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

KKZ Bounces back with a resounding win

MOF SEASON 6 DIVISION 2
ROUND 9
FC Alwak vs KAMIKAZE FC 
7th Dec 2014
1pm Bedok View Secondary

The end of their unbeaten streak in the league might have signalled troubled times for Kamikaze, but they bounced back with a defiant win to signal their ambitions with a resounding scoreline.

It was not all smooth-sailing as the first 10 minutes saw the team lose the ball far too easily in what was a scrappy opening by both sides. The nerves were settled when Pira unleashed a screamer after Haresh had hit the upright following a good run. Haresh was not to be denied though, as he soon doubled the lead, after excellent work from the returning Oswind.

The team then went into a ruthless mode, as Oswind scored 4, Pira completed his hat-trick, with Mohan, Yeli, Jeff, Safar and Sasi all got on the scoresheet. Mohan's Di Maria-like chip was a good contender for the goal of the match award but Safar won it with an outrageous Ribonna flick after dribbling halfway down the pitch.

The team, might have had defensive woes all season long, but the re-signing of Jayraj has added some solidity in the pitch, and the form of Gerard is giving the team good reason to be confident. But when the famed Kamikaze attack is in such full-flow, teams will have their own defensive issues to think about. With just 5 games left, every match will be a cup final from now, but Kamikaze's management is playing it down with impeccable cool.

Manager of the day, Victor fired a warning shot, "We have won 4 league titles till now, and not a single one was won with ease. We have been in tough situations and we have the experience of negotiating difficult scenarios. Yes, the defeat last week was a terrible one in the context of the league position, and yes TGXI are still the favourites, but we would like to take it one game at a time. One result, can make a lot of a difference so we are not going to leave anything to chance. This team has vast experience and I have supreme confidence in them."

On a goal-fest like this it is easy to pick out the goal-scorers as star performers, and truth be told all of the goalscorers had fantastic contributions, with Pira shining on his return from injury. But the man of the match award for this week went to joint-winners. Both returning players, adding steel to the team in contrasting areas. One is a defensive rock, whose own return has given the team much confidence. Jayaraj is a deserving recipient of the man of the match, for his part in ensuring the team has a clean sheet. The other winner needs very little explanation. With 4 goals and 2 assists, Os will add much-needed firepower towards the end of the season run.

KAMIKAZE!!!

Squad: Pratip (GK), Jayaraj, Gerard, Hara (c), Nesh, Riswan, Doctor, Jo, Haresh, Pira, Jefri, Sasi, Mohan, Yeli, Oswind, Safar

Manager of the Day: Victor

Goals: Pira (3), Haresh, Oswind (4), Mohan, Jeff, Safar, Yeli, Sasi
Assists: Haresh (2), Oswind (2), Sasi, Yeli (2), Safar (2), Jeff, Pratip, Pira

Final Score: FC Alwak 0 - 13 Kamikaze FC
Man Of The Match: Jayaraj-Oswind

Kamikaze Unbeaten Streak comes to an end

MOF SEASON 6 DIVISION 2
ROUND 8
KAMIKAZE FC vs Philippines FC
23rd Nov 2014
3pm WestSpring Secondary

After going through 7 matches unbeaten, Kamikaze were flying high on confidence. Nonetheless, a rejuvenated Philippines FC and Kamikaze's own defensive frailities might have caused them some concerns, but the warning signs were not heeded. A calamitous first-half performance saw the team go down 3 goals with none in reply.

With all the valour needed to muster an escape job, Kamikaze entered the second half rejuvenated and their efforts bore them rewards as within 10 minutes they were back in the game with 2 goals scored. But terrible refereeing which saw a clear penalty appeal waived off and the match time reduced by 4 minutes for no reason, ensured that there was to be no escape.

Nevertheless, the team will have to take this as a learning lesson. Defence is not a duty of just a select group of players but the entire team, and the team will have to improve its defending if it wants to mount a serious title challenge. The defeat has once again given the impetus to TGXI who will go top if they win their game in hand.

For now, once again, it is back to the drawing blocks for Kamikaze!

Squad: Pratip (GK), Jefri, Prem, Hara (c), Jayaraj, Marek, Yeli, Haresh, Safar, Hevy, Vijay, Barathi, Nelson, Riswan

Manager Of The Day: Jayaseelan

Goals: Jefri (2)
Assists: Barathi, Safar

Final Score: Kamikaze FC 2 - 3 Philippines FC
Man Of The Match: Jefri