RAIN UNITED
FOOTBALL CLUB
[ Our Friendly Match Last Evening ]
Before our game, Razzali asked. "Why is it that it's always pouring each time we have a match?". "It must be RAIN United!!". My replied to him. "This is a test. A test to endure and to overcome all difficulties with the rain coming as blessings in disguise". As for the RAIN team, it is uniting and playing together as a whole.
The team got together. Though we were not conditioned to play in the wet pitch, it was by far the best performance we had had so far. Not so much on the scoreline, I had observed that there were more unity in the team into the game and players are beginning to blend together There were encouragement on the field, the players played and worked as a team, good gamesmanship, FULL marks to all !.
The opponents were fraustrated with our tough but no rough approach. Two players, one from the opponent and the other from our team claimed that I "kelong" the game midway through. I had wanted to stop the game. I was fearful of ugly incidents. The opponent's team manager stepped up and apologised on behalf of his young player. He also spoke well of the team's discipline and gamesmanship. I would not officiate a game that reflects on bad characters. To me, that's the most particular issue when choosing the type of team opponents before arranging a match. It's a straight philosophy to me. No proper team organisations, I would not accept any friendlies. I would also discouraged my own players to play football this way. Cultivating good discipline is something that we will have to live on for the rest of our lives - whether in our sports, academic, military, career or family lives. I asked Razzali to choose the colour of the card for his comments - Yellow or Red. He doesn't want any. We had a good laugh. I knew he was doing it for the team.
I started the same team of defenders who deserved to be in the first eleven. I knew it was a gamble but their discipline for the team had told my heart to overrule my head when making the decision. I was impressed with them. They will feature in my first eleven for next week's game. Max was my "Man of The Match". The defenders will get better. Randy Zee, a veteran who has previously assisted with the Tampines S-League team called me in the night and put special mentioned on delightful players like Max, Pako and my "Lau Da", Ah Long. Anand made the same comments after the game too. I told them that this is only their half pace.
I am also thankful that I have a friend in Professor Yu. I see him like my image, but of course he is the brainier sort!!!. He is passionate for the game. He lends his vocal to the team when in play. Despite injuries to both his knees, he came by to support and even assisted in officiating the second half. Professor Yu told me that he will continue to render support for the team. Football has brought friendships together. However, I still gave Professor Yu another "red card" for playing with injuries. However, I can't seem to understand why I am always giving Professor Yu red cards each time I see him. To me, he is like the backbone of the team. It will be good to see more of the players who would think of the team as their own. They will be helpful in assisting to keep the team going. I sincerely find it tough juggling between work business and organising football actively. Are there any volunteers out there? Feel comfortable to speak to me.
There are positive signs about Rain United which has been commented by opponents that we have played. The veterans had also enjoyed playing together and am positive that this team has what it takes to go further. Thus, let us continue to train harder and enjoy the game as a whole. Let's fight healthily for our slots. As mentioned, in Rain United, there are no stars and no one is guarantee in the starting line-up. There are many consideration factors when integrating the players.
Keep up the good work guys!
