Written by: Zack Rahim

Brunei DPMM’s Brazilian forward Rodrigo Tosi expressed his gratitude to the club  after he was confirmed as the only foreign player to be given a contract extension at the end of the 2013 Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League season.

The club released Portuguese striker Joao Moreira, Lithuanian striker Arturas Rimkevicius and Brazilian defender Tales Ricarte dos Santos last year, their second change of imports in a season which saw them finish eighth in the S-League and lose their League Cup crown to Balestier Khalsa.

But Tosi, who is in his second spell with the club after a stint during the 2005/2006 Malaysian Super League campaign, has impressed enough for him to be given a second chance.

DPMM coach Steve Kean has even said he will base his attack around the 31-year-old Curitiba native, and Tosi couldn’t be happier.

“I appreciate the support the club has given me and I’m very happy because of the trust the coach has put in me, which is very important,” he said after the team unveiling for the 2014 S.League season on 6 February.

“Even last year when sometimes I was the only import playing, I always appreciated that support.

“This is my third season here and I know all the guys very well. They’re great and I’m sure we can do a good job together,” said Tosi, adding that the aim is to challenge for the title.

Tosi’s partnership with local fan favourite Shahrazen Said seems set to play a deciding factor in DPMM FC’s season, but the strikers will need service from a midfield quartet which includes two new faces.

Apart from announcing their list of 19 local players, the club also officially unveiled Irish midfielder Joseph Gamble, Croatian midfielder Roberto Alviz and Bosnian defender Boris Raspudic as their other imports for the season.

A lot is to be expected of Alviz, who is set to play in the middle of the pitch with captain Rosmin Hj Mohd Kamis, while Gamble will feature on the right.

Though the club’s three main pre-season friendlies have ended in one win, one draw and a loss, Alviz is sure the team has what it takes to challenge for glory this season.

“Our pre-season results doesn’t matter – the most important thing is that we adapt with one another,” said Alviz.

“The coach is doing a good job building the team and we are improving everyday.

“He has got experience coaching in England (at Blackburn Rovers) and we’re lucky to be learning from him. There are three trophies to play for and what I want is that we are ready to fight to be champions.We have a good mix of local and foreign players and I believe we can do it,” added Alviz

DPMM have also ended their search for their final foreign player as the club confirmed that they have agreed terms with former Sunderland and Coventry City striker, Roy O’Donovan. The ex-Republic of Ireland U21 international is expected to arrive in Brunei on 16 February to meet with the club officials.