BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (5 Jan 2012) – Brunei chief coach Kwon Oh-Son will be out to create history when his team take part in the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) 2012 next month.
In the three editions (2002, 2005 and 2007) which the Sultanate side has organized, Brunei have yet to make past the group stage. This has prompted Oh-Son to set the target of at least making the semi-finals of the event slated for 25 February to 5 March 2012.
“We will be targeting a semi-final berth,” said Oh-Son. “The boys are not intimidated playing against teams like Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
“We will continue to train harder and improve, and it is not impossible that we will manage to give a fight to the other teams.”
The Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT), which is the brainchild of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, was organised for ASEAN teams under the age of 21-years-old, although this time round, the organisers have allowed the use of five over-aged players.
Oh-Son said that the team has been hard at work in preparation for the tournament where their recent silver-winning outing at the 4th Borneo Games is a cause for confidence.
“Most of the squad played during the Borneo Games success, but we need to remain focused, and train harder,” said Oh-Son. “They are tired from all the intensive training, but mentally and psychologically, they will benefit and will see improvements in their performances.
“In terms of mentality, psychology and team play, I am delighted with their progress. The team are united, and we work as one.”
Thailand were the winners in 2005 and 2007 while Indonesia picked up the inaugural crown in 2002.
