25 FEBRUARY 2020 – Ahead of the 2020 AIA Singapore Premier League (SPL) season, we take a look at each of the nine clubs that are participating in the 25th season of the domestic top flight. Today’s focus is on Brunei DPMM!
Seasons: 9
Nickname: None
Stadium: Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium
Highest finish: 1st (2015, 2019)
2019 finish: 1st
Chairman: Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah
Head coach: Adrian Pennock (2nd season)
Captain: Wardun Yussof
Foreigners*: Charlie Clough (England), Andrei Varankou (Belarus), Emerson Conceição (Brazil)
Adrian Pennock has retained the majority of last season’s title-winning side but whether that is enough to defend their crown remains to be seen. The firepower of Golden Boot winner Andrei Varankou, who plundered 21 goals in 22 games will certainly be crucial to their quest, while the Englishman opted not to bring in a like-for-like replacement for Blake Ricciuto. Journeyman goalkeeper Emerson Conceição has been signed instead, with a view to stalwart Wardun Yussof’s planned retirement at the end of this season. Adi Said has also left the club, while youngsters Azriel Arman and Hanif Azman are set to make their debuts. The Bruneians will be expected to be one of the frontrunners and the budding Hakeme Said, whose debut goal last season made him the second-youngest ever scorer in league history, is one to keep an eye on.
Squad (as at time of publication)
Goalkeepers: Wardun Yussof, Emerson Conceição, Azriel Arman
Defenders: Charlie Clough, Wafi Aminuddin, Abdul Mu’iz Sisa, Suhaimi Sulau, Helmi Zambin, Yura Indera Putera, Abdul Aziz Tamit, Hazwan Hamzah
Midfielders: Azwan Ali Rahman, Azwan Salleh, Hendra Azam, Nur Ikhwan Othman, Najib Tarif, Hanif Azman
Forwards: Shah Razen Said, Andrei Varankou, Abdul Azizi Rahman, Hakeme Said, Razimee Ramlli
*Brunei DPMM are only allowed to sign a maximum of three foreign players.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
Check out the other previews: Young Lions | Albirex Niigata (S) | Tampines Rovers | Balestier Khalsa | Hougang United | Lion City Sailors | Geylang International
Image courtesy of A•K•K Design