BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (5 May 2012) – After capturing the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (pix) for the first time ever, the National FA of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) have taken the initative to launch a Talent Identification (TID) programme next month as well as having an Under-16 league later in the year.
With an aim towards forming a credible team for the SEA Games in 2017 and also 2019, the TID programme has been slated for launch on 6 June 2012 while ‘a youth league for Under-16 players in September.’
“The SEA Games football competition is for Under-23 players so we will be looking at players born in 1993-1996 or from the ages of 14 to 17,” said Mohd Zamri Dato Paduka Hamdani, the Deputy Director II of Brunei’s Youth and Sports Department at a meeting that was also attended by Dato Paduka Abdul Rahman Mohiddin, the president of the NFABD.
With a greater emphasis on sports science, athletes will have to go through a number of tests on body composition, flexibility, balance, muscle endurance, coordination, speed, power, agility, muscle strength, reaction and cardiovascular capability.
“Coaches should come to football matches like those in the DST National Football League to observe young players with skills and talent,” added Dato Hj Abdul Rahman. “Then, we can then look at the physique, agility and speed.”
Dato Abdul Rahman confirmed that the NFABD are planning to kick start a grassroots league soon while an Under-16 national league will begin in September to help develop young footballers in the country.
