RAIN UNITED
FOOTBALL CLUB
[ Law and Order ]
I gave a dateline to close the issue. One responded to the letters after it was sent to his home. I was lenient to wait for another week. However, 2 registered mails will be address to the parents of Calvin Low. They may opt to read this blog which I have enclosed the URL.
Initially, I wanted to leave it to the arbitrate to handle this matter but after giving deep considerations to some of the friends who have came up to reveal, I have decided to change my decision. I wanted them to take care of their well being. I have been tolerant.
On a chronological note, it started in March when one Saturday evening when I was playing my football with my kids at the park, out of goodwill for Calvin, Max, Zai and Shaun came up to me and voiced out their concerned about Calvin. They wanted Calvin to stop the yelling and screaming at the team-mates which did not went down well with everyone. I told them I was aware of it and would have a word with Calvin. These were genuine friends. I openly voiced out the importance of team work on the following training and pulled Calvin aside and told him to simmer down.
Football went on but it started again. I have to stop games in between friendly matches each time trouble starts. I have explained that it took them so much effort to carry themselves well on and off the pitch. I didn't want them to lose the clean image. It will only take one mistake to break it. I was happy when "outsiders" commended on the well-being of the team which gave credits to the players themselves. I have always told them what have been commended caused the players deserved it!
On Sundays, the well established SAF warriors coaches always encouraged me to keep the team going. The CCK Community spoke well of the team too. They even requested Rain United for some demonstrations and photographing when the newly elected MP visited our training. It was to inculcate the public to play football the healthy way. SAF Warriors wanted suitable disciplined teams for sparring football and I was glad that Rain United were always noted as potentials.
On occasions when fights broke out, I have explained that it does not make sense whether to retailiate. I have to hold responsibilities. It will also ruined friends who are either on school student visas, permanent residents, young working adults, army regulars, etc. I even went further to apologise to the teams; whether right or wrong, though I was intimated as well. Put more than 3 people in a fight would be classified as gang clashed. Rain United was easily recogniseable. Even the "Joga Bonito" organisers wanted to keep in touch with the team on their activities which I have stopped writing to them. I have warned all to hold themselves all they may faced the sacked. I do not tolerate indiscipline.
Calvin called me thrice on my mobile one evening while I was on my way back from work that a fight has broken out at the basketball court. I have explained that it was not legal to play soccer on basketball courts but of course I would support my own players. He wanted "face" while the rest were okay about it. I have to tell him off.
Move over to our training sessions, Calvin continues to scream and shout at all the friends. Friends have continued to tell him off. It was on this occasion when we were training for our 7 aside tournament when he started to push himself too far. He "fucked" my 13 year son but I kept it well. He started to "barked" at his own teammates, sat in the middle of the field and later tried to put up a blatant tackle on one of the players which would have easily started a big fight had it been for an opposition team who was playing. Together with another coach in Mr Aw who has got more than 30 years of football managing and myself, we were shocked. I had to stop the game sooner. I went up to Calvin and asked him what happened. Instead of feeling apologetic, he started to blame the players that they have got "attitude" problem. I went home without my usual coffee break. I felt disappointed.
After giving myself some thoughts, I decided to invite Tony to my home in the evening. I have drafted out the chronological events involving Calvin's attitude from day one and weigh it. The several football training matches that he had played in and had got into trouble, even among teammates. Tony was to sit and be a listener. He offered to speak of Calvin's well being but it was not to be tolerated anymore. I have a 7 aside and 11 aside tournament involving my business associates to think of, ontop of the players' well-being. I was contemplating to sack him.
The next day, Calvin posted a message and wanted to have his "balls" back. He wanted $18. I was taken aback but was very willing to give him a ball in return. Afterall, I had offered to reimburse him some 2 months back when the ball went up the tree and he had said it was okay as the ball was old. He demanded money again. I did not want to challenge him on the blog but wrote an sms to him, telling him not to push it or I may have to walk up to his parents to reason things out.
The World Cup tournament came by and he had gathered friends over to his house to watch the matches. I was not bothered about his intentions to ask friends to boycott the Saturday training. It took him so long to tell his friends that I was not a qualified coach and why take him so long to say it when he was with the team? Max asked me the question over training one day. I knew Max well enough and had wanted him to sort the answers himself. They wanted to play their own football and I was okay with it. I did not want to get the "listeners" to be "blinded" as well. They were using their ears as eyes. I knew most were innocent. However, what appeases me was his intentions in wanting to cause grievenace hurt to me personally.
I spoke to some and was actually looking forward to it. However, his friends mentioned that aiyah, uncle, he "talk cock" only. I am glad that those friends understands the meaning of respect. He can "fucked" my son, but I will not allow a kid to try and mess with me. I would have been happy to turn him into a "cock". Otherwise, I would have asked his father to step into the matter. I would have put my "cock" in his mouth together with the "balls" he is asking for. I had told my family not to bring down the family surname and stood low.
I applauded those who have revealed the truth to me without asking. I gave them the respect for being themselves. ET sent me an apology message and I thought it was bold enough for him to admit his mistakes, which he offers to explain. I didn't even want to know. He even claimed he was drunk and I decided to stop the blog comments column to stop ET from creating "outer space wayang" which he had earlier claimed to predict things on "who's on the watch lists" and "what's going to happen". It was a laughing matter to me. He asked me if he can play football again and I did not turn him down, however with conditions that he looked after his well-being again. He is a smart guy who knows how to exploit matters but I wanted him to utilize his "cleverness" in a better manner just like I have been wanting to encourage him to post the Rain United blog though he was childed by comments from Calvin that he writes horribly. I applauded ET's effort in wanting to do something for the team when I read his blog. It was his good thought. I will not penalized ET for trying. However, ET is drunk in outer space!
Like I have mentioned in my previous, I have always encouraged everyone not to be implicated. Always asked when you are unclear about situations. Don't make decisions and get caught into situations. It is totally uncalled for. I am one who will most willing to challenge when it comes to integrity, ethics, discipline be it black or white. I will not hesitate to take it to the top.
[ We Belong ]
We had more new friends coming by to join us on this Saturday. I continue to go forward on training routine despite the new faces and work on the technical and fitness so that we can enjoy the game better.
At the end of the hour mark, it was time to continue with our 7 game series friendlies which I have arranged to make up with Tony forming a team comprising the foreign friends pitting against the locals. I wanted to understand the overall strengths and weaknesses of the team, including the individuals so that I can blend the players altogether as we progress. There must be communications, teamwork and discipline in team football.
Before the game commenced, we highlighted the strength and weaknesses of the match that was played the previous week and all were encouraged to work on the weakness. We started the game leading by 2 goals to 1 with 4 minutes remaining when Tony's red armies went on to score 3 goals in the end to tie the series to 1 apiece with an aggregate of 6 goals to 5 in favour of the foreign friends.
I was impressed with a 15 year old Vietnamese friend who was nippy and fast with his flank play. Randy had a good game but it was difficult for him to pace the Vietnamese friend. We were on the offensive for most of the game. Pako was almost unbeatable marshalling the midfield. Max had a good game but we can't ask too much from him. He was everywhere defending and attacking. My fitness level was awful. I had trouble pacing. However, I am looking forward to the 3rd game.
2 weeks back, Kenny asked me questions on the role of a striker. He found his answers on Saturday. Two goals from him this week; a rare header courtesy of a "champions league" crossed from Max and a one touch shot in the penalty box. It was an improved play from Kenny as he was doing too much dribbling the week before. I was glad for Kenny. On the contrary, I have been watching 2 others whom, I may ask them to play their football somewhere else if they do not improve on their attitude.
Sometime in September, we will be conducting a football trial for eager players who may want to play competitive football. It will be held on every Saturday 3-5 pm on every 3rd week of the month. For the Choa Chu Kang Constituency, we are planning to scout players to represent the Inter Constituency Tournament for 2007. There will be street soccer tournaments, 7 asides and the 11 asides for successful trialists. Other who may not be succesful will be encouraged to join in with the 5-7 pm training.
While inviting more friends to join us, I am also looking forward to some parents and their kids from the SAF Warriors to come by to join us soon. We may pit the parents group against the rest if it warrants.
Finally, may I apologize for not being able to receive "Wong Fei Hong" at the airport as I had explained to Max that I had a double booked for friendly matches at the Sporting Afrique at 8am on Sunday. I really hope to catch up with Alvin soon. It is always nice to know someone whom you appreciate. Cheers Alvin, welcome home! Make full use of your time to catch up with your friends, the local food, your parents, etc. You certainly do have a friend in Max. Count on him.
[ Rain Stays In The Plain ]
So much has been written on my focus to proceed with legal justifications but I will keep myself posted on the blog once the action takes place. Now back for more football action..............
Our healthy football activities continues and I am positive the breeze will get stronger. Apart from Nigel's "crushed" shin pads occurred during the soccer 7's which his bone is still intact, it was an agonising moment for me. I was glad Nigel injected the protection gear on himself. Unlike playing good clean football among ourselves, minus the attitude players' or planning future friendly matches with proper team organisation, I will not want to put any members at risk. That's the reason why I emphasized on safety first. Soccer is a game that requires lots of discipline. Bad tackle leading to fights and pushing happens if it is not manage well. It will be totally uncall for. We must play the game for the love of it.
On the contrary, when I decided to resume with our football again, there were worries on some faces......... not enough players, confusions, unfamiliar faces, how? "Kudos" to those who have continued to come by. You are doing well for yourself. The training discipline continues, the requirements remain. I have always said, if you are not clear, seek and you will find. Don't be led to do silly things. I am a strong believer of second chance, human makes mistakes. I am glad for some.
I have invited parents from the SAF Warriors to join us with their kids when they are available. I have invited the company teams that were meant to play in the supposedly mini tournament to come by. They have been very supportively. They are even willing to play friendly matches once I am able to integrate the players together again. They have urged me to go on. The parents have thrown in their supportive idea too. Even the SAF Warriors coaches have rendered their morale support. I am also glad that Tony has taken my advised to invite friends to come by too. Both nice and respectable professional people. Two of the friends have branded themselves old and we had had a good laugh. However, Tony has been given another agenda during our football. Anyone found not wearing proper gears during training will be subjected to him getting a "kick" on his butt from me. Till date, he owes me about 10, maybe more........but I am still counting.
During our training, I have noted a few of the players are getting better. I am amazed with Max's overall ball play. Max has been sharper with his ball controls and awareness of distance. His intelligence and fitness level supports his ability to create attack and support play. However, Max tends to over dribble in the "danger zone" at times which he has to work on.
Jia He is another joy to watch. Over the past few months, I have taken close noticed on Jia He's football play whenever I played alongside him during match training. Jia He is a good learner with strong discipline. Jia He used to utilize his strong intelligence to overcome his football skills. I am really very supportive of him. Jia He has progressed well using both his intelligence play and football skills and is seen to be kicking the ball better and better. A non-selfish player with good fitness, Jia He is seen as a contributor where he assist goals and at the same time, not afraid to shoot at goal anymore. He has positioned himself well as a better midfield player and makes himself an even better team player when time to come. Jia He's weakness lies in his inability to hold on to the ball close to him. He tends to let his speed overrules his ball controls. We laughed at it last week. I know Jia He will work on it.
Tony has improved on his shooting abilities. He has received so much criticism from me since day one. He understands where his mistakes lies. His "on the ball running" with angles covering the runs while pushing the ball to inching the angles for shooting has made him sharper with "on goal" target. Tony is also on target with his better ball controls through practising with some of the malay and neighbourhood friends I have encouraged him to work on. However, I am also looking forward to "pin" Tony down when he takes the ball pass me so that I can teased him on his "wayang".
I must not forget my good friend Randy. Can read the game, can play the game, but still "heavy lah". Randy will enjoy the game better if he works harder on his fitness level. Randy has improved on his temperament though and is not sluggish to lift up his legs. Through training, I know Randy is putting effort in working on his technical abilities judging on his seriousness to do it well. He is never afraid of failure. That's his strength. Must use the cane, like what he tells me about Uncle "Choo Seng Quee".
Move over to our training match. I divided our play against Tony's team, comprising a balance of young and old who were far superior in terms of built and strength. The focused was to enable our team to overcome our smaller frame to play football with a game plan...... spread play, passing accuracies, shooting efficiencies.......team play. Tony's team fully understood the reason why they lost in the end. 3 goals to 2. Lacked of cohesion. Some were playing with us for the first time. I made the mistakes in letting in the 2 goals that we conceded. At the end of the game, there were no blaming, only joy. I told Tony that we will definitely improve ourselves if we (the old ones) keeps working on our fitness. Also, we will improve if the friends plays regularly together. Every body needs to start somewhere. Uncle Jack (52 United) came by to join us and I have invited him to come by again.
Kenny threw his mobile on the rubbish bag while Jia He treated his wallet to a drink when we adjourned to our coffee talk. It was nice to see Wee Kiong and Tim Loong while on the way back. An enjoyable evening indeed!
[ Legal Proceedings ]
I am serving this final reminder to the 2 names whom I will proceed to issue a lawyer letter to their family if I do not receive any accountibility from them by Friday 21st July 2006.
Ahmad Fahmi Bin Hasan - A letter has been sent to his parents dated 13th July 2006 after failure to get Fahmi's response when numerous sms text and phone calls were made to him for replies on his intentions to conclude with an amicable solution pertaining to his excuses to monies owed for items that has been taken by him since February 2006.
Calvin Low Hong Kiat - To demand a letter of apology from him for the actions he has implicated or has done with intent to aggravate harmly matters arising to him being sacked from Rain United Football Club, whom he once belong to.
With all due respect to their parents, school, school football coaches whom may or may not be aware of the situtation, I shall make arrangements with the appointed lawyer to make contact / direct visit to the respectives to seek interactions to raise the awareness on the intentions.
In the event of any further incompliance / disagreement to response to the written content in the legal letter after issuing within the required date, of which the complainant may rebuke the issue through replying to my solicitor to challenge the case or otherwise, I shall seek further arrangements to issue a court of notice, with intent to sue for defamation and holding all legal costs against the complainants that may include others who may have been implicated / further implicated to summon for investigations and interrogations, which would be handle over to the arbitrate in court to justify my claim.
[The Family Values]
We sat by our sitting room after our Sunday dinner, holding on to our soft drinks (sorry, I don't offer beers to my kids) and had our regular chats. My youngest son, 9, came up with a football topic and I decided to draw out a piece of paper and a pen. Lionel wanted to know why football must be manage with care. I decided to offer a classic example.
We remembered playing our weekends football at the park when one day, an adult came by and asked me if I could help train up some of the neighbourhood boys who wanted to form a football team. I was puzzled but somehow decided to give a thought. Giving considerations to some of the boys whom I have known over the years, I decided to give it a try.
Knowing impediments that may arise when holding responsibilities to look after a big group, I put emphasized on the importance of good attitude when wanting to form a football club. I have asked for a decision whether they want to choose forming a football club or just planning fun football, which would be much easier.
Training gone by, I decided to do more for the team. I managed to find a proper decent football field for training at a small fee after consulting the boys for consensus. A dollar a session and I will pay the rest. I have stopped players who were told to pay monies to the adult who were collecting monies without my knowledge and put it into accountabilities. The team wanted jerseys. Close to a thousand dollars were laid out in advance. I even offer some to pay in partial when they claimed they couldn't afford after taking the jersey when I have asked if there is anyone who may have difficultities paying it before I could start to order it. There were lack of soccer balls too. It wasn't the money issue. The money doesn't make me any richer or poorer. I have only attained a certain level in football coaching and I can only do so much. I invited higher level coach to come by to assist.
At this point, I told my kids that there was never my intentions to recover any of the money spent. However, I am curious to find out from one of the boy's family to see if he is really in such plight as claimed. It will probably consolidate my visits to the school as plan. It will help me to learn the truth.
I have always explained to my kids that it is always good to tell me on their well-being outside; whether good or bad. There are always 2 sides of the stories. As parents, we will always support them, in regardless. However, I would not be led to believe if they may decide to fabricate stories. I will not listen to stories with a deaf ear to make decision or say anything. I would welcome to learn the truth over coffee, not beers. I wouldn't entertain it. It would be worrying if I do not know what my kids are doing though I may be very supportive. In more severe cases, I would learn the truth before commenting. I would not want to put others at risks. This is call "Emotion Qualities". I will probably say "Oh, play football at Limbang, don't antagonize the situation".
Do all you want to beautify your face or mouth if you want to be appealing but its the heart that will always matter. It will not make you look any difference. It is the confidence level that you carry in yourself. Do not be a spoilt brat to think highly of yourself. Think of your parents instead. What they have done to give you the best. You can brag your big talk but you are nowhere. Concentrate in finishing your studies, find a career path. You can't push your weight around, learn to respect your friends. Learn to grow up. I have the pride to tell my kids to be sensible all the time and I keep repeating it to them when my young son stopped and asked if he can put some cream on his face. I am glad my kids are well brought up.
I finally ended our family discussions when I reminded my kids to keep the way they are. Do not look down on others, don't follow like some who talks big, learn to be respectful, always learn. I will continue with our football but will stop inviting some. Let the boat rocks and we shall see.
[ Ruined United ]
I have been receiving overwhelming response from readers of the blog ever since I decided to stop writing but thought I have to pen this one down after I received another similiar questionaire last night through the sms and here were my advised and answers.
Q) Uncle, is it true that you are inviting others to join you for football?
A) Yes, my objectives are crystal clear. I am encouraging anyone and everyone to play football.
I mentioned that it would be good for anyone to continue to play football anywhere for them to stay healthy but should avoid getting into trouble.
On the contrary, I stated that I will not stop or want to push things over small matters that has been said about me with remarks stating why do I have to put myself to "football star" talk when I can go straight to his parents and the school with the police reports and his "star talk" to resolve it? It doesn't make any sense. I have been laughing so much on those previous "jokes" made by him that justifies his immaturity. Here are a few to start off with.
- "Oh, ET thinks he is so smart but he just managed to go to the worst poly with his results" I have a friend with a German name and a local surname.
- "ET has created his blog but his written English is rotten"
- "Uncle, don't need to obtain votes from others whether to remove ET. He has done it many times. He has his own close friends and besides it doesn't make any difference with or without him.
- "He actually stays in a maid's room and his parents are divorced. So it is not his house" That's why you can see him roaming about the street.
- "Where are you uncle? The fight situation is getting worse!" After that, "Oh, I must get my own back"
- "Oh, where is my balls, where is my money!" 2 months later after he was sacked!
- " I bought and sewed a badge. Fandi Ahmad give it to me"
- " I have done the "beep test" in 11 minutes! Does he knows what a beep test is with his star attitude?"
- " It is humourous to see a captain sitting in the middle of the football field when his barking doesn't works when playing in training games"
- " Oh this one can play, that one is lousy......what about me? Does he have the qualifications to judge?"
I can go on and on...... Read it and pass it on.......Be the first to inform. Learn from it. Let action speaks louder. My football is all about giving a chance to anyone, in regards of age or race. Discipline and quality is my aim. It is not about "I am good or he is bad". Everyone keeps learning, young or old. Parents may be in supportive of football but I do not think they are in favour of bad discipline. That is what I must do if you brand yourself a "football club". Understand what football "club" means and what damages it can caused if you get into trouble. Everyone, including the innocent ones can be called up by the authorities if there are racism, fighting and distressed caused. Please understand.
A football club is not specify when a player gets the sacked and the rest are led to "brainwashing". This is an unscrupulous exploiting way of covering ones mistakes by using others to follow suit. 2 wrongs doesn't make any right. All the sweet talks can be harmful.
Oh, I have been talking so much! Take good care.