This Saturday marks a transformative milestone in Singapore’s sporting landscape, as Kampung Buangkok, the nation’s first-ever futsal team, sets off on an ambitious journey to the Brunei Premier Futsal League. This groundbreaking, self-funded initiative not only defines a new chapter for the team but also elevates Singapore’s presence on the international futsal stage. The excitement surrounding this debut is palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating the team’s first-ever match.
In the months leading up to this moment, the team has dedicated itself to rigorous training, meeting twice a week to refine their skills and tactical understanding. Guided by their astute head coach, the players have immersed themselves in a variety of strategies designed to enhance their performance and cohesiveness as a unit.
Team Captain Luis Lim reflected on their preparations, stating, “We were given a first taste of the Brunei futsal league about a year ago when we had friendly matches against Kasuka and Almerez. We won one and lost one. Since then, we have been consistently training and adding various plays to our repertoire. We are all extremely excited for the curtain raiser and will do our best to secure three points.”
Kenneth Kwang, the team’s goalkeeper and spokesperson, expressed his high hopes as they gear up to take on the defending champions, Kasuka & AR Rawda. “I truly hope that we can do the Singapore football and futsal community proud by winning our first game. It’s a tough challenge, but we’re committed to showing what we’re capable of,” Kwang stated passionately.
Recognizing the importance of community support, Kenneth reached out to football fans back in Singapore, emphasizing the need for solidarity as they embark on this new adventure. “I really hope that Singapore football fans can follow us throughout the league season and learn what proper futsal is all about. Our dream is to inspire the local community to start futsal initiatives and cultivate interest within our own grounds,” he articulated.
When discussing the significance of their debut in the Brunei Premier Futsal League, Luis noted the potential impact of their journey. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step. We hope that this one small step will draw the attention of various organizations within the footballing fraternity and potentially lead to the establishment of a local futsal league and national team in the near future,” he explained.
As Kampung Buangkok prepares to kick off their inaugural season, the weight of expectations hangs heavy, but the team is ready to tackle the challenge head-on. Kenneth acknowledges the obstacles they will face, stating, “Of course, winning the league title would be a dream start. But it’s not going to be easy. We’ll fight every match to showcase our capabilities.” Luis echoed this sentiment, saying, “This will be our very first participation in a futsal league, and we expect this to be a tough season for our initial foray. Nevertheless, we have high expectations of ourselves and are determined to be a significant contender in the title race.”
Luis also made an impassioned plea for support from fans back home. “Look at Swansea City in the Premier League, Brunei DPMM in the Singapore Premier League, we are the equivalent of these teams except one big factor; all our games are away games. We hope football fans in Singapore can rally behind us as we navigate our journey in the Brunei Futsal League. Please follow us on our Instagram page @KampungBuangkok.FC and tune into the live streams. We welcome all forms of feedback and constructive criticism to help us improve and grow,” he urged.
As Kampung Buangkok stands on the brink of their debut match this Saturday, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of Singapore’s football and futsal enthusiasts. Through hard work, unwavering determination, and the support of their fans, they aim not just to score points but to lay a strong foundation for the future of futsal in Singapore. The journey begins now, and all eyes will be on this pioneering team as they make history and embark on a quest that promises to inspire many.
