MOF SEASON 5 DIVISION 1
ROUND 1
KAMIKAZE vs KOJA'S BOYS
3pm Regent Secondary
It was an opening encounter for Kamikaze that was without all the fanfare and frills associated with previous league opening matches. Playing in 4th new league in 4 seasons, Kamikaze had entered the league looking for yet another new challenge. Although the team has been lucky to win 3 titles in a row, the manner in which they had done so, breezing to victories, hasn't really got anyone waxing lyricals about the strength of this team. Yet, when you have a starting line-up that saw players like Mohaan, Safar, Barathi and Siva starting on the bench, you know that this new-look KKZ outfit is definitely not short of depth nor quality.
The opening exchanges with Koja's Boys was highly encouraging as the team was patient to string the ball around the tight lines that Koja Boys were holding. Kamikaze knew that the longer they held on to the ball, the higher their chances of breaking the deadlock were. That moment came in the 10th minute, as Sasi raced on to a neatly threaded through-ball from Oswind and gave the goalkeeper no chance with a solid strike. 1-0 to Kamikaze.
If that was the cue to opening the floodgates, no one heard it, as the half ended with the scores unchanged. The second half was to be more positive, as Safar just took 7 minutes to introduce his arrival after playing a series of 1-2s with Oswind before he laid the ball onto the path of Hevy who made no mistake as he slammed home the ball.
However, there was to be some drama, as a long aimless punt somehow beat Yeli who was the stand-in keeper and the deficit was once again pegged down to 1. The team knew they had to get the third goal.
The third goal did not take too long to come, however, as Spachship acrobatically threw himself into the path of the cross after some goodwork by Sasi to deliver the ball in from the bye-line. At 3-1, the game was all but over, but there was still time for Yeli to redeem himself as he pulled off 2 point blank saves to prevent handing any momentum over to their opponents, before Safar ended the contest with a well-taken striker.
Although it was a convincing scoreline, the Acting Manager Victor, who was deputising for Jayaseelan, did not seem too pleased.
"Let's be honest here. Our passing was in shambles. I doubt we strung together more than 6 passes in a row, and too often we were trying to force the play in. I know my players are top acts, but they need to understand that to win a league as competitive as this, we have to be consistent. I doubt we are gonna walk through opponents, so I expect a better attitude in the next game. Nonetheless, I will admit, there were some really good goals scored. Generally, the mood in the game is also much better. Now, its time to translate that happiness into the pitch."
Will Kamikaze win their 4th League Title in a row? Watch this space!!!
KAMIKAZE!!!
Squad: Aravin Yeli (GK), Dinesh Neshsta, Suresh Uspo, Dinzo, Kishen, Premnathan(c), Oswind, Fazail, Sasi, Anand Spaceship, Hevy, Mohaan, Barathi, Siva, Safar
Goals: Sasi, Hevy, Anand, Safar
Assists: Oswind, Safar, Sasi
Final Score: Kamikaze 4 - 1 Koja's Boys
Monday, March 17, 2014
Thursday, March 06, 2014
Suresh Steps Down From Captaincy
He was a man who could outjump the tallest player on the pitch at will, he still can. His precise tackles, running from behind, have often caused a collective gasp of breath simply for their breath-taking beauty. He did not score too many goals for Kamikaze, yet every time he drives up with the ball, there was a chance to be taken. Despite his name being the first in the team-list, simply because of his talent and determination, that was not how he will be remembered in time to come. He was, still is and will always be A Leader of the team! The most courageous one the team has ever had. Suresh Kumar s/o Vetrivel aka USPO
Suresh has announced that he will be stepping down from the Captaincy of the Senior Team with immediate effect. Suresh leaves the post after 2 and a half years becoming the most successful captain in the Team's History. He led the team to 1 runners' up medal 3 successive Championship titles and played an important role in each of the title win.
Suresh's biggest strength was that he commanded total respect in the dressing room and led from the front on the pitch. The sight of the stare that one would receive if he were to play a misplaced pass was enough to exact 100% commitment from his players. Suresh rarely shouted, but when he did, he was fiery enough to put a check to even the biggest egos in the team.
Suresh was also a well-loved captain, whose sense of humor won him many fans. He also acted as a mentor to several of the younger players in the squad, constantly guiding them and encouraging them to play to the best of their abilities.
In fact, it is a testament to Suresh's mentoring skills, that one of his former proteges, Haravin would be appointed the new captain. Haravin has been a lifelong Kamikaze boy, coming through the ranks at the age of 14. In his 10th year with the club, he has been given the honour of leading the Senior team out. But with great power comes great responsibilities, as this young man will now lead several big names in the dressing room, including his former Captain Suresh who will be looking to continue playing top-level football for atleast another 5 seasons.
When asked on what his biggest Achievement as Captain was, Suresh's answer surprised many.
"I think, over the years Kamikaze had developed a reputation as an attacking team. One that always attacked and never gave up and personally I feel that this is a great reputation. However, my biggest achievement, would be to bring some stability and tactical discipline to our defensive lines and shape and create a lean and mean defence that was always rock solid. And truth be told, our defence often helped the attack too and that to me would be my biggest achievement- Shaping Our Defence."
His answer to his Best Moment as Captain, was also unexpected.
"No, definitely not the titles we won. Those titles were a result of consistent effort, but I don't think that was my best moment. Some of my best moments, were when we beat our closest rivals. Teams like Mexican Aces often gave us tough times. But over the years, when we recorded victories over them, it is a really pleasant moment cos you know your team has come far and improved over the years."
Seelan's response on the Captaincy change summed up the mood for Kamikaze,
"A captain like USPO is a dream come true for any manager. To have someone command and motivate the dressing room like he did, is a boon for any manager and he definitely made my job much easier. But mark my words, that boy is not going off anywhere, he has several more years to contribute to this amazing team. Meanwhile, one cannot ask for a better player to replace USPO as the captain. Hara has been earmarked for the role for the past year and he has proven to be an able man to lead the team forward. It is not going to be easy for him, as he will be a young captain, leading a team of big names. But I have no doubt that the boy will be a natural leader, just like his predecessor."
On other news, The Juniors have also appointed Nick as their new Vice-Captain. With the departures of Hasiim and Shivaanan and the long-term injury of Vishnu, the team needed a new on-field leader to deputise and the management unanimously agreed that Nick was the best man for the job.
With so many changes happening in the Kamikaze family, one could easily speculate that this season could be a make-or-break season for Kamikaze. But as always, Kamikaze would once again like to show the Amateur Football world, on how best to manage an Amateur team and be damn good at it.
KAMIKAZE!!!
Major Changes Headed Kamikaze's Way
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!!!
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!!!
Monday, January 27, 2014
Kamikaze win by the skin of their Teeth
ESPZEN Sunday League Season 20 Division 6
Kamikaze FC vs Chap Pah Lang FC
26/01/2013
3pm Kickoff
Yusof Ishak Secondary
Kamikaze's clamour for some excitement was duly fulfilled when as many as 5 first-team regulars made themselves unavailable for the game leaving the team with only 12-man to play against Chap Pah Lang.
The game started as a cagey affair as Chap Pah Lang came with a well-organised plan to contain the team and press very high. For the first 15 minutes, Kamikaze were to be content with half chances and a long pop or two. But that changed when KKZ was awarded a freekick 30 yards out for a foul on Pratheep. Hevy stepped up confidently to take the freekick, but was denied by the woodwork. Luckily for the team, returning playmaker Yeli was on hand to nod the ball in. If the first goal came in fortuitous circumstances, there was little luck about the second goal, as a good passing movement from the team saw Hevy chase down the ball down the left flank to lay it on to Vijay, who somehow managed to overcome two tackles and poke the ball into the far-post for his 1st goal in over a year.
At 2-0, the message at half-time was to go for the kill. However, Kamikaze entered self-destruct mode instead as they made a mess of the chances they created and constantly gave away the ball cheaply. The team showed a starkling dip in form and their inability to string together passes was clearly evident. Chap Pah Lang's perseverance soon bore fruit as they scored two goals to bring the match level and looked set to condemn the Champions to a humiliating draw.
But as always, when common sense and tactical discipline failed them, their spirit soared to save the day. With just 2 minutes remaining on the clock, it was a sight to behold to see KKZ launch attack after attack and had 9 men camped in the opponent's penalty box for a free-kick. The move paid dividends as a scramble saw Pratheep free on the edge of the 6-yard box as he rammed home the winner.
Captain of the day Hara, was not pleased with the result though,
"I thought we were tactically naive. We need to have managed the changes better and settled for a 2-0 win. Instead we kept going for goals, when it was clearly not our day and we almost got punished. We should be more tactically smarter in games to come."
Nevertheless, it was heartening to see a Kamikaze comeback after so long, and it was heartening to see that comfortable victories had not taken the team's desire, hunger and spirit away. They now enter a 2-week festive break, following which they prepare for the last game of the season and to watch the curtain fall on Victor's competitive amateur career.
KAMIKAZE!!!
Squad: Pratip (GK), Dinesh Neshsta, Premnathan, Haravin (c), Dinesh Manjan, Karthik Doctor, Aravin Yeli, Hevy, PratheepMuse, Victor, Vijay, Vishnu
Goals: Aravin Yeli, Vijay, PratheepMuse
Assists: Hevy (2), Aravin Yeli
Final Score: Kamikaze 3 - 2 Chap Pah Lang FC
Kamikaze FC vs Chap Pah Lang FC
26/01/2013
3pm Kickoff
Yusof Ishak Secondary
Kamikaze's clamour for some excitement was duly fulfilled when as many as 5 first-team regulars made themselves unavailable for the game leaving the team with only 12-man to play against Chap Pah Lang.
The game started as a cagey affair as Chap Pah Lang came with a well-organised plan to contain the team and press very high. For the first 15 minutes, Kamikaze were to be content with half chances and a long pop or two. But that changed when KKZ was awarded a freekick 30 yards out for a foul on Pratheep. Hevy stepped up confidently to take the freekick, but was denied by the woodwork. Luckily for the team, returning playmaker Yeli was on hand to nod the ball in. If the first goal came in fortuitous circumstances, there was little luck about the second goal, as a good passing movement from the team saw Hevy chase down the ball down the left flank to lay it on to Vijay, who somehow managed to overcome two tackles and poke the ball into the far-post for his 1st goal in over a year.
At 2-0, the message at half-time was to go for the kill. However, Kamikaze entered self-destruct mode instead as they made a mess of the chances they created and constantly gave away the ball cheaply. The team showed a starkling dip in form and their inability to string together passes was clearly evident. Chap Pah Lang's perseverance soon bore fruit as they scored two goals to bring the match level and looked set to condemn the Champions to a humiliating draw.
But as always, when common sense and tactical discipline failed them, their spirit soared to save the day. With just 2 minutes remaining on the clock, it was a sight to behold to see KKZ launch attack after attack and had 9 men camped in the opponent's penalty box for a free-kick. The move paid dividends as a scramble saw Pratheep free on the edge of the 6-yard box as he rammed home the winner.
Captain of the day Hara, was not pleased with the result though,
"I thought we were tactically naive. We need to have managed the changes better and settled for a 2-0 win. Instead we kept going for goals, when it was clearly not our day and we almost got punished. We should be more tactically smarter in games to come."
Nevertheless, it was heartening to see a Kamikaze comeback after so long, and it was heartening to see that comfortable victories had not taken the team's desire, hunger and spirit away. They now enter a 2-week festive break, following which they prepare for the last game of the season and to watch the curtain fall on Victor's competitive amateur career.
KAMIKAZE!!!
Squad: Pratip (GK), Dinesh Neshsta, Premnathan, Haravin (c), Dinesh Manjan, Karthik Doctor, Aravin Yeli, Hevy, PratheepMuse, Victor, Vijay, Vishnu
Goals: Aravin Yeli, Vijay, PratheepMuse
Assists: Hevy (2), Aravin Yeli
Final Score: Kamikaze 3 - 2 Chap Pah Lang FC
Monday, January 20, 2014
Victor Announces Retirement After Kamikaze win 5-1
ESPZEN Sunday League Season 20 Division 6
Kamikaze FC vs Royals FC
19/01/2013
1pm Kickoff
Yusof Ishak Secondary
The announcement that came at the end of the match overshadowed most of the proceedings of the match as veteran forward Victor finally announced his retirement from the Senior Squad. While many of his teammates playfully brushed aside his shock announcement, realisation soon sunk in that next season, the team is all set to have a new forward leading the attack. In his announcement, Victor mentioned that he knew that physically his playing time was up.
The first 10 minutes however, almost told a different story. The team controlled possession and routinely took the Royals' defence apart, at will. A brilliant cutback from PratheepMuse found Victor whose first-time shot was just enough to brush past the keeper's hand into the net. Minutes later, Safar bamboozled the defence and found Victor with another cutback and the striker doubled his tally tapping into an empty net. When Safar made a mockery of the entire Royals' backline it looked like a double-digit scoreline was on the cards. But that is when the fairytale ended and reality sunk in.
For all of their attacking potency, Kamikaze are still in need of a clinical striker who takes his chances. The team's poor shots to goals ratio is only masked by the fact that their defence has held steady and they have had truckloads of chances every game. This problem was highlighted in an embarrassing manner as the forwards combined to miss atleast 8 open chances amongst themselves, with only Anand Spaceship and Haravin managing to find the net in the second half sandwiching a Royals' consolation goal.
Team Manager Seelan, admitted as much,
"Our strikers were indeed poor today. But their quality is known to all. Vijay is back after a long layoff and once he gets 2 or 3 games under his belt he will be a totally different monster to handle. We have Hevy coming back in 3 weeks and the team is indeed waiting on the loan return of Rishi and Sasi. Those players have been held up for various reasons, but we are sorting out their transfers and if we do manage to get them, we will be a totally different attacking lineup."
But the moment belonged to Victor who almost managed to roll back the years.
"For the past 10 years, only one name has resonated throughout my weekends and even during the most of my weekdays. Kamikaze. Nothing is going to change that. But we have to be realistic, in accepting that our time is up. Kamikaze is a professionally run amateur team, and every player playing in the team should be contributing his very best. I have given my best to the team thus far, and now it is time for someone else to pick up the mantle on the pitch. I have no regrets. All I'm looking forward to will be to enjoy my final two games before I take up other responsibilities within the set-up. I know my team-mates who have helped me tremendously will give me a fitting farewell. I will look to definitely score a few more for the road."
KAMIKAZE!!!
Squad: Pratip (GK), Dinesh Neshsta, Premnathan, Haravin (c), Karthik Doctor, Gerard, Shivaanan, PratheepMuse, Safar, Victor, Vijay, Kishen, Anand Spaceship, Vishnu
Goals: Victor (2), Safar, Anand Spaceship, Haravin
Assists: PratheepMuse, Safar, Haravin, Victor (2)
Final Score: Kamikaze 6 - 1 Royals
Kamikaze FC vs Royals FC
19/01/2013
1pm Kickoff
Yusof Ishak Secondary
The announcement that came at the end of the match overshadowed most of the proceedings of the match as veteran forward Victor finally announced his retirement from the Senior Squad. While many of his teammates playfully brushed aside his shock announcement, realisation soon sunk in that next season, the team is all set to have a new forward leading the attack. In his announcement, Victor mentioned that he knew that physically his playing time was up.
The first 10 minutes however, almost told a different story. The team controlled possession and routinely took the Royals' defence apart, at will. A brilliant cutback from PratheepMuse found Victor whose first-time shot was just enough to brush past the keeper's hand into the net. Minutes later, Safar bamboozled the defence and found Victor with another cutback and the striker doubled his tally tapping into an empty net. When Safar made a mockery of the entire Royals' backline it looked like a double-digit scoreline was on the cards. But that is when the fairytale ended and reality sunk in.
For all of their attacking potency, Kamikaze are still in need of a clinical striker who takes his chances. The team's poor shots to goals ratio is only masked by the fact that their defence has held steady and they have had truckloads of chances every game. This problem was highlighted in an embarrassing manner as the forwards combined to miss atleast 8 open chances amongst themselves, with only Anand Spaceship and Haravin managing to find the net in the second half sandwiching a Royals' consolation goal.
Team Manager Seelan, admitted as much,
"Our strikers were indeed poor today. But their quality is known to all. Vijay is back after a long layoff and once he gets 2 or 3 games under his belt he will be a totally different monster to handle. We have Hevy coming back in 3 weeks and the team is indeed waiting on the loan return of Rishi and Sasi. Those players have been held up for various reasons, but we are sorting out their transfers and if we do manage to get them, we will be a totally different attacking lineup."
But the moment belonged to Victor who almost managed to roll back the years.
"For the past 10 years, only one name has resonated throughout my weekends and even during the most of my weekdays. Kamikaze. Nothing is going to change that. But we have to be realistic, in accepting that our time is up. Kamikaze is a professionally run amateur team, and every player playing in the team should be contributing his very best. I have given my best to the team thus far, and now it is time for someone else to pick up the mantle on the pitch. I have no regrets. All I'm looking forward to will be to enjoy my final two games before I take up other responsibilities within the set-up. I know my team-mates who have helped me tremendously will give me a fitting farewell. I will look to definitely score a few more for the road."
KAMIKAZE!!!
Squad: Pratip (GK), Dinesh Neshsta, Premnathan, Haravin (c), Karthik Doctor, Gerard, Shivaanan, PratheepMuse, Safar, Victor, Vijay, Kishen, Anand Spaceship, Vishnu
Goals: Victor (2), Safar, Anand Spaceship, Haravin
Assists: PratheepMuse, Safar, Haravin, Victor (2)
Final Score: Kamikaze 6 - 1 Royals
Monday, January 13, 2014
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
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
Monday, January 06, 2014
Kamikaze begin the New Year with Just 1 More Win needed for the Title
ESPZEN Sunday League Season 20 Division 6
Royals FC vs Kamikaze FC
15/12/2013
3pm Kickoff
Bedok North Secondary
It was that time of the year where the Editor goes off on an end-of-year holiday mode and refuses to do any tedious work while enjoying his long break doing nothing. As such, I apologise for the omission of the match report of the previous ESPZEN league game against Royals. It has been quite a while since that match, and there is no way I can fully recall the details of the match. And that brings us to,
EXPRESS EDITING!
Bedok North is always a bogey ground for KKZ and that streak continued as they went into the half-time level 1-1, despite Victor giving them an early lead as he notched his 7th goal of the campaign with a tap-in after yet another dazzling Safar run.
A rejuvenated KKZ came out of the break looking to fire and they did just that, as Victor turned provider with a well-weighted throughball finding Siva who scored an absolutely delightful chip past the keeper, for the first of his 2 goals. In all honesty, Victor who had a terrible game, somewhat saved his blushes with these 2 notable contributions. But from that moment onwards, it was Anand Spaceship who took over the game by the scruff of the neck as he scored 1 and created 2 to help KKZ end the game 6-1 winners. Gerard and Safar also managed to get onto the scoresheet, with Gerard scoring a beauty of a freekick. This game was also notable as Akbar and Yasin, both made an unexpected return to the squad, and they gave a performance to remember.
Kamikaze now only need 3 more points to capture their maiden ESPZEN title and it will indeed be a special moment for the team. But the team is not getting carried away, as an exclusive interview with Vice-Captain Haravin revealed,
"The next game is as important as the previous 12 games have been. We have a job to do, and we will get the task done. All the talk about the 100 goal target is fun. In fact, it is a good target to have, but we still have a few games to get it done. As for now, the priority has to be sealing the title and that's what we will look forward to. This season, has been alright for the team. It is a job well-done, but the real good news is that we can be even better and that will be what we should be looking at"
With that brilliant words from the Vice-Captain, I will leave you to think about what a 3rd successive title for the team would mean for us in terms of our long-term strategic plans that had been laid in place. This team has come a long way, since the one that came in 4th at the 3rd season of CFL. The task at hand, in terms of the planning, would be to quickly collate our strengths and harness a even more well-aligned squad for the next season.
KAMIKAZE!!!
Squad: Akbar, Pratip, Dinesh Neshsta (c), Yasin, Hara, Anand Spaceship, Gerard, Kishen, Safar, Siva Ganesh, Victor, Dinzo, Shivaanan
Goals: Victor, Siva (2), Anand Spaceship, Gerard, Safar
Assists: Safar (2), Victor, Kishen, Spaceship (2)
Final Score: Royals 1 - 6 Kamikaze
Royals FC vs Kamikaze FC
15/12/2013
3pm Kickoff
Bedok North Secondary
It was that time of the year where the Editor goes off on an end-of-year holiday mode and refuses to do any tedious work while enjoying his long break doing nothing. As such, I apologise for the omission of the match report of the previous ESPZEN league game against Royals. It has been quite a while since that match, and there is no way I can fully recall the details of the match. And that brings us to,
EXPRESS EDITING!
Bedok North is always a bogey ground for KKZ and that streak continued as they went into the half-time level 1-1, despite Victor giving them an early lead as he notched his 7th goal of the campaign with a tap-in after yet another dazzling Safar run.
A rejuvenated KKZ came out of the break looking to fire and they did just that, as Victor turned provider with a well-weighted throughball finding Siva who scored an absolutely delightful chip past the keeper, for the first of his 2 goals. In all honesty, Victor who had a terrible game, somewhat saved his blushes with these 2 notable contributions. But from that moment onwards, it was Anand Spaceship who took over the game by the scruff of the neck as he scored 1 and created 2 to help KKZ end the game 6-1 winners. Gerard and Safar also managed to get onto the scoresheet, with Gerard scoring a beauty of a freekick. This game was also notable as Akbar and Yasin, both made an unexpected return to the squad, and they gave a performance to remember.
Kamikaze now only need 3 more points to capture their maiden ESPZEN title and it will indeed be a special moment for the team. But the team is not getting carried away, as an exclusive interview with Vice-Captain Haravin revealed,
"The next game is as important as the previous 12 games have been. We have a job to do, and we will get the task done. All the talk about the 100 goal target is fun. In fact, it is a good target to have, but we still have a few games to get it done. As for now, the priority has to be sealing the title and that's what we will look forward to. This season, has been alright for the team. It is a job well-done, but the real good news is that we can be even better and that will be what we should be looking at"
With that brilliant words from the Vice-Captain, I will leave you to think about what a 3rd successive title for the team would mean for us in terms of our long-term strategic plans that had been laid in place. This team has come a long way, since the one that came in 4th at the 3rd season of CFL. The task at hand, in terms of the planning, would be to quickly collate our strengths and harness a even more well-aligned squad for the next season.
KAMIKAZE!!!
Squad: Akbar, Pratip, Dinesh Neshsta (c), Yasin, Hara, Anand Spaceship, Gerard, Kishen, Safar, Siva Ganesh, Victor, Dinzo, Shivaanan
Goals: Victor, Siva (2), Anand Spaceship, Gerard, Safar
Assists: Safar (2), Victor, Kishen, Spaceship (2)
Final Score: Royals 1 - 6 Kamikaze
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