Tuesday November 13, 2007
Subang United FC win veterans' tourney
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Farouk: ‘We want to attract more veterans to be part of our on-going community programmes.’
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ALTHOUGH the veteran footballers of the Subang United FC formed their social side for regular kickabout sessions only a year ago, they proved their prowess when they lifted the inaugural Piala Datuk Lee Hwa Beng Subang Jaya Veterans football tournament at the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) sports complex pitch recently.
Subang United FC captain S. Kalaichelvan said they began as “strollers” and got together for a bit of good healthy fun at either the MPSJ sports complex pitch or USJ2 primary school every Sunday.
“We have also organised friendly matches against other teams,” Kalai added.
For the tournament, teams were allowed to register three players above 35 years in their 10-man line-up comprising those above 40 years.
The duration for each half was seven minutes with rolling substitutions played on half of the actual football pitch.
In the final, Subang United FC goalkeeper I. Avokisamy, 50, was in superb form and saved three shoots from the spot kick against Saab FC.
Samy was the oldest player in their line-up, which included only two players between 35 and 40 years.
After the score was levelled at 0-0 in regulatory period, Subang United FC won the match 5-4 on penalties and walked away with RM1,500.
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Hardfought victory: Subang United FC lifting the inaugural Piala Datuk Lee Hwa Beng Subang Jaya Veterans football tournament.
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Saab FC pocketed RM800.
“We won because of a very good team effort. Although we won our three group matches comfortably, the four teams that qualified for the semi-finals were quite equal in terms of playing strength. As a result, the winners were decided through the penalty shootouts,” said Kalai, adding that K. Krishnamorthy emerged as their top hitman with six goals.
After the preliminary group matches at 3K Complex, the other two sides that advanced to the semi-finals were Luniaz & The Gang and USJ12 Taipan Rovers.
Four teams that crashed out in the group stage were Bravo Ten FC, SOL A, SOL B and SJC A.
The leaders in the two groups – Subang United FC and Saab FC – lived up to their billings and defeated Luniaz & The Gang (3-2) and USJ12 Taipan Rovers (4-3) respectively in the semi-finals.
Then, Luniaz & The Gang edged USJ12 Taipan Rovers 3-2, also on penalties, after a goalless draw for third spot and earned RM500 while USJ12 Taipan Rovers settled for RM300.
Before the prize presentation, the players and their supporters were treated to light refreshments courtesy of MPSJ.
MPSJ representative Ahmad Faizal Azhar, and Subang Jaya Community Sports Club leadership members Abul'as Othman and Mary Koh gave away the prizes to the winners.
Tournament organising co-ordinator Farouk Hashim said they were planning to host a league competition for the veterans next season.
“We want to attract more veterans to be part of our on-going community programmes,” he added.
