3rd title for ISA?

ISA inched closer towards a record 3rd title in as many seasons with a comprehensive 5 nil drubbing of TeamCuzz. Something spectacular was in store for that match when heavy clouds and "cut-through-the-sky" lightning gave way for the match to carry on as scheduled. On top of that, there were Police cars in sight. It can be confirmed though that they were not there to provide enhanced security coverage for the match. Rather, they were attending a case of a 'decomposed' body of a baby at the nearby bus-stop. (good riddance to the person who did this; may He forgive you).

Cherishing the prospect of spoiling ISA's party, and earning some valuable points for their own survival, TeamCuzz turned up with a strong cavalry of 20, breaking the previous turnout record of 19 at Regent Secondary a couple of weeks back. Notable absentees include Zulkhairi and Khairil. With the absence of the former, Shikin was entrusted with the responsibility to name the first 11. Unsurprisingly, the 11 that was fielded initially were regulars of the team.

TeamCuzz drew some hope when they saw ISA's dangerman Nat Naplah arrived (for those who forgot, he had 1 assist in the first leg). (Un) surprisingly, ISA opted to leave the star on the bench and fielded an inexperienced but freakin fast young players. Although TeamCuzz seemed to settle down faster, ISA edged ahead after some lapse in concentration. That boosted ISA's confidence, epitomed by their captain's influence in the game. However, TeamCuzz came back strongly but failure/reluctance to take shots from distance meant that there were no serious trouble for the opposing custodian to deal with. As the half drew to a close, TeamCuzz managed 2 more close chances. The first was a shot by substitute Faisal which was tipped away by Kasper Schinmichael Jr, while the second saw Shahrudin's cross being met no one in Blue.

With so many players waiting on the sidelines, it was inevitable that Manager Kamal had to ring in the changes. With the exception of Syukri, Sarip and Aril, every other position was filled by fresher legs. Despite the defensive outlook, TeamCuzz was still hoping that a miracle could be done to upstage the young guns. However, (easy) goals in quick succession early in the half evaporated all hopes for a revival. TeamCuzz's spirit seemed to have extinguished by the time the 3rd goal came in after poor marking. From then on, all that TeamCuzz wanted to hear was the referee's final whistle (btw he is the best referee we have had to officiate our match). 2 more headed goals came in before he actually blew for the end of the game.

In his debrief to the players, the Manager explained that such selection policy will not be over-emphasised for future games/season. Although the management will balance the need to win with welfare as much as possible, each player needs to continue proving his worth to the team, especially in the commitment shown towards setting time aside to come down regularly on Saturday afternoons. He added that such commitment and understanding needs to be present in all players so that TeamCuzz can grow and bond as a team, and at the same time, move towards victory as well.

All said and done, TeamCuzz went home on a high, with a TeamCuzz cheer to end it all. Edin Dzeko, for Sportscenter.

TeamCuzz (v ISA on 23 May) - Aril, Sarip, Khairul, Sharin, Naufal, Fazlon, Syukri, Luqman, Riduan, Shahril, Saifudin, Shikin, Faizul, Imran, Shahrudin, Shukur, Syafiq, Faisal, Amirul, Kamal