A player from LLRC FT (L) competes with an opponent from Najip FC (R) for the ball during the DST Super League last year at Balapan Track and Field at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas. BT file
Najip FC finally broke their 10 game losing streak from last season's DST Super League with a 2-0 victory over Kilanas FC during their opening match on Sunday.
The newly reformed management and team have proved themselves a stronger team than last year but still have much more to face ahead of them.
Kilanas FC finished in ninth last season picking up their 7-1 and only win over Najip FC who didn't secure a single point.
Former DPMM FC midfielder Abg Norsilmy Abg Hj Taha brought Najip FC to a 1-0 lead in the 59th minute, which was soon followed by a second goal through Muhd Maududi Kasmi in the 68th minute at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex.
The two are part of the six man key senior list that consists of Md Karimurizzal Kasmi, Yusuf Salleh, Md Helman Hanafizal Hanafiah and Mohd Raimi Abd Karim.
Head coach Johari Bungsu's new team also has Brunei's 2013 Southeast Asian Games defender Mohd Azri Azahari and goalkeeper Abdul Hafiz Abdul Rahim.
Six of his other players, Md Aminudin Zakwan Tahir, Alex Asmawi, Hanif Hamir, Abd Faiz Fakhrulrazi, Abdul Hafiz and Mohd Burhan are part of this year's Under-21 national team which will be competing in the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy in April.
"Johari told The Brunei Times, "Picking up a 2-0 win over Kilanas FC was a good start for the season."
"Our players were hardworking and showed good teamwork during the match but they still need to keep their focus for the whole 90 minutes.
"I was happy with the strategy used only during the second half because we had six chances to score but the finishing wasn't there.
"The players are going to feel more confident after defeating Kilanas FC but they still need to keep on working during training.
"For now we will maintain the team through training and focus on our next game against Wijaya FC (at the Balapan Track and Field).
"Other than that, my team will be more consistent and concentrated on their finishing in their game with Wijaya FC on Saturday," said Najip FC's Johari.
Najip FC's were supposed to face Liang Lumut Recreational Club Football Team (LLRC FT) for their opening game on Feb 26.
However, due to the recent bad weather, the match was called off by the National Football Association Brunei Darussalam.
The action in the DST Super League continues with the Royal Brunei Police Force Sports Council taking on Majra United at the Berakas Sports Complex on Saturday.
QAF FC will go head to head with defending champions Indera SC at the Berakas Sports Complex, while Sumbangsih Cup winners, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council take on Kilanas FC at the Balapan Track and Field, and LLRC FT face Jerudong FC at the Padang Arena in Seria on Sunday.
