Team FATA

Team FATA had their 2nd match on the 25th of May against Team SKC at Mango Field. Unfortunately, we lost out by a narrow goal margin.

Nevertheless, it was a good experience for the team as we met a team who won us by experience and perhaps a little help from the referee. Team SKC was made up of non-Chinese who were in their late twenties and thirties.

We began the first half with disarray and disorganisation. Particularly due to a new 4-5-1 formation and intimidation from the opponents. Within minutes, we found ourselves going down two goals. We picked ourselves up and managed to fight back to a 2-2 draw before going down again to 4-2 at half time.

Few substitutions were made, particularly the introducing of Matthew to provide more firepower up front. Team SKC were running low on their stamina as we increased the pace of the game. Still, we conceded 2 more goals when they managed to seen through our weak defence and exploit it with their pacy forward. A tactic of pumping long ball up and wide into our defence did severe damage to us. Matthew completed the game with a hat-trick and 45min under his belt; an important milestone for him.

To sum up the match, Team FATA lost out due to a few reasons. Firstly, match experience and tactics. Secondly, the rotation of players and deploying players out of position to fill up the gaps. And last but not least, we were blown offside for more than a dozen times, some of which were really uncalled for.

Though it was a lost, Team FATA can be glad that it was still a good game played compared to the previous match. It was a good exposure against a team of non-Chinese which proved that with good tactics, poor stamina is not an obstacle. Centre midfield; touted as a team's engine room proved too vital to be let loose. They deployed 2 centre midfielders who had good ball control and able to deliver long balls up front and wide of the field.

Nevertheless, we still enjoyed the dinner at Pastamania didn't we?
Branch Manager, "Can you guys separate into 2 groups?"
Team FATA, "No, we are a Team." :)

The match fee will be $6. For those who have not pass me the jersey money, please bring exact $56 this Sunday.

Guys,

Things not looking good at the moment for the match on the 8th June. Currently there are only 9 players available for that day. And only 3 have yet to revert their availability; Ryan Lai, Ryan Chui and Kian Hock.

I doubt Kian Hock is able to last for the whole match, so if Ryan Lai and Ryan Chui could not make it for that day, can the rest who are not available, please see your schedule again and see if you can make it.

Thanks.

There will be another match on the 8th of June 08 3pm at Fernvale, opp of Fernvale Primary School. Need your replies asap to confirm the match.

I also got a few requests from other soccer team managers. So, please give me your reply whether you are able to make it for the rest of the Sundays in June; 15th, 22nd, 29th.

Team FATA

Team FATA had their debut match on the 19th of May 08, Vesak Day. 15 Fatarians turned up for the friendly against an unknown team arranged through an online forum.

I have to admit that our opponent was not really strong; in fact some of their players seems to be called up last minute to fill up the numbers. Hence, a 3 nil scoreline was not really something to be proud of.

As some of the players do not know one another, there was not much strategy and tactics given. The objective was to really give them a run-out and analyse the individual's skills and game-play.

The match started off well with Team FATA having more of the possessions. Few players were playing in unfamiliar positions, particular Zhen Hui as left-back, Kenneth as forward and Jin Hao as right-wing. Unfortunately, Kenneth and Jin Hao seems to be out of sort in the first half whereas Zhen Hui gave us an encouraging display. First half was ended with Siong Wei scoring the only goal with a close range shot.

Significant events happened in the second half. First, Jason was booked for a sliding tackle which should not warrant a yellow card for me. It was a 50-50 and he went for the ball. It was a good defensive play by Jason, the slow-motion Defensive Midfielder who just seems to be able to control the midfield well yesterday.

Next is the yellow card for Sean who lost his cool after some nonsensical tackles by the opponent. To me, it was a thumbs up for the opponent who managed to force an opponent to blow his top without getting booked himself. This happens a lot of things in football. How often do you all notice Man Utd's opponent trying to force Rooney into blowing his top? "Beautiful" football does not exist anymore. Managers just want to win the game, irregardless of tactics used. But I have to agree that our opponents yesterday was kind of abusive with their choice of words used. I do not encourage Fatarians to take things with their own hands when the game is still in play. Let the referee do the job. If he fails to spot accurately, so be it; thats part and parcel of the game. End of 90min, its still a game and we are all playing football for the fun of it.

Second half ended with 2 more goals added, courtesy from William, our goalkeeper who took the penalty and Sean who did a half-volley from a cross from Jason.

An encouraging start for Team FATA and hopefully we would extend the win this Sunday against SKC.

Collected the FBT jerseys today with Wee Hian. Will distribute to you guys on Monday. We will be wearing it for our first match. You can wear any color of shorts and socks on Monday.

The jerseys are with Wee Hian now. Will remind him to help you all cut away the tag.

Anyway, Wee Hian and me played for NTU Hall 5 for a friendly against an Liverpool fans team today at St Wilfred. Weather is super hot these days. Please hydrate yourself properly on Sunday and Monday before the match.

Cheers.

Guys, most probably we will get a match on the 25th, tentatively at Tampines.

Also, please let me know you availability on Vesak Day afternoon, we might have a game at Yishun too. So please let me know soon.

Thanks.

Team FATA would like to offer their condolences to the dead and the survivors in Myanmar after the the country has been hit by Cyclone Nargis.

Guys, the jerseys order has been placed.

1 full set of Kappa (Red top, white bottom, white socks) - $35
1 FBT Blue Top - $15

I will work out the sum before letting you all know the amount to transfer, including our first friendly match fee.

The collection will be on the 17th, Saturday. Hopefully able to get Wee Hian to drive me. FBT will be at Upper Aljunied while Kappa at Queensway. Anyone wanna tag along?

Lastly, we might have one game against my friend's team in the SPF (Singapore Police Force). Last I heard was a fee of $8 a game at the Serangoon Stadium.

Can't wait to put on our jersey. Cheers.

Dear all,

We have decided to get 1 Red Top, 1 Blue Top, 1 White Bottom and 1 White Socks. Negotiation is still in the progress with the supplier. Hopefully, it will be below $50. I will settle the payment first. Will collect from you guys when I pass you guys the jerseys.

With regards to the sizing, Wee Hian and me tried both size Small and size Large and we both concluded that size Small is just nice for us where size Medium is slightly big for us and a bit uncomfortable and looks kind of weird. Their smallest size is Small, so I will order size Small for all of you except Jason and Jin Hao because you 2 are taller than me. If anyone want size Medium too, let me know.

If anyone want to make a trip down to try out the size, inform me first. I will most probably place the order on Tuesday. (Who want to follow me go queensway?)

Supplier told us that it will takes between 1 to 2 weeks for the team jerseys to be ready upon payment. Hence, it might affect our targeted first friendly on the 18th of May. So, we have to shift back our first match to the 25th of May 08. Please let me know if you are available for match on the 25th of May, Sunday afternoon/evening.

Guys,

Our team mate Kian Hock here might need players for his team friendly match tomorrow on the following dates.

Date: 3rd May 08
Time: 5pm
Venus: Republic Poly
Jersey Provided

Date: 5th May 08
Time: 7pm
Venus: Republic Poly
Jersey Provided

Let me know if you are available and I will inform you if he needs players.

Thanks.

This Sunday we will have our usual kick-about at Bishan Park. This time round, we are meeting at AMK S-11 (Beside Mac) at 9am sharp. Tell me if you are going. Hope to get better attendance as we need more players to help season our team soccer ball which will be bought this Saturday. :)

Few of us will be making a trip down to Queensway Shopping Centre this Saturday (Joel, Wee Hian, Siong Wei) to take a look at jersey, soccer balls and boots etc. The Kappa jersey which I have shown to you all via email is available at the Kappa shop there. We will take a closer look at their red and blue jersey, most probably we will get that as our team kit. Currently, it cost $35 for full set including printing of numbers and names. I am negotiating for lower price; in exchange we can do away with the printing of name and printing of number on shorts.

Should we confirm the jersey, I hope that you guys can make a trip down to Queensway one of these days to see the sizing for yourself before confirming with me. Siong Wei actually made a trip down yesterday to scout for new boots. He mentioned that the Adidas kit cost around $50. We are keeping our options open, will take look.

With regards to the team funds, I would need each of you to contribute a small amount for us to get few soccer balls. Any extra will goes into our match fees.

Last but not least, I am targeting to have our first competitive friendly match on the 18th of May 08. Till then, try to build up your stamina in the mean time. Have you been doing jogging lately? :D