Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
DPMM FC goalkeeper Wardun Yussof will call it quits at the end of the season.
This was revealed by Brunei’s top shotstopper after a training session at the Jerudong Mini Stadium yesterday.
“Actually I already decided to retire last year (after winning the Singapore Premier League title) but it is because our young goalkeepers have moved on to join the police and army,” said Wardun in an interview with BruSports News.
“So I had to put my plans on hold and try to keep the momentum going from last year,” added the 38-year-old, who joined DPMM FC in 2006.
His backups last season - Haimie Anak Nyaring and Ishyra Asmin Jabidi - have departed the club after joining RBPF and RBAF respectively.
When asked on the decision, Wardun replied: “Actually I know I can still play. People actually think that it is an easy job being a goalkeeper.
“But what they don’t see is what happens behind the scenes with all the tears and sacrifices to have a successful year.
“I won’t be retiring completely but just professionally, I’m looking to improve myself further in a coaching role,” added the DPMM FC skipper, who managed a league-high of 10 cleansheets in the League last season.
However, Wardun might not be the first choice this season with DPMM FC keeping their options open to signing a foreign keeper - Brazilian Emerson - to complete their import quota.
“I take it as a a challenge regardless of whether I get to start or not. If I do then I will always give it my 100 per cent,” concluded Wardun.
DPMM FC will head to Cambodia tomorrow for their pre-season tour and have two games scheduled - against Visakha FC and PKR Svay Rieng respectively.
They will then begin their new season with a meeting against Tampines Rovers FC in the Community Shield on February 22.
