RAIN UNITED
FOOTBALL CLUB
[ 1st April Training Session ]
The team attendance has been excellent over the last 6 months. They have cultivated good habits in turning up early in advance to be fully attired with a "ready to go" attitude. With team briefings on previous week's performances' and expectations for the new weeks to come before embarking on our routine warm-up and physical fitness training, it makes the session a breeze.
The team kicked-off the morning with warm welcome and applause for 2 new friends, who have learnt about the training sessions and had imported themselves from Malaysia to join us. Though they came with their "colourful" African mismatched outfits and 916 "golden" emas hairstyle, they felt comfortable and were relaxed when RAIN members made them felt like one. The true spirit of Rain United.
We began with the "dos and don'ts" for the 3 on 3 futsal tournament which we were to play the next day. Both Kenny and Leonard were nominated "Player of the month" for March. Kenny was nominated as he has deligently been practicing and heeding advice on his role as a striker. His strength lies in his speed and fitness. Previously, Kenny couldn't knock in the goals as much as I wanted him to. He rectified his mistakes by not holding the ball for too long (he used to have the tendency to dribble the ball from Lot One to Causeway Point without knowing when and how to stop) but when it comes to his shooting.................., Eventually, Kenny was finally able to shoot within the "one touch" when the ball comes to him. He was knocking in the goals but at the same time did away with his weaknesses. His attendance and work rate has been excellent. Anything to do with Jasmine?
Leonard (guys, without prejudice lah, ok?) used to be reprimanded for his "playfulness" and inability to concentrate on his game. He is putting in effort in improving himself and is less talkative. He is enjoying himself with the guidance the team mates have given him. At home, he tends to get worried for his team mates especially when I am planning my "discipline" lists and has on many occasions been childed for trying to "save" team. I have to admit that I appreciate his "Emotional Intelligence" - to think of his team mates before self. It is important for players to blend in with both "EQs' and IQs". That makes a good team player.
My team of consistant players who have trained hard and maintained their standards were namely Max, Zai, Yan Shun, Long, Fahmi and Shaun. Players who is pushing themselves to improve were Tony, Randy, Alvin, Raymond, Jia He, Wei Da and Chee Khin, our Singapore idol guitarist. Chee Khin, do bring along your guitar when we organise a BBQ the next time, ok? Get the team to sing and hum along while you play the guitar. I like your shooting power but not your fitness.
Jason, Tim Loong, Wee Kiong and Cai Quan - form the putting in great effort group. Calvin and Nigel have been involved in school tournaments and were not 100% present with the team's training sessions were evaluated on "ad-hoc". I thought they have been deprieved of other "things" too, hence, their "Buaya-ness" !!!!! Keng Yong, your name wasn't there, "Prove It" ! You are my "marked" striker. Hope Kelvin has not finalised his "ITC" yet! - Intentional Transfer Certificate, not International Transfer Certificate.
There have been progress on the "throw-ins", "ball spreadings, passings and possessions" with the "system" that I have injected. Guys, loathe it, hate it, MUST do it!!! We will be focusing on the ball controls, headings and shootings over the next few weeks while maintaining the others.
2 teams were divided during play. The first team players, consisting players who have put their BEST in consistence training effort, attendance, teamwork and good discipline forms the first eleven. The rest, who are making GOOD effort together with the guests players formed the other. However, the first team were only allowed to score goals through long shootings, headings and set-plays. It was my regularity to see how they are progressing with my methods. Most of the previous goals were scored in the penalty box.
2-0 the first team won! Through a heading and a long range shot. Phew, it works! Many "outside" calls against the 1st team - intentionally! Am cultivating "cool heads" and "disciplines". Nigel, our chief defender didn't like it. The quote of the day belongs to him. Sounds like this when a free kick was awarded to the opposition just directly outside the box and he shouted openly "Guys, 1-2-3- lets move out when CK takes the freekick, OK?" Put in your comments guys. Nigel laughed after the game. The whole team laughed about it too.
Guessed who was my Man of the Match? It certainly goes to Wee Kiong - our NBA basketball player who was keeping goal after Cai Quan stops while we were conducting our fitness training. Hope he trains harder. I refused to let him play but relentlessly did in the 2nd half when one of the guest player was suffering from cramps. Zai, I like the way you put on that cheeky smile when you were carrying one of his legs off the pitch. I thought you might have "split" his "B...Ls".
On the other end, Wee Kiong has on several occasions been "neglected". His perseverance pays off! He finally let's his game do the talking. I was caught off guard with his excellent display between the posts. On one occasion, Wee Kiong made a point blank save!!!! It was first class especially with his "Out of Shape" frame. The whole team applauded, including me. How did he save that shot? I am still wondering.
Our "sexy tongue vein pot" Raymond, was putting into use the off-side trap. Amazing! I have been pushing Raymond to shed off his "Flabby" image. Keep it Up! Jason, the answers lies with yourself. You are a good guy. Keng Yong, thanks for being yourself. Tony and Fahmi, don't give Jason the chance to "come back". My flanks has given me a good headache with their good display. Hello Randy, no "Randy Orton" play ok? I have been reminding you. Keep your cool, this is not WWE. Opponent will anger you and try to get you out of the game when you are on yellow. Always remember, how we had lost the final when we had a player sent off? Think of "her" when you are losing your cool though I know you are still maintaining your innocence.
Shaun, keep it up, good crossings. Never waste oppotunities. Max, you have given me attacking options with your overlapping play. Others, don't be special till I am comfortable with your abilities. No complacency allowed.
Jia He, the birds still sings louder than you. Tim Loong, I like your "take off the specks before heading the ball style" never seen it before. Looks cute, not football. Ah Long, work on your speed. You are the team's match winner.
Cheers! Any plans to "sabotage" the birthday boys? Let's do it together.