Fadhil Yunus
The Almerez Team players have to work harder to retain their title amid challenges from rivals who have their own strengths, said team manager Pengiran Mohd Rabiul Azizi bin Pengiran Haji Rosman.
Almerez Team will begin their title defence in the Piala Keputeraan Futsal Championship 2022 at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam Sports Complex Indoor Hall tomorrow.
The reigning champions won the previous edition of the tournament in 2018 when they beat Matahari ‘A’ through penalties.
Pengiran Mohd Rabiul Azizi said he was happy with the potential of the squad – the majority of whom are under the age of 25 – and hoped their preparations will have a positive impact.
He added, “This tournament is long-awaited in the country.
“Besides tournaments hosted by the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (FABD), it is hoped that competitions will be conducted by other organisers to develop futsal in the Sultanate.”
The tournament is included under the festival calendar in conjunction with the 76th birthday celebration of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
Some 28 teams divided into se-ven groups will be taking part, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the next round.
The competition is organised by the Keputeraan Futsal 2022 Committee with the support of the FABD.
