Singaporean team takes historic step with participation in Sultanate’s futsal league
In the year 2024, achieving a “first” is a rare and remarkable feat. For the Kampung Buangkok futsal team from Singapore, this pioneering spirit drives them forward.
They are set to make history as the island state’s first futsal team to compete in an overseas league, with the Brunei Futsal League 2024 as their stage.
Scheduled to begin in August 2024 and run through February 2025, their participation has received the support and blessings of both the Football Association of Singapore and the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam.
The team’s journey to Brunei will be entirely self-funded, with an estimated cost of SGD90,000 for the season.
Demonstrating their commitment, the players and coaches are personally contributing to cover travel expenses.
Players will fly directly from Singapore, while the coaching staff, primarily from Johor, will depart from Senai airport, with everyone regrouping in Brunei.
“Our journey from a small, local team to competing on an international stage is a testament to our passion and dedication to the sport,” said the team’s goalkeeper and spokesperson, Kenneth Kwang Wai Kit.
“We are excited and honoured to be the first Singaporean team to compete in the Brunei Futsal League and in an overseas league”.
“Playing in the Brunei Futsal League is not just about the competition for us. It’s about showcasing the potential of futsal in Singapore and inspiring others to take up the sport. We hope our journey will motivate many to explore and engage in futsal,” added Kenneth.
Established in 2020 by a close-knit group of friends, the Kampung Buangkok futsal team started by playing five-a-side football on an artificial turf pitch in their neighbourhood. The team’s name reflects their connection to this beloved venue. The players come from various backgrounds, including firefighters, full-time Grab riders, SPF officers, auxiliary police officers, Starbucks store managers, and engineers, creating a diverse and dynamic team.
Leading the team is head coach Ahmad Hanif bin Sarmin, also known as Jojo, along with his coaching staff from Johor Bahru.
Jojo previously coached the Malaysian futsal team Kuantan Rangers, now Pahang Rangers, who made history by becoming the first foreign futsal team to win the Brunei Futsal League in their debut season in 2017.
“I am incredibly honoured to lead this group of talented individuals to participate in the Brunei Futsal League as the first team to represent Singapore in a foreign futsal league,” he said.
“Bringing these boys to the international stage has been an achievement in itself and as we prepare for the start of the season, our focus would be to continue building great fundamentals and good habits.
“Through that, I believe that with the potential the team currently has, we are capable of a top-three finish and potentially being champions,” he added.
The Kampung Buangkok team aims for a top-three finish in their inaugural season, with hopes of bringing the trophy home.
Their participation in the Brunei Futsal League is not just about competition; it’s about drawing attention to futsal within their local community and inspiring more people to take up the sport.
By succeeding on the international stage, the team hopes to foster a deeper appreciation for futsal in Singapore, encouraging others to explore and engage with the sport.
As they embark on this historic journey, the team is focused on showcasing the potential of futsal in Singapore.
