Match Report: F&F edge SDXFC

SDX FC was put to the sword yesterday after losing to F&F in a one sided match at the MMU ground. It was not hardly tight match as SDX FC opted to just sit out in their own half and let the F&F players throw flames to their mighty defensive castle. However, there were signs of their fighting spirit when they occasionally put their counter attacking supremacy to the show.

(picture: Alwi loves his lollipop as much as he loves his football.)

The game started out in fine weather as both teams warmed up on a greasy pitch due to heavy rain the night before. F&F, with their new middle eastern signing, appears stylish with their new fluorescent green sleeveless kit The first half went on with much of the ball sprayed long by the SDX defenders only to be cut out by the impressive trio at the heart of F&F defense, Nadeem, Zul K and Fahrul. F&F tried to control their momentum by playing a neat passing game but all their efforts was frustrated by strong running by the SDX players. F&F finally got into stride as Alwi, the middle eastern last minute signing by manager, Aie, lofts a ball towards Zul P who managed to put his head to the ball but directing it up above the post. Alwi once again showed his class by dancing through the defenders and putting a slow shot, only to see it graze in front of goal. Boy P had a chance to breakthough when Zul P lofted a pass from the middle of the park. Boy P's intelligent running saw him chesting the ball and managed to get it to his feet. But the lack of match practice served him injustice as he blowed the shot over legendary goalkeeper, Saiber from SDX FC. Captain, Aie was the highlight of the first half as he tried very hard feed the strikers with his crosses from deep but he kept on missing the ball that saw him ' tergolek - dog ' at the sideline. But chanting from an unknown supporter kept his spirit going as he played the rest of the match with the swagger of a captain.

(picture: SDX FC)

With a frustrating first half gone, F&F players went into the second half more determined to win the game. A few changes was made as Fauzan was called off and Boy K came in into the forward role. Zul P was moved to left of the field filing in for the dynamic Fauzan. Reza, Nadum and Charles also made their F&F competitive debut in the second half but they hardly have anything to do as F&F controlled the ball. Saeed was denied a penalty claim after he latched-on to a through pass by Zul P, only to be brought down by a great tackle from one SDX defender.  Aie finally showed his crossing ability from deep when he swerved a ball from the right side of the

 field towards Zul P's head which Zul P fail to convert. Boy P once again had a chance to put F&F in front when he was clear in front of goal. But to the heroics of goalkeeper, Saiber, SDX managed to hold their breath.  F&F tenacity was finally rewarded through a swift move from the left with the ball landing on Aie's feet. Aie launched a high cross towards the direction of Essa, last season top scorer. Essa headed the ball past the goalkeeper and celebrations erupted after that. Boy K also made an impact to the game after he came on and had chance to put himself on the scoresheet. Boy K connected with a beautiful pass when he chested the ball to bring it down but he blowed the shot over the goal.

(picture: Boy P's wardrobe outside of football attracted the media to stamp him with a "Casanova" status.)

SDX FC did however put on a good show defensively as they prove that they are a tough nut to crack. The first win for F&F showed good promise for matches to come as the players start to blend with each other. Final score, F&F 1 - 0 SDX FC.

Team News : F&F vs SDX FC

F&F will start their campaign in the MMU Cup today as they host SDX FC in a widely anticipated match up. F&F will have concerns over their French/Pakistani national, Nadum who has been complaining of a back injury after helping his futsal team, Nadoom FC make it through to the next round as champions. The manager, Aie will wait till the last minute to assess Nadums' fitness. F&F "Pelekat Jowo" keeper, Azim recovered well from his ankle injury and is expected to play. Fauzan who has been in intensive training all week is also expected to feature on the left flank as F&F strive to get their season going with a win. Boy P is expected to be in the team following his absence in the friendly game against Dettol FC. Boy K the Tiang picked up an ankle injury in training and is still being assesed by the team physio. 

Det the Dut: Debut

(picture:Det with his pouch bag.)

Det the dut from Dettol FC ended all speculation about where his future lies yesterday after he made his honorary debut for Dettol FC in their first MMU Cup match. Det has been linked with a number of high profile club, F&F being one of them. Rumors was flying in the MMU football circle when Det was seen with F&F gaffer, Aie in a recent trip to Johor Bahru. The talk between Aie and Det collapsed after the statement made by Dettol FC chairman, Amir Tevez saying that Det is going nowhere this term. The much sought after versatile defender was quoted saying that he will remain faithful to the club he pledged his honors to. " I will stay at this club at try my best to bring this club to the glory it deserves".

Det debut however was less than memorable after a quiet display in the second half. He came on to replace the efficient Big Joe at the heart of midfield. Spokesman from Det the dut fan club was quoted saying, " Det should be playing from the start. He had 3 touches the whole game. It was not a memorable debut for him. But in his defense, he is nursing an injury right now so it might take time for him to show his true self". Highlight of the game for Det was when he flicked the ball up and over a midfielder and slipped a through pass for Amir Tevez, the club utility man.

What Is It Going To Be Then, Eh?

Wizurai have been searching for a striker ever since learning that Yang would be out for the rest of the season. Many names have been linked with the Wizurai-ans, including F&F Fatah Der Vaart, who seems a viable option for the MMU’s minors, especially because he is eligible for the MMU Cup.

According to to a local newspaper, Wizurai sporting director Faruk Cocoa Gelap has proposed a non-negotiable deal to the former Wizurai player. The club has offered Fatah a contract that will expire in June 2009, with the option to extend for another year and an exchange deal of Berba-toi going the other way round. However, it is believed that the ex-Wizurai hitman would prefer a contract until June 2010, but theWizurai board are unwilling to budge. As such, it is now up to Fatah to decide whether he will accept Faruk's terms or continue sitting on the bench at F&F under Aie.

Should a deal be reached, it would have to be done within the next few days before the first match for F&F and the Dutch international could play for Wizurai from Friday onwards.
The player has seen extremely little time on the pitch this season and has yet to score; furthermore, he was not included in F&F's squad due to bust up between him and the jewel of F&F Zul P Rossi.

It has been suggested that if an agreement for Fatah cannot be reached, then Wizurai's team will be chasing after a deal for Dettol FC versatile player, Det the Dut who had a short stint with Baby Gebu FC one season ago. Det the Dut can play either in attacking or defensive role and will add a physical presence to the squad compared to Fatah who is struggling to find back his form.

Currently Det the Dut is going on physical training to lose some weight and get rid of his pouch bag.

Writer

Nz.S

New kit unveiled

F&F unveiled their new Adidas kits at the club's training session for sponsors at the MMU stadium on Monday evening.

The worldwide leader in sportswear firm announced their new mega-deal with F&F via a stylish new fluorescent green home kit inspired by Barcelona star, Lionel Messi and a not yet to be known away kit that is sure to sell well with fans.

A packed MMU stadium saw star player Aie and Nadum among the sportswear models, taking a break in between training sessions to appear before the club faithful backers.

The F&F players will don the new kit for the first time in the opening match of the club's pre-season trip to England - in Merseyside against Everton on 26 November and get back the next day playing their first game of the season against SDX.

The team's new attire could make its MMU Cup debut in 27 November when the F&F take on last season 3rd placed SDXFC.

Watch this post for exclusive pictures of the new kit.

The Johor Job

With the MMU Cup Tournament just around the corner, rumors has been spreading like wildfire that F&F gaffer, Aie was seen on a holiday trip with Dettol FC versatile defensive midfielder, Det in Johor Bahru. Coincidence or not, this particular “holiday” is said to be a cover for a secret last minute deal to capture the midfielder to F&F. If this transfer is true, it will certainly cause some stir in the F&F dressing room and also cause some players in the F&F team to be unsettled particularly Nadeem. Hear-say around the football community is saying that Aie is trying to persuade Det to join F&F in a bid to strengthen the

defensive side of the team. Nadeem whose less then impressive display at the heart of F&F engine last week against Dettol FC, should seriously consider his place if Det were ever to join F&F. When asked about the possibility of Det replacing him in the center of defense, Nadeem said, " I dont feel threatened at all. I know my strength and I will play to it to wrestle my way to the starting 11. I am not even concerned about the matter. Plus, if Det were to join the team, it would be for the better cause I will have stiff competition to fight for my place".

(picture: Det pictured here getting cozy with F&F gaffer, Aie in Johor.)

Dettol FC completely rubbishes the talk once asked about the rumor. " That speculation is absolutely to-laugh-for. Det is a valuable player to the team and I'm sure he knows that. There is no way Det is gonna be a F&F player this term". 

Azim - "Zul P will find his scoring boots"

After the recent bust up between the F&F striking force of Zul P and Fatah, Azim has quick came to the support of his long-time teammate, Zul P. He was quoted saying that Zul is surely to deliver when the time comes and he partially blamed the lack of winning formula of Zul P and Fatah to the partnership itself.

(picture: Azim picture here with Fatah and Nadum)

 “ Fatah is still not fully fit after his surgery on his knees. He is in no doubt a great player but he is still missing that extra touch. Perhaps with more training conducted by the gaffer and provided he does not miss training because of his trip to la-la land, he might get back that touch he used to have". It is unsure how Azim's statement will land on the heads of the F&F players. With the morale in the dressing room so high right now, they dont need another shackle in the dressing room.

Writer

Az.Z

Aie issues rallying call(corrected)

The gaffer has issued a rallying call to all F&F players. The squad is called to a training session at the MMU new stadium at 1800hrs tomorrow, Friday, 21  November 2008.

(This is not a joke :P)

........seriously........

Reza working hard with personal trainer

Up and coming defender, Reza of F&F is rumored to be putting an extra mile to his training regime with a the clubs' personal doctor and trainer, Wan Sempoi. Reza has been seen going to the gymnasium with Wan Sempoi doing extra crunches and running to increase his heart and lung capacity. When interviewed by our journalist, Reza was confident that he can at least challenge Fahruls' position in the heart of F&F defense. " I hope that the boss can see my desire to win a place in the starting 11, and ultimately, I want to make a significant contribution to the team in our challenge for the MMU Cup this trimester". He added, " Wan has been magnificent as the teams personal trainer. He has the knowledge and the know-how on whatever the questions that I might have, be it if its about my belly or my burning desire to know how he got his 6-packs".

(picture: Reza, talking to our reporter)

(picture: Wan Sempoi seen here getting frisky with Nadum a-la MySpace.)

Wan Sempoi was hired as the teams doctor and trainer as soon as F&F was established. His glowing resume and the physical nature of his anatomy made him the first choice as the team founder, Aie, was looking to fill the physio spot. 

Nadeem reiterates desire

In a very emotional interview done here by our journalist, Nadeem, F&F commanding centre back turned defensive midfielder reiterates his desire to gun for a place in the F&F starting line up. The 24 year old Pakistan faced Nadeem believes that his experience in the MMU football scene will help him win a place in the starting 11. " I have played in the MMU league for such a long time that I know how it works. Furthermore, I will be also be playing with other experienced players such as Aie, Boy P and other members of the team. When we combine this with the youth and determination of the new players, I believe that we are on to something here".

(picture: Nadeem seen here in partying with a friend)

When asked about his extravagant partying style with fellow teammate and best friend Zul P,

 Nadeem said "Its all about balance. We all go to have fun sometimes and I am not excluded. I would also like to clarify that I did not attend training the other day because of fatigue due to the tournament I had over the weekend. I have talked to the boss about this and he seems content with my explanation".

(picture: On his holiday in Monaco)

It remains to be seen how Nadeem will fare in his first match and whether he will be selected for the match against his former club, SDX FC. It was rumored that Nadeem was seen on the streets of Jalan P. Ramlee, known for a ray of exclusive night clubs.

"More Injury Trouble For Azim?"

F&F goalkeeper Azim Zaharuddin is rated highly doubtful for the matchup against SDX FC next week. The Perak native keeper has not returned to training with F&F since last week due to his ankle ligament injury. Club doctor and phsyio, Wan Sempoi told the media that he will have to assess Azim injury once again to be absolutely sure that the goalkeeper is fit to play. "The extent of Azim's injury is yet to be known as of now. Right now we're still in the process of assessing what type of treatment to give him". Meanwhile some other players, including Fahrul Razi, trained separately.

There is plenty of enthusiasm at training ground following the 2-1 derby defeat by Dettol FC. Manager and captain Aie received more good news as midfielders Nadeem and Fauzan will return to the traning ground today. Fauzan was hit by a stomach virus which prevented him from attending training sessions this few days.  Fauzan who has had a long layoff during the summer break is still working hard on his fitness. He said on a quick interview, " I felt very bad when I let my teammates down the other day. I didn't mean to head the ball on the pitch. I was just too tired to run. I'm sure i'll be getting my groove back before the game against SDX FC".

(picture:  F&F players getting ready for their training)

Meanwhile, Fatah and Boy,who both took part in the training ground yesterday, they are having difficulty to cope with the training. The training regime introduced by the manager, Aie, is proving a stumble block for them. Both of them have had injury problems last campaign and they are finding it difficult to put the niggling knee problem behind them. Frenchman Nadum complained of back pain during the training exercises and did not finish the session under Aie. The doctors are still assessing the extent of his injury.

F&F will play SDX at the Stadio Via MMU Mare next weekend.

Writer

Nz.S

Zul P's plea, "Let me play the Tevez role"

In a recent development on the Zul P situation, the dignified winger cum striker has made a plea to manager and captain of F&F, Aie. In a press conference here with the media, Zul P is confident that he can play the 'Tevez' role of bull-dogging opponents defenders with quick running and closing up on the defense. " I believe that I have the mentality and strength to run around like a mad dog like Carlos Tevez in the Manchester United team. Coach Aie just have to unleash the beast in me".

(picture: Zul P pictured here on one of his late night parties.) 

Zul P has been under scrutiny lately for his lack of composure in 

putting the sword to the opponent weak link. But in the same press conference, he was adamant that his touch will come soon enough after hearing Fatah's comment about his finishing. There is also talks about the relationship between him and his strike partner being on the rocks. "What Fatah said about me the other day was quite right" he said. " I need to improve and work on my finishing if I am to keep my place in the team. I believe that once the confidence in front of goal is back, I will be back to my best". The relationship between Fatah and Zul P is now said to be on the amend as they we seen shaking hands on training ground here at Cyberjaya Training Park last nite.

(picture: Fatah with his friend and now foe, Det from Dettol FC)

Nadeem and Fahrul under fire

Both Nadeem and Fahrul came under fire by boss and captain, Aie today after the former missed training and the latter was late to the Cyberjaya Training Park.

Nadeem was rumored to miss the training because of heavy partying the night before where he was photographed by the paparazzi canoodling women after women. His party boy nature

 is not uncommon among the Fire and Flames boys. When asked about the situation by the reporter, Aie expressed his wrath over Nadeem and Fahrul's disciplinary problem. " I do not condone this type of behaviour in my team. They will need to prove their worth after this in training". In a recent news posted in this blog, Nadeem was quoted saying that he will fight for his place. After a sit down with the gaffer, Nadeem was fined 2 weeks wages and was given a stern warning. Comment from Nadeem is still unavailable because we're unable to track him down.

(picture: Nadeem casanova ways.)

Fahrul however was let down easy by the manager and the club. This is due to good reasoning from the promising defender. " I was late because of family reasons" Fahrul was quoted saying.

(picture: is this the real reason why Fahrul was late?)

Match Report - Dettol FC v Through Fire and Flames

'Big Joe' puts the fire out

'Big Joe' from Dettol FC puts water to burning fire in the match against Through Fire and Flames as they beat the latter 2-1 in a friendly match yesterday. The match was held in the ever so gritty MMU field which saw some stiff competition among the players from both sides.

(picture: Amir is so happy that his team won the match. He wishes everybody a lot of respect and also alot of love potrayed by his hand gesture)

The match started with both teams playing neat and tidy passes to avoid any mistakes in the earlier part of the match. Fire and Flames opted t

o play a with Aie and Fauzan operating as their wingbacks supported by the commanding Nadeem in the holding position. Zul and Saeed Cap was given the role as the attacking midfielder and central midfielder respectively.Zul Kecik leads the backline with his powerful burst and robust style a-la Nemanja Vidic only thinner. He is partnered with the makeshift Charles as the stopper and also Fahrul.In attack, the two OKU, Fatah** and Boy** combined together to test out their ability as frontmans.

(picture: the F&F 'pisyang-ers' holding one bear for each one of them)

The first half was controlled by Fire and Flames but they failed to make their chances. Dettol FC capitalized F&F three man defense with counter attacking play with their witty striker Mamut and a few other team members. Saeed got to unleash a fierce strike after rays of attack by F&F is frustrated by Dettol FCs gung-ho defending. In an unfortunate turn of events, one of Dettol FCs player, Shawn, got through F&F defense and launched a cross that turned out to be a shot, hustling the goalkeeper, Azim, to let in his first goal of the Trimester. F&F did create a few good chances after that but on one occassion, Zul P did not convert Aie's searching low cross towards the penalty area. Nadeem on his debut for F&F, had a powerful long shot only to be parried by the goalkeeper. In Yahoo Fantasy Football terms, that shot would give him at least 3 points.

At the second half, F&F switched the on button and made a few tweaks to the squad. Zul P was pushed up to a striking position and Fahrul was substituted by the up and coming defender, Reza. F&F was attacking with intent on the second half and a good showing of determination by the whole team helps to boost the team morale. The middies created good openings for Zul P and Fatah but it was clear that the partnership needs some time to gel. The defense was playing well until Dettol FC helped themselves to a corner taken by the scorer and a big powerful header by Big Joe burst past Azim invisible 'Kain Pelekat' and made him owe RM5 to Big Joe. After the goal, F&F stepped it up a notch with the team captain Aie making runs and crosses towards the goal and Zul P running like a headless chicken in the opponents half. Nadum with his hard-tackling style managed to put fear into the hearts Dettol FC players and keep F&F goal untouched for the rest of the game. F&F continued to search for a goal and their tenacity was rewarded when Saeed managed to get through the defense and assisted F&F first goal by Zul P tap in. Zul P ran from behind the defender to dismiss any accusations that he was offside on that occassion. The team continued to ran riot with effortless running but their lack of fitness was showing when Fauzan wanted to head the ball while it was on the ground instead of crossing it. He probably thinks that it is a new way to fool the defenders but his creativity doesn't seem to shine through towards the players. Aie had a good chance from a dead ball situation but his shot sailed through the goal post like it was Captain Jack Sparrow spearheading his ship. Zul Kecik, Nadum and Reza kept the defense tidy with a combination of hard and unorthodox tackling. F&F did manage to create a very decent chance when Nadeem slipped a through ball towards Fatah and made his presence felt by boosting Fatahs' acceleration with his loud and driven voice. Fatah seemed to respond to Nadeems cry and managed to knick the ball from the defender and slipped a pass to Zul P only to see it driven wide off the post by Zul P in the 6-yard box with Aie and Saeed both

supporting him. Det, the versatile Dettol FC midfielder came on at the near end of the game to give a taste of his wittiness to the F&F players. It is rumored that Det put on some moves to humiliate the opponent but on 1 occasion, his back pass was cut out by Zul P and Zul P was able to beat the keeper but apparently unable to beat the goal line to see his shot cleared inside the goal.

(picture: from left; fahrul, nadeem zul p and aie - Fahrul is wondering why he screamed "Arrrgggh" on the field, Nadeem is so bullish about his future with F&F and Aie was elated that he can see both Fahrul and Nadeem half naked. Zul P, nuff said)

(picture: det on his signing day for Dettol FC pictured here looking anguished over something)

Overall, it was a good run out to the F&F squad to get themselves into shape and realize the competition that they have in the team. Everybody in this team is vying for a place in the starting 11 and thats got to be good for the team in general. Kudos to Dettol FC for their win.

Fatah - "Zul should have scored more"

In a recent bust up just after the game against Dettol FC, Fatah blasted his new strike partner Zul P after a less than impressive by the former Kayu man. He was quoted saying "Zul P should have scored more on that game. His lack of composure sure did him no good. I really think he would have a torrid time to fight for his place against new faces that might be introduced by the manager". Fatah had a good run-out after playing full time in the loss to Dettol FC.

The extent of the bust up is yet to be known.

" Safe hands?? Gimme som' time.. "

Azim, the new signing for Fire and Flames conceded that he is having some problem reverting back to the position of a goalkeeper after a whole season playing in the centre back position for his old team Sepang-yol FC. The 22-year-old goalkeeper admitted that he has lost some of his ability to predict the ball trajectory. “I have sorted this out with the team captain and Aie has agreed to give me some time to re-adapt to my position as a goalkeeper, I hope to be better fitted for this position after few more friendly games and training sessions”. 

Azim that recently has started his fitness training every morning before his classes with the team captain and Fatah is rumoured to be having an ankle injury after the friendly game against Dettol FC. 

The illustrious goalkeeper has been plagued with ankle injuries since the start of his career with Kayu FC. He was seen leaving the 

field today with bandage wrapped around his right ankle. Team captain, Aie declined to comment on the seriousness of the injury of his goalkeeper.

Writer

Nz.S

" I 'kneed' to prove myself" - Boy

After being snapped with an ACL knee ligament damage on his left knee, Boy is determined to prove himself to the team manager that he can still play the game he love. After the surgery on his knee, he still can't reach full fitness and is labeled "OKU 2nd Stage" in the Through Fire and Flames squad together with Fatah.The crooked striker expressed his feelings and hope that he can regain his fitness fast. He was quoted saying "I need to be committed in my training in order to get myself fit and avoid from being injured again.I hope i can regain my fitness by the first match and show the world what i'm capable of."

Through Fire and Flames will play against SDX FC on Thursday,29th Nov

In another news,Team manager/Captain, Aie is searching for another striker and rumors had it that he is approaching one of the striker from a local team. Aie said "With Boy and Fatah who's unable stay on the field for the full 90 minutes, i need another striker and I'm still looking for a fresh talent around,erm...we'll see before the end of this week".

Writer

Nz.S

"Will Nadum be fit for his 1st competitive match?"

Will he be fit for his 1st competitive match against SDX? It's all up to his will power and determination to succeed. Will he start or will he warm the bench for the 1st game?Only the captain marvel knows. After a long layoff due to his knee injury he suffered when he was in MMU Melaka, Nadum will finally play as an outfield player once again. Nadum will be an added advantage to the team as a whole due to his versatility to play as a outfield player and goalkeeper. Not to forget that Nadum will also team up with his older brother Nadeem after their last team, Sayur United separated due to misunderstanding. THE BASHBROTHERS ARE BACK. Watch out for their karate skill on the field. Teams are advised to use shin pad or any protection necessary for safety reason.

Writer

Nz.S

"I will fight for my place" - Nadeem

In a confrontation with the team captain, Nadeem has made a statement saying that he will be fit and ready to fight for a place in the team. Nadeem the newly signed player from SDX FC is adamant that he will keep his place in the team despite the arrival of Boy Panjang and other array of talents in the ever so growing squad. Nadeems' vast experience culminates since he was the key figure for the historical Sayur and Kayu FC. Although he only occasionally plays in the defensive midfielder position, he is confident that he can better himself after the dismal showing in the loss to Dettol FC.

In response to the statement made by Nadeem, team manager and captain, Aie said that competition will make the team better. He was happy that his players will make the loss against Dettol FC a lesson to learn and help the team to challenge for the Cup this Trimester. Aie said " New players will be coming in and be fighting for places inside the team. I'm happy with this bunch of players that I gathered and we will try our best to play with charisma and not to forget for the fun of it". 

It remains to be seen how Through Fire and Flames will fare in the cup competition this Trimester.

Players list 2008/2009 + Welcome Note

Fellow Footballers,

This blog will be the inside scoop on the happenings around the newly formed team " Through Fire and Flames" and ultimately the MMU Cup for the 2nd Trimester 08/09. The post inside this blog is purely for the enjoyment of readers.Enjoy!

Goalkeeper :  

Abdulazim Zaharuddin (Azim)

Defenders: 

Zul Fadly (Zul Kecik)

Reza 

Fahrulrazi

Charles

Nazeen( Nadum)*

Middies :   

Nadeem*

Boy Panjang

Saeed Cap :p

Mohd Nazrie Aripin (Aie) - Captain

Fauzan*

Strikers:   

Azry Mohamed ( Boy)**

Zul Fitri (Zul P)

Fatahuddin (Fatah)**

* OKU (Orang Kurang Upaya Tahap 1) - First Level Disabled Player

** OKU ( Orang Kurang Upaya Tahap 2) -Second Level Disabled Player