DPMM FC will begin their quest of adding the 2024-2025 Singapore Cup to their trophy collection following an announcement of the group stage matches during an official draw ceremony held at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
The Gegar Gegar men have been drawn in Group ‘A’ alongside Albirex Niigata (S), Tampines Rovers, Hougang United and Young Lions. The premier cup competition remains elusive for the Brunei-based outfit whose honours have included two Singapore league titles and three Singapore League Cups. DPMM FC, who kicked off the New Year with a 1-1 draw against Kuching City FC at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium last Saturday, will begin their Singapore Cup campaign against Tampines Rovers on February 1 at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
They will play Young Lions on February 15 followed by a meeting against Albirex Niigata (S) on March 3 before concluding their group stage campaign against Hougang United on March 15.
The Bruneians will look a repeat of their group stage form last season in this competition when they qualified to the knock-out stage, with this season’s matches scheduled to be held on April 22 and May 6 for the two semi-final legs culminating in the final on May 31.
Besides the Singapore Community Shield, the Singapore Cup is the only trophy missing in the club’s cabinet, though they have reached the final once in 2018 where they lost 4-1 to Albirex Niigata (S). Prior to their best appearance in the Singapore Cup, DPMM FC secured third place once in 2015 and three fourth-place finishes in 2014, 2019 and 2023.
As the second half of the season approaches, the team have been strengthened with the additions of Icelandic defender Damir Muminovic and Latvian forward Davis Ikaunieks. The duo will join Miguel Oliveira, Gabriel Gama, Farshad Noor and Kristijan Naumovski as the club’s list of foreign imports.
DPMM FC head coach Jamie McAllister’s charges will play their first competitive match of the year against Lion City Sailors in the Singapore Premier League at home on January 13.
Meanwhile, Group ‘B’ of the upcoming Singapore Cup sees defending champions Lion City Sailors pit against Balestier Khalsa, Geylang International, Tanjong Pagar United and BG Pathum United, who are marking their return after a 13-year absence. – Fadhil Yunus
