BANDAR SERI BEWAWAN (10 March 2012) – His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam said that he was ‘very happy’ for Brunei to have won the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) 2012.
When asked if His Majesty had a message for the winning team, the delighted monarch said: “Keep it up”.
Added HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, Honorary President of the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD): “the team worked very hard and I am so happy and proud. I didn’t expect it (win).
Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah said last night’s triumph was jubilation for the entire nation.
“This is an achievement and everybody is happy. Our team played very, very well and was excellent. This proves that Brunei is a football nation and that we can be of equal rank with other countries in ASEAN in football,” added Pehin Dato Hj Hazair.
“It is from these juniors we develop them, so they are able to compete in professional tournaments like the SEA Games and others. So this is a platform for these players.
“This was His Majesty’s idea, and in fact, Indonesia’s Minister of Youth and Sports Dr Andi Alifian Mallarangeng lauded His Majesty for (coming up with this idea) because this is a very important and significant tournament in developing football in the region.
Source The Brunei Times / His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam (L) presents the HBT trophy to captain Md Najib Hj Tarif (R) and manager Hj Feisal Hj Eusoff (C). Pictures: Infofoto, BT/Rudolf Portillo
