RAIN UNITED
FOOTBALL CLUB
[ Good Examples To Learn ]
We gathered together and headed to the Bukit Timah Pitch for our friendly with the Old Boy's Association on 10th September. It was pouring heavily but nevertheless the game went on after 15 minutes delayed. Despite the rain, the kids, parents and some injured players came by to join in the fun. While on the way, I had told Ricky that we would be consider lucky if we do not lose by more than 5 goals and would be more than glad if we can score one. As expected, we lost by 5-1. The half-time score was 4-1. The game was played with the highest level of good spirit. We had more than one lessons to learn from the game.
Chris contacted me in the night and had thanked me for the game. I thanked him for sparing us with a heavy defeat. The Old Boy's had played their back-line with a combine aged of more than 200 years old who were not their regular back four. Instead, they had fielded their defenders as midfields and striker. Evidently, it shows for the number of misses it shows in their off target shooting. Nelson saves us from a heavy defeat too. They would have easily converted at least a dozen had it not been for their poor finishing. Most of the players were in their late forties and had only a NFA player in a young boy at 16 who was working the ball in the middle. I had told Chris that we had more than one lessons learnt today. He had told his team not to underestimate us. They had set their own standards with their discipline and dedications. The players were ready to take on any positions and play their best. I told Chris that it was probably because of their good discipline that they have gained recognitions and respects regionally through their self-respect.
Chris commented that Rain United has the foundation that can play decent football. He had came by to see us in training and knowing that I am doing a re-structuring, we lacked match fitness, team coordination and match play. Chris also applauded the team's discipline. There were special mentioned on our goalkeeper Nelson, Professor Yu and Ricky. He was also impressed with Dr DongRui for his tireless display. He gave credit to the team's fighting spirit though we were outclassed. Chris knew we could run. They had played a short passing game and had kept possession of the ball with 2 players supporting the player with the ball each time he holds it.
Chris has invited us for a re-match with his firsts 11 which is to be held at the SJI field when maintainance is done. I told him to give me more time. I had noted our mistakes and told Chris to allow us to work on it. I have aligned 3 friendlies before taking on the Old Boy's Association again. Chris has been very encouraging. He knew what had went wronged to us previously. Our youth gave their best effort and I will blend the team with mixture of youths and veterans for the forthcoming matches if team training, team discipline and teamwork permits. I applauded Randy for being truthful about his game after the match. He admitted that he was not fit enough and had been nervous throughout the game. Kok Fann was punishing Randy with his flank play when he saw the weakness. There are so much that we need to work on. It was also pleasant to see Anand coming by to show the team's support despite being injured.
We adjourned to the nearby coffee shop for refreshments before heading home. It was nice to see the teammates together. Anand's final parting words were encouraging too. "Let us get together to train and play as a team". "Nothing is impossible, though we might lose by bigger margins to opponents" for now. Never give up! Let's play the game with the right attitude! It's not all about winning or losing games.
The friendlies that have been scheduled are as follows:-
Rain United VS Church of St Anthony's (October)
Rain United VS Campaign Football Club (To be announced)
Rain United VS Limbang Football Club (To be announced)
Rain United VS Old Boy's Association (November)
In the meantime, we will be gathering for a friendly matches against the Woodlands Soccer Boys this coming Sunday 17th September. I will be sending about 15-16 boys to combine with Chris' players to play in the U10 -U13 matches. The junior boys' are training and playing together to be ready for November's "Friendship Cup" to be held in Singapore and December's "Empress Cup" to be held in Malacca.
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Thank you guys for giving me your support and fighting spirit. We needed it as a team. Cheers !
