AyyuB’s journey of LiFe

Cairnhill are up against Admirals, a young team averaging 18yrs old. Despite their young age, they were technically, physically and mentally better than us. We defended really well almost the entire game and it only took one lapse of concentration for the opponents to score the only goal of the game. Yes, we lost our first game and many of Cairnhill’s core players were visibly upset and shaken after the game.

Two words: HEADS UP!

Yes, we must take this loss and learn from it.

If we want to fight for the championship, then we must remember this game that we lost. I have nothing but only praise for the entire defence. Kiran and Lawrence were outstanding with committed fullbacks running their hearts out defending and attacking too! Iskander certainly proved his quality by keeping out many shots and including one early penalty in the first half. But as a team, we must play well as a unit. Next game will be our chance for redemption.

Credit to Jason, he summed up the teamtalk afterwards pretty well. The Gaffer knows he needs to sort out the team play. I believe in the players at Cairnhill. Despite coming up against technically better opponents, the players always give their best effort. The challenge is how to improve together as a team. Roles need to be clear for all players and the core players will need to communicate and help to achieve goals for the team.

No doubt that it will take time. But the question is: With lots of passion and commitment, are we able to re-discover our style of play and improve it game by game?

Played 2 matches yesterday.

First up, played for Cairnhill against Beercelona at MJC. Was really frustrated with the team not being able to play our own game. Despite the opponents being taller and bigger in size, Cairnhill could have done much better as technically, we are more than capable to take them on. Instead, we played their agressive game or hit and run. Being deployed as a central midfield with Jon, i communicated to him that he needs to keep things simple as a defensive midfielder. Sadly to say, Jon seemed to only think of attacking for the team. So, i had to drop deep instead. To make matters worse, the team somehow decided to by-pass the centre midfield and kept going through the flanks.

During half time, i vented my anger and showed evryone that i was absolutely outraged by the lack of service and trust in me. Unhealthy they called it, but to me, my only purpose was to take charge of the engine room and to signal to all that we are simply not playing football the best we can. Also, i need the team to realise that if we were to play football like the way we show yesterday, then it will be a tough call for the title. In the process, we were unable to keep decent possession and had no control in the game play. On a bright note, we managed to win the game 1-0. Courtesy of a goal by Perry.

I must comment of the commitment and passion of the team that never say die and certainly that was what won us the game. However, i have no hard feelings towards any of them. But what i cannot deny after the team talk, such outburst are unacceptable for this team and it is peceived as ”unhealthy”. But i believed i have the right to react the way i did and it’s purely from my heart and my heart says i am doing it for the team. Not for just this match, but also for the future matches.

After the game, i guess i need to consider my decision to stay with Cairnhill F.C. or not. It feels the same when i was playing with Ben’s Team 2-3 years ago, put in centre midfield as they expected me to do ‘magic’. The truth is, no matter how good a playmaker is, the whole team must trust him to bring out the style of play from everyone. Micheal Ballack and Frank Lampard of Chelsea, Paul Scholes of Manchester United, Stevie Gerrard of Liverpool, they are the players that the team trust and always pass them the ball and listening to their directions. Technically and much more experienced, they also have the talent of influencing the team’s gameplay. So, what happens when these players dont get the ball often? You can guess the rest…

My role of Cairnhill F.C is to share my experience with the players and guide them to grow as players. I was given the responsibility to take charge of the team on-field and i gladly took it. People judge me on what happened yesterday, which in the end result in us winning 1-0. I played the whole game, much of it, i had to run back and cover defensively. When i was upfront, i was isolated. 1st half, frustrated… now, come to think of it, it’s sad. Maybe some of the players dislike me barking and shouting at them. None of them are personal, it’s business. My business is playing the beautiful game and you guys are the main stars of the team when we win, certainly not me, i am just the one pushing you and orchestrating the play in accordance to the situation we need to. I only play the person behind-the-scene.

I will be considering if i will still be continuing the season with Cairnhill. I guess it will serve me better if i just stick to one team at a time.