BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (30 July 2011) – Vjeran Simunic still believes that his former team DPMM FC are capable of being competitive in whichever competition they choose to compete in spite of the long lay-off from international participation.
DPMM FC was competing in the S-League in 2009 when they were told that they could no longer take part following the ban on the Brunei FA by football’s governing body FIFA.
FIFA have since lifted the ban.
“The current crop of players is still good. They are still young,” said Simunic. “The players have not played for two years so they need so start training properly as soon as possible.
“They must start now so that they are strong at the end of the year. The club needs a few foreigners to help the team become better in any segment, be it in midfield, defence or attack.
“It would be good if we can reinforce the team that way but I have seen there are a few new kids and I am very happy about that.
“That means the current generation can become leaders for the young kids.”
After Brunei, Simunic went back to Croatia for a short stint with NK Medimurje before taking charge of Ho Chi Minh City FC in Vietnam’s First Division a year later.
Simunic, who led DPMM FC to the Singapore League Cup in June 2009, added with quality players like striker Shahrazen Said and winger Sairol Sahri still in the squad, the team is capable of playing at any ASEAN competition.
“Brunei is a good place to develop footballers. That is one of the reasons I like to come here; it is a challenge,” he added. “I am sure we can be better than two years ago.
