BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (6 April 2012) – Following the successful capture of their first ever crown in the Hasannal Bolkiah Trophy, the winning Brunei team is set to receive government as they look to stamp their presence in the region.
The team which is made up of mostly players from the Under-21 has also five over-aged players. They beat Indonesia 2-0 in the final that was played at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium last month.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam bestowed Decoration Orders on all the players and team officials in a ceremony at the Istana Nurul Iman this week.
At the same event too, the Sultan decreed that the HBT players should be made the foundation for the formation of the national team under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS).
“This is a good start for the players and a way to even prepare for the next SEA Games in 2013,” said Rosanan Abdullah Samak, the Brunei assistant coach.
“They are the next generation of players and we are thankful the Government is serious in helping them to develop.”
Added national football coach, Kwon Oh-son: “I’m very happy to hear the titah (decree) and so is the rest of the team. We will continue to train and hopefully we will be seeing more competitive football soon.
“It was a good feeling to bring glory to the country and we are looking for more challenges ahead. This group of players has very good potential.”
