May Allah bless him, Al-Fatihah...

My condolences goes to his family, may he rest in peace.

(Image fb Jefri Salas)

The last time I talked to him was at Kianggeh Cemetery during last Ramadhan, taking picture of my grandfather's cemetery for The Brunei Times publication. The last time I met him was at Jame Asre during Aidiladha, which he could only smile to me. Although we are not that close, but I would consider him as a very good friend of mine. I'm gonna miss you bro, Allahyarham Jefri Salas Metali.

Abdul Khair shoots PIP to glory

AMIR AMIN
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Hitman Abdul Khair Hj Basri fired a brace against Sports School to crown Projek Ikan Pusu (PIP) the Under-14 National League champions at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas last night.

Two incredible first half strikes from Abdul Khair and a late own goal by Sports School defender Md Azim Hamidoon gifted the champions a 3-1 victory in the final. Md Zulkhairy Hady Razali scored Sports School's lone goal in the 20th minute.

In recognition of his winning performance, Abdul Khair was honoured as "Best Player in the Final" to add to his "Top Scorer" award with 35 goals.

For PIP coach Hj Omar Hj Jamil, the victory was well-deserved for a side that had not tasted a single defeat this season.

"In my personal opinion, we must be champions. If not only because our performance had been improving at every stage of the competition," said Hj Omar, who also led PIP to the title last season.

Meanwhile defeated Sports School coach Pg Serfuddin Pg Hj Mohd Salleh attributed the lost to his players' physique and luck.

"It's just hard luck. As I have said before, our players are at a disadvantage when it comes to physique," said the Sports School coach. "Yet I'm happy with their performance because the goals we conceded came from mistakes. Plus, our original target was to reach the semi-finals but we were able to take it one step further and (Md) Asri (Hj Aspar) was even named 'Player of the Year'. Overall, they played very well against PIP and I'd also like to congratulate PIP for becoming champions," added Pg Serfuddin.

The champions were duly awarded with a $1,500, while runners-up Sports School received $1,000.

Joint third-place winners Muara Vella Academy and Tutong Co-Curricular Education Department (JPKK) Scheme were presented $500 each.

Menglait Department of Youth and Sports (JBS) Scheme also claimed an award last night when Abd Hafiz Abdul Rahim was named "Best Goalkeeper" while Tutong JPKK notched the honour of "Fairplay Team".

Present to award the winners with their prizes was Hj Shahbudin Hj Musa, BLNG Deputy General Manager of Marketing.

Sports School kicked off the final and started strongly when Md Zulkhairy outmuscled the PIP defenders and fired goalwards only to hit the side netting.

His other attempt was comfortably saved by PIP goalkeeper Syazani Hj Yussof.

Md Haif Hamir also tried his luck with a long shot but it sailed wide over the crossbar.

It took none other than Abdul Khair to turn the tide of the match around in PIP's favour soon after. He penetrated into the Sports School box and the defenders were made to pay when they failed to stop his advance, Abdul Khair shot from point blank to give PIP the lead in the 7th minute.

Sports School were determined to not remain in the backfoot for long. A long ball into PIP territory was met by Md Zulkhairy who rushed into the penalty area.

Goalkeeper Syazani stifled the attack but the defenders failed to clear the loose ball, which Md Zulkhairy happily fired into an open goalmouth to level the scores in the 10th minute.

Yet an unexpected mistake by Sports School goalkeeper Burhanuddin Hj Edy Asmady surrendered the champions the lead in the 17th minute.

Abdul Khair fired a rocket from 30 yards and the goalkeeper should have been able to get a solid grip on the ball, yet it bounced off and landed in the net to make it 2-1 in PIP's favour.

When the second half started, PIP were more energetic and took hold of the match. However it took an own goal by Sports School to extend their lead in the final minutes. Bursting from the left flank, Muhd Akramul Ameerudin Md Sambri's attempt to square the ball was met by Sports School defender Md Azim, who accidentally diverted the ball into his own net in the 68th minute to crown PIP the 2010 grassroots football league champions by 3-1. (The Brunei Times).