Cage or No-Cage??? & some other news.....

Deprived of match or training for the weekend, TeamCuzz went ahead with some last-minute soccer plans of their own - at East Coast Cage. Thanks to the initiative of Faisal, a slot was booked from 0000-0200hrs. This was to cater to the titanic clash between Chelsea and Everton for the English game's most sorted after prize - the FA Cup. Side-tracking for a moment, the former won the game hands-down, giving Guus Hiddink a perfect farewell gift. With Franck Ribery, Edin Dzeko and Yuri Zhirkov coming to bolster the squad for next season, it wont be of any surprise to fans that the Blues will be gunning for the top European prize that has eluded them.

Back to TeamCuzz's Cage outing. Despite the last minute call-up, 13 players made their way down. Divided into 2 and 3/5 team, it made every player squeeze every little pound of energy they had in them. It certainly pushed the fitness levels northwards.

However, it must be noted too that not much fun was derived from that experience. Contrary to the norm, players were waiting to get out of the cage rather than stay in it. Plus, the hefty pice tag of 12 bux per person didnt make matters any better. It is a clear paradox - the lesser people, the more you play, the more you pay, and that means 'no-fun-at-all-man'. And that would ultimatly mean 'letz not play at all'.

Some lessons learnt. We need at least 4 teams for any Cage outing lasting 2 hours. This means 20 players or more. It raises the competitive level and drive to play. And of course, drives cost per individual the opposite way. Also, if it is a last-minute plan, let's not carry on with it. The response might not be desirable. Also also, don't play beyond midnight for the atmosphere is as good as dead.

In other news, ISA has secured their 3rd consecutive title after a 2 nil victory over Blue Oysters. This is the team that TeamCuzz badly needs to beat next week to salvage their season. Ahead of this crucial fixture, Faisal is doubtful after aggravating his foot injury during the Cage outing. Imran will also be doubtful after tweaking his injured left knee when playing for FC HOBO on Sunday. He might play through the pain barrier, as he always had for the past 2 years. As for absentees, Khairil has booked his place at the top of the list with his engagement plans. It is hoped that every TeamCuzz player will be able to go over to Uncle's place after the match.

To end it all off, TeamCuzz will like to take this opportunity to wish their star custodian & centreback, Sharif Ismail (or Pak Tam to a minority one), a very Happy (36th??) Birthday. His guidance and ever-presence has been a real asset in TeamCuzz's maiden season in ESPZEN. TeamCuzz hopes he will continue to be jovial and nonsensical off-pitch and demonstrate his fine defensive qualities on it. And we hope too he doesnt get any red cards in the new season, or injure any small ISA wingers or Gaelic monsters.