Majra United strikers Shahremy Karim (2nd R) and Mohd Julremi Hj Zaini (2nd L) celebrate after scoring a goal in a DST Super League 2012/2013 match. The duo left the club this season but Majra are confident their new-look squad, which includes 16 new faces, has what it takes to pull off a few surprises. Picture: BT file
Majra United believe they can surprise any team in the DST Super League with their new squad this season.
Majra last week unveiled 16 new players at a signing ceremony a restaurant in Kiulap - a group of mostly young players, eight of who were part of the national squad that took to Myanmar for last month's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
Though they have been boosted by the new faces, a number of old ones have left the club; notably key players such as left-back Azri Hj Zahari and striker Shahremy Karim - have joined Najip FC.
Their other striker, Mohd Julremi Hj Zaini, is also now playing for QAF FC.
But for a club which has always known for their exciting, modern style of football and for bringing up decent young footballers over the years, Majra are ready for the changes ahead.
"This has always been the philosophy of the club, we're never afraid to introduce new players to replace the seniors. We must not be afraid of changes," said Majra's assistant coach Hj Mahadi Hj Md Zain in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.
"I don't want to put so much pressure on the new players, but with the preparation that we've had for this season, I can tell you that we are ready to face any team in the league - and I also believe that this team can surprise everyone.
"I hope that these young players will improve under our guidance and one day will be able to represent the country in big tournaments," he added.
Majra managed a third place finish in the league last season after recording 19 points, just three points behind champions Indera Sports Club (SC) and second-placed Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) - both who finished on 22 points.
Majra were scheduled to take on Kilanas FC at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas last night, but the game was postponed due to bad weather which resulted in unsatisfactory pitch conditions.
The DST Super League started on Monday with QAF FC and Jerudong FC sharing the spoils with a 2-2 draw at the Balapan Track and Field - with Mohd Julremi scoring the season's first goal for QAF before being sent off four minutes from time.
Since its establishment in 2003, Majra biggest achievement remains being crowned the champions of the DST Group Brunei League Cup final in 2011 when Adi Said scored the winner in the final minute of the game against the resilient MS ABDB.
Founded by club chairman Hj Majid Dato Paduka Hj Zainal, the club has been able to capture the admiration and respect of both spectators and football clubs in the country over the years.
Another highlight came in the 2004/2005 edition of the Brunei Premier League II season when the club's supporters won the 'Best Club Supporters' award.
Back in 2004, Majra began their football campaign in the national league by winning all their matches en route to being promoted into the Brunei Premier League II for the 2004/2005 season.
The following year saw Majra FC win the 2004/2005 Brunei Premier League II after recording eight wins, two draws and one loss throughout the campaign - and earning their right to fight in the top-flight Brunei Premier League I.
This season's DST Super League will see 10 teams competing for the title; MS ABDB, Indera, the Royal Brunei Police Forces Sports Council (MS PDB), QAF, Majra United, Kilanas, Jerudong, Wijaya FC, Najip and the Belait-based Liang Lumut Recreational Club (LLRC) FC.
