100% Pre-season Record Maintained

ITE Dover Pitch, Dover Road - TeamCuzz rounded off their pre-season tour of Singapore with a convincing 3-1 victory over Waga Boys. Goals from Shikin, Khairi and SHahrudin secured what could have been soccer's biggest thrashing ever. It was also officially Manager Kamarudin's first game in charge since taking over the reins a couple of weeks back.

The pre-game team talk, given by ZA.

Despite some players out on loan in Korea and Taiwan, TeamCuzz continued to turn up in numbers. Their numerical superiority off-the-field was a key factor against guys who were young enough to see Pele play for Brazil in the World Cup.

The start, as it has been for a few of TeamCuzz's games, was lightning quick. A string of passes being exchanged in the middle of the park led to an early chance for Shikin. The striker, with supreme composure, took the ball early and let fly a 11-yarder into the left corner of Waga Boys' goal.

Continuing where they left off, TeamCuzz continued to dominate the game, with the left-sided players enjoying most of it. On some occassions, there were in fact too many players that it cluttered the attack, and in the end, it came to no good. A rare attack on the right then proved the more likely option to increase the lead. In one of those attacks, Shahrudin was hacked down in the area, giving the referee no option but to whistle for a penalty. The Captain had to be taken out, and handed the responsibility to Shikin. Unfortunately, the wind was too strong and it diverted the ball into hitting the fence behind the goal.


TeamCuzz dominating the game, as proven with the relaxed body language of our custodian.

The score remained 1 nil at half-time. The manager had to tackle some of the worrying signs that were developing in the game, particularly how the opponent was getting more posession in the middle of the park with TeamCuzz's poor discipline to maintain their shape, and also Khairil's yellow card for dissent.

After discussion with his Assitant, the manager reverted back to a familiar 4-4-2, hoping for more familiarity from the players. Riduan and Hisyam were drafted into fullback position, while youngsters Amirul and Syukri provided options on the flanks. Having the itch to play too, Zulkahiri replaced Khairil and partnered Imran in midfield.

Taking a well-deserved break at half-time - refreshments, photos, and call from Frank Arnesen. Back to the serious stuff as Manager Kamarudin struts his stuff, looked on by A/Manager Zulkhairi.

The change paid dividends soon after. After some great work by Shahrudin in holding off a couple of defenders, he left Zulkhairi with the simplest of touches into the unguarded net. Chance after chance were encouragingly created by TeamCuzz, but they were discouragingly wasted as well. It got to a point where they were asking to pay the price, when Waga Boys broke the offside trap from a freekick floated in from the left. Mr Dentist controlled the ball well, beat the challenge of GK Sharif, and scored from what seemed like an acute angle.


Substituitons were the order of the day, with Khairul involved in 1 of the 10. A/Manager explains the formation to Syukri in a very nice way (hair-dryer treatment not possible, as big brother is just beside).

Dissappointment were seen on the faces of TeamCuzz, as they began reflecting on the missed opportunities earlier. Anxiety was resolved late in the game, when Captain Shahrudin restored the 2 goal margin with yet another goal.

"The team had a good start. In fact, it seemed too good that complacency crept into our game. That is certainly not we want, especially when we are competing in the league. Chances need to be convereted when created. I quote the commentator from Winning ELeven - If you don't score, you don't win. Our players too need to understand the basic role that they have to play when given a specific formation and gameplay by the managers. We have what it takes to do well boys, and we shall do it!". These remarks were given by an unnamed source.

Whether they start the season in Spur's or Liverpool's fashion remains to be seen. The match will be shown live on Starhub's HD Channel 304 live at 3pm this Saturday. Check your local listings for availability. For now, we leave you with pictures of TeamCuzz's very own scout, Muhihio Fareeziola A. Sufyaninho.


Making his grand entrance, and taking his seat on the stands. Showing his palms, and declaring he has no hidden camera whatsoever. Finally giving up, and showing where the camera really is. Opponents, be warned.