get the wins coming. Any more drop of points, and the season is over."

Will Kamikaze be able to overhaul TGXI, or will they have to be contend with a second place finish. For now, all the aces rest with TGXI, but Kamikaze are wily old foxes where title races are concerned and it is still too early to write them off.

KAMIKAZE!!!


Squad: Vishnu (GK), Jayaraj, Prem (c), Nesh, Nick, Gerard, Doctor, Yeli, Barathi, Safar, Jefri, Sasi, Mohan, Yeli, Naga

Manager of The Day: Jayaseelan

Goals: Siva
Assists: Safar

Final Score: Kamikaze FC 1 - 1 TGXI
Man Of The Match: Nesh