Great Eastern Yeo’s S-League side, Gombak United held a pre-season media briefing at its Jurong West base on Saturday, 28th of January 2012.
Mr John Yap, chairman of Gombak United, kicked things off by greeting the crowd and went on to talk about the changes at the club. He went on to introduce his new backroom staff, which includes newly-appointed Head Coach K Balagamuran, assistant Stephen Ng as well as new team manager, Peter Dhanaraj. New S-League CEO, Lim Chin, also graced the event, sitting at the first row of seats. Obadin Aikhena was officially announced as the team’s captain for the upcoming S-League season.
Given the many changes that Gombak have undergone this off-season, in terms of staff and players, many questions would definitely be asked. Yap responded by saying, “Despite these changes, there will not be any differences from previous years, in terms of what we want to do and our performance on the field. “
He also said that it will be hard for the team to attract fans and entertain them if “the team come to the field and defend from the first whistle to the last” and that’s definitely not what he wants as Gombak “is not known as a team who plays like this”.
Captain Obadin Aikhena, who has been with the club since 2006, then commented on the new squad which includes the likes of speedy wingers, Mustaqim Manzur and K Vikraman who were signed from SAFFC and Balestier Khalsa respectively. He said, “The good thing about the new team is that there are experienced and good players and it will not be difficult for the team to achieve something this season.”
Yap then concluded the session by responding to a question about plans to reach out to the residents in the Jurong West area. He replied, “There is a conscious attempt by the club to reach out to the neighborhood and that it is getting good response and support.” He also added that the club’s main objective is to play attractive football so that the fans will return, to benefit both the club and the S-League.
Gombak United will take on Harimau Muda in their opening game of the season at the Jurong West Stadium. The exact date has yet to be released by the S League.