Match Preview

Date: 2 Feb 08
Location: Stade De Sembawang
Kick-off: 3pm
Opponents: The Red Team
Costs: $50/team
Referee: Charles Sissoko (Long-distance cousin of Mohamed Sissoko )

Players available:

• Chao Xing
• Seng Yew
• The Unknown Leftback*
• Faizy
• Amir
• Clement
  
• Alex
• Wei Long
• Jiun Wei
• Chuan Ji
• Wei Jie
• Randy
  
• Kee Siang
• Mike
• Zhi Fei
  

Players doubtful:

• Boon Leng (Commitments)

Players out:

• Chung Wei (Int. Duty)
  
• Fuad (Int. Duty)
• Jerome Boon Kee (Int.Duty)
  

Mavericks will be seeking to extend their winning streak after their last two victories against the young Las Hearutsusus and the senior Uncles. This weekend, they will be battling a new-born team, the Red team, which has yet to give itself a proper team name. Even though it will be their debut match, the strength of the Red Team is not to be underestimated as many of its players have been playing competitive football for quite some time. The Mavericks, however, will be missing several key players such as Chung Wei, Fuad and Jerome Boon Kee due to international duty. Expect to see one or two new faces in the side following the January transfer window which reached its deadline on Thursday nite.

Mavericks man-to-watch: Mike (No. 21)

Mavericks anchorman player Mike has been a great asset to the team since his arrival to Stade De Sembawang last year. Mainly as centre defender and defensive midfielder, Mike is exceptionally talented in reading the game and makes many crucial interventions to disrupt opponent's attacks. The most vivid incident of such was a crucial header by him against Las Hearutsusu F.C. last weekend. Being called upon to challenge for a header by Chao Xing, Mike was left to win a ball that was sent miles in the air by the opponent. Ironically, when given such a heavy responsibility, the anchorman turned and gave his million bucks smile to Jiun Wei (which seemed to imply, "Hey, my turn now. See, this is how you head the ball.") before heading it away to safety. Pure coolness displayed by Mike. Fans will be looking forward to see him in his action against the Reds.



~Wei Long

Mavericks Win in Hard-Fought Victory

Date: 26 January 2008
Location: Stade De Sembawang
Kick-off: 3pm
Opponents: Las Hearutsusu F.C.

Starting line-up: Alex, Faizy, Chuan Ji, Chao Xing, Jiun Wei, Wei Jie, Chung Wei, Mike, Jerome Boon Kee, Seng Yew, Fuad
Substitutes: Clement, Boon Leng, Amir, Wei Long

FT score: 1-0 (HT score: 0-0)
Goals: Wei Long ('70)
Assists: Jiun Wei
Clean Sheet Assists: Jiun Wei, Clement, Chuan Ji, Faizy
MOM: Jiun Wei
Best Smile: Mike

Mavericks FC followed up their recent 6-1 demolition of Team Uncles, with a laboured and professional 1-0 victory over Las Hearutsusu. Despite being the more inventive of the two teams, the Mavericks could not find the net more than once. However, Mavericks FC should take heart from their outstanding defensive performance that kept the opposition attacks at bay, save for some corner kicks from the Hearts that had the Mavericks' hearts in their mouths.

The solitary winning goal scored by forward Wei Long, reminiscent of a certain goal poacher known as Ruud Van Nistelrooy, was enough to settle a match that is far more entertaining than the scoreline suggests. Far more entertaining than the recent Newcastle vs Bolton match, anyway.

Barely five minutes from kickoff, Mavericks FC managed to find the woodwork. Receiving a brilliant through ball from Seng Yew, winger Jerome tried an ambitious lob from the left edge of the penalty box, which dipped and came off the top of the crossbar.

Soon after, it was the Hearts' turn to rattle the woodwork, with power forward Kenny unleashing a vicious shot from 20 yards out, finding the wrong side of the left upright.

The rest of the first half saw the hosts play some pretty attacking football, but without the final killer ball. The defence, led by the ever-impressive Chuan Ji and towering defender Mike, was assured and more than capable of dealing with all the high balls that the visitors are booting at them. Faizy was also in the thick of the action, thwarting wave after wave of attacks from the men in yellow. The Mavericks defence held on, and thus it was goal-less at half time.

Mavericks FC went into the second half with a more attacking mentality, searching and hungry for goals. Wing wizard Amir, re-charged after half time, sent a trademark scissors kick centimetres over the bar. Tireless midfielder Chung Wei also swivelled to send a shot just clearing the top of the bar.

Next came the defining moment which effectively sealed the result. A teasing cross from the right by attacking full-back Jiunwei was flicked on at the near post by Wei Long's outstretched foot. This vital contact steered the ball into the back of the net. Perhaps Manchester City could do with a predatory striker like Wei Long, instead of buying more attacking midfielders and relying on the "ever-reliable" Darius Vassell.

Buoyed by finally scoring the opening goal, Mavericks FC went in search of a killer second goal. They almost did through the pace and trickery of Amir, an outstanding product of the Nani Academy, when he guided a cross-shot from a difficult angle millimetres wide off the far post. The home team managed to see their slim advantage through to the final whistle, with midfield enforcer Boon Leng, back in action for the first time this year, making several crucial interventions.

This 1-0 victory represents a more mature and efficient display from the heady 7-6 days. A brilliant team performance from Mavericks FC. Bravo!


Note:

Chao Xing and Mike ineligible for the award for clean sheet assist as they have not fulfilled the 75% playing time in defence.

Team Pictures

Taken before match with Team Uncles, 19 January 2008




p.s. Amir, your facebook display is not the most updated copy.. haha.. Guys I've uploaded the picture on Facebook over the weekend. But for Alex's sake, here's another upload.

Match Preview

Date: 26 Jan 08
Location: Sembawang Sec
Kick-off: 3pm
Opponents: Las Hearutsusu F.C.
Opponent website: www.lashearutsusu.blogspot.com
Costs: $50/team
Referee: Charles Essien (Long-distance cousin of Michael Essien)

Players available:

• Seng Yew
• Jerome
• Chung Wei
• Chao Xing
• Amir
• Jiunwei
• Alex
• Mike
• Wei Jie
  
• Boon Leng
• Faizy
• Clement
• Fuad
  

Players doubtful:

• Chuan Ji (Injury)
• Wei Long (Int. Duty)
  

Players out:

• Kee Siang (Ineligible)
  
• Tommy (Commitments)
• Randy (Commitments)
• Zhi Fei (Commitments)
  

Mavericks will be seeking to extend their winning streak after last match's thumping of Team Uncles. The previous encounter between Mavericks FC and Las Hearutsusu FC ended in a 2-0 victory to the former. A clean sheet isn't impossible for the Outsiders to claim again for the second match-up, however, they're gonna have to work harder to achieve it this time round as LHFC will be undoubtedly stronger.

Mavericks man-to-watch: Chung Wei (no. 8)

Mavericks roving midfielder Chung Wei has been garnering positive reviews from the media over his no-nonsense, energetic displays in his recent performances for the team. He has also proved his versatility countless of times, most recently in the match against Team Uncles, where he played as a defensive midfielder a.k.a The Essien role. Fantasy football players were having a ball of a time, as his match rating of 10 was the highest over the weekend, with the only other "10" belonging to Internazionale's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scored a sublime 2-minute double-salvo over rivals Parma in their 3-2 last-gasp win in the Serie A. Expect another spirited performance in the heart of the Mavericks midfield this Saturday.

Some Issues

First issue,

The following players' attendance for last 2 months are worrying.

Tommy, Kee Siang, Calvin, Boon Leng


Group leaders, Jiun Wei, Amir and Clement, please assist to rectify the problem immediately.

Clement, please do remind Jiun Wei that Tommy is under his group. I 've done that on several occasions but somehow in the end, I had to contact Tommy directly with regards to match attendance.


Second issue,

We'll be reviewing the entire administration structure again. I want to make the administration much more efficient and easier for everyone. The basic idea is that there will be a specialised committee to handle each of the few areas that I have listed out below. At the same time, I wish to address a few other issues at hand as well.

Arranging Matches (Projected Committee size = 3)

It was disappointing to hear, "Oh I already did something like that last week!" when week after week, I have the same person who took the effort to write match previews and to arrange matches without complaints. We are all having it easy because of the efforts contributed mainly by one person. And that person is Clement. Currently Clement is the Chief organiser and is working closely with Jiun Wei. I need one more person to join the committee.

Match reports (Projected Committee size = 4)

We are all helping each other to ease the burden, and I suppose minor tasks like match reports don't need me to assign someone to write every week. And please, we are not kids. We can tell the difference between a genuine difficulty and an excuse to convenient yourself. I wish to have a person to volunteer himself to the post of Chief Editor. His role is rather similar to what I'm doing now - - contribute articles and lead a team of writers to take charge of all reports, except that he will be specialised in only this area. I would prefer to pick Amir though, but would probably reserve him for other posts. He has already started writing several match reports until he started to complain that he's the only one doing it. And he's been updating the scores diligently without my asking.

Welfare (Projected Committee size = 2)

We are making efforts to help in team bonding, like organising outings and purchasing some birthday presents. Zhi Fei has already agreed to take up the Welfare Chief post. But ultimately, 2 or 3 people do not make a team. The efforts of the few who are sacrificing their own personal time, will be undermined if the team is not behind them. Zhi Fei will need one more person to help him out.


Budget Control (Current committee size = 2)

I am generally satisfied with the finance and accounting side because team expenditure has been transparent so far. What is worrying is the budget control because we don't get SSC fields all the time and ended up having budget deficits.



It hasn't been easy for us to make it so far. I wished to remind everyone that we are a self-sufficient team. Better efficiency can be achieved if everyone plays a small part on his own. I really hope that "One for all, all for one," is not something unrealistic for this team.


Strangers when we first arrived, fellow comrades and friends as we ended the match.


~Chao Xing

Mavericks Crush Rivals in Emphatic Win

Date: 19 January 2008
Location: Canberra Sec
Kick-off: 3pm
Opponents: Team Uncles

Starting line-up: Alex, Mike, Chuan Ji, Clement, Chao Xing, Wei Jie, Chung Wei, Jerome Boon Kee, Amir, Fuad, Zhi Fei
Substitutes: Faizy, Seng Yew, Randy, Wei Long,

FT score: 6-1 (HT score: 3-1)
Goals: Zhi Fei ('20, '41), Chung Wei ('33), Jerome Boon Kee ('56), Amir ('76, '82)
Assists: Seng Yew (2), Chao Xing, Jerome Boon Kee, Amir, Zhi Fei
Yellow Card(s): Chao Xing
MOM: Seng Yew



Mavericks FC annihilated their local rivals Team Uncles as they secured a 6-1 win at the Canberra, a margin of victory which should have been greater. The triumph meant that Mavericks has finally won their first game in their cool new black kit, a.k.a the “Dark Knight” suit.

Licking the wounds of their first home loss two weeks back, the Outsiders were initially stunned by the early goal by Team Uncles no.19, the player they dubbed the speedy young one. Skinny and light he was, he managed to slither past the Mavericks defence and hit a well-placed goal past the veteran goalkeeper, Alex. The goal was a courtesy from Seng Yew, the undercover Mavericks sent to make up the numbers for Team Uncles. Looks like the decision paid the wrong dividends, with him setting up the goal for the opponents.

Just when the Uncles thought they were going to do an Oldham over Everton just like in the FA Cup Round 3, Zhi Fei the striker in demand, whacked past a rocket which flew into the roof of the net, past the helpless Uncles' goalkeeper . All square, score 1-1.

Barely 10 minutes later, Chung Wei added another one to the score sheet, keeping his nerves under a one on one situation with the Uncles’ man between the sticks. There were cries of offside, but referee Charles Martin thought otherwise. He has seen his long-distance cousin Obafemi Martins beat the offside trap like that many times over back in his native country, Nigeria. Score 2-1.

Faizy and Seng Yew who were still playing for the Team Uncles due to a couple of their players missing the team bus, were creating lots of trouble for the Mavericks. Moments after the second goal by the Mavericks, Faizy was brought down in the penalty area by a crunching tackle from Clement, gasps of horror were heard from the stands of Canberra. But no, there was no penalty. Charles Martin waved away the appeals from the flustered Uncles whom felt like they were cheated of their Kopi-O and Guinness Stout.

Before the half time whistle, Zhi Fei undid the Uncles’ defence yet again with a brilliant effort from just inside the penalty area by sending the ball into the goal via the far post. Fans in Canberra were now chanting his name… “Zhi Fei fei ya fei ya fei ya FEI!” which meant “Fly Zhi Fei Fly…” in English. Everyone could see the snigger on his face. Half-time score 3-1.

The second half was very much a one sided affair with the Uncles barely being able to catch their breath. The players of Mavericks FC seemed to have an extra lung which allowed them to continually bombard the Uncles’ defence. Another goal was added by Jerome Boon Kee with a superb sliding tap-in which would make even Ruud van Nistelrooy proud. The Mavericks were also boosted with the return of on loaned players Seng Yew and Faizy. Both players made an immediate impact on the team with Seng Yew once again playing the part of midfield genius with his generous assists and Faizy shoring up the Maverick's defence. 4-1.

In the 76th and 82nd minute, Amir added another two brilliant goals. Firstly, the impressive Seng Yew sliced the Team Uncles defence with a perfectly-weighted throughball which Amir tucked away past the keeper with a left-footed finish. Then, fans definitely had a wonderful time watching his trademark scissor kick goal at Canberra. Even the Uncles were stumped by the strike. Looks like Amir is on a high ever since his widely publicized rumored affair with local starlet, Jeanette Aw. The new pair of boots proved to be magical. Must have been blessed and kissed by Jeanette. Laughs, 6-1.

With the goals coming like no one’s business, Team Uncles were still not giving up without a fight. They pressed on with several near scares for the Mavericks but just like the saying, “spirit is willing but flesh is weak”, old age was just catching up on them. The Mavericks defence held out and were simply outstanding and a Team Uncles comeback was never on the cards.

Final score 6-1. Mavericks FC is en route to victory again. Well done everyone!

Match Preview (UPDATED LOCATION PLS NOTE)

Date: 19 January 2007
Location: Canberra Sec
Kick-off: 3pm
Opponents: Team Uncles
Costs: $50 per team
Referee: Charles Martins (long-distance cousin of Obafemi Martins)

Players available:

• Chao Xing
• Clement
• Chung Wei
• Zhi Fei
• Amir
• Boon Kee Jerome
• Seng Yew
• Wei Long
• Faizy
• Mike
• Randy
• Chuan Ji
• Wei Jie
• Boon Leng
• Alex
• Fuad
  

Players out:

• Jiun Wei (Family affair)
  
• Kee Siang (sprained ankle)
  
• Calvin (camp)
  

Players doubtful:



After a disappointing loss at home the previous match, Mavericks FC will be looking to get something out of their next encounter against Team Uncles. Mavericks has had a real bad start into the new year having lost all matches, despite donning their new black jerseys. It is about time they wake up their ideas and realise their losing streak has to stop.

Mavericks has not lost to Team Uncles in a long time with past results resulting in stalemates. Team Mavericks will be looking to use their youthful vigour as an advantage against the ageing Team Uncles. Still the latter boasts loads of experience and should not be underestimated.

Supporters are encouraged to come!

Mavericks man-to-watch: Amir (no. 14)

The Nani-lookalike winger, who is in hot form at the moment, has been scoring goals for fun. Amir will be relishing the prospect of netting past the opponent's keeper with his new Total 90 boots! Watch him in action as the pacey winger terrorises the back four of Team Uncles.

Team Outing Pictures

Several enthusiastic members from Team Mavericks turned up nonetheless for the planned outing on Saturday evening last week even though match was cancelled earlier due to unforeseen circumstances. Despite the high "pangseh" rate, they still managed to have fun celebrating the birthdays of Kee Siang, Seng Yew and Chao Xing.. But only Kee Siang received a present that night.. LOL!


It was adieu time for that day. But we haven't forgotten that a new challenge awaits us this coming Saturday. A string of defeats has dented the high-flying morale of the Outsiders for recent matches. Should defeat come knocking at the doors again, ... NAH.. it won't happen. The team is playing at home again and I hope everyone will understand how important this match will be.

I want everyone to come 100% match fit and with a common hunger and focus like never before.

~Chao Xing

Match Preview (Updated)

Date: 12 December 2007
Location: Tampines Ave 5 Block 867a
kick-off: 3.pm.
Opponents: Unknown
Costs: $80 per team

Players available:

• Seng Yew
• Clement
• Boon Kee
• Chung Wei
  
  
  Players doubtful:
  
  
  Players out:
• Boon Leng (duty)
  
  
  Match cancelled due to opponents backing out in the last minute.

Outing

Okay guys.. I have a suggestion. Since we have missed celebrating quite a few birthdays for our players which includes Jiun Wei, Kee Siang, Chung Wei, Jerome, etc.. Can we finally have a good reason for a team outing to celebrate the birthdays of the December and January babies?

Probably a simple meal at Fish n Co? Or Settlers Cafe? Brewerks or even some pubs in Selegie... Or do you guys have better suggestions? Timing is most probably Saturday evening next week after match or next next week.

If you wish to vote for places like Settlers that require prior booking, do let us know the attendance beforehand. I would not expect any response as "I anything" or no response at all since I am posting this at the earliest possible notice and had verbally informed some of you guys. Zhi Fei and Clement please assist me in the planning of the outing because NTU students are going back to school on Monday. -.-" Thanks!


~Chao Xing

Mavericks Record First Home Loss

Date: 5 January 2008
Location: Stade de Sembawang
Kick-off: 3pm
Opponents: S-Team FC

Starting line-up: Alex, Jiun Wei, Chuan Ji, Faizy, Clement, Chao Xing, Amir, Kee Siang, Chung Wei, Wei Long, Zhi Fei
Substitutes: Fuad, Seng Yew, Wei Jie, Randy, Jerome Boon Kee

FT score: 3-4 (HT score: 1-1)
Goals: Kee Siang ('23), Seng Yew ('68), Zhi Fei ('87)
Assists: Amir (2)


Mavericks FC kicked off the new year with the worst possible start, losing their unbeaten home record in a 3-4 defeat to S-Team. The roller coaster nature of the game was matched by the equally bizzare pattern of rain, which greeted both teams since the first whistle was blown.

Despite a virtually full strength squad fielded by the Mavericks, apart from the absence of midfield enforcer Boon Leng and defensive stalwart Mike, the S-Team more than matched the hosts, playing a physical direct brand of football.

The first sign of directness was indicated by the S-Team straight from kick-off. Upon receiving the ball from the first touch and still inside the center circle, the ambitious striker smashed a hopeful shot goalwards. However, the ball ended up almost striking off the corner flag.

Both teams had their fair share of possession in the following early exchanges, and from an incisive counter attack, Mavericks FC took the lead. A loose ball was cleared out of defence by the impressive Clement, filling in almost seamlessly in the central of defence, and reached the feet of Amir. The wing wizard took the ball into opposition territory and surged past three bewildered S-Team defenders down the left flank, before showing tremendous awareness to lay the ball on a platter for the on-rushing Kee Siang, who made no mistake with his finish from near the six-yard box.

Inspired by the opening goal, Mavericks FC went in search of a second. A delightful chip into space down the right flank by the effervescent Jiun Wei was collected by Jerome, who charged past his marker into the penalty box. From a tight angle, the forward crashed his shot against the upright, when perhaps a cross into the area for the unmarked Wei Long would have been a better option.

The miss proved costly as despite resolute defending by the home team, they could not take the lead into half-time. Another long hopeful punt into the penalty box from the S-Team finally paid dividends during stoppage time, with a tall lurking figure in blue climbing the highest and sending a downward header bouncing off the slippery turf and creeping into the bottom corner of the net, with goalie Alex centimetres from getting fingertips to the ball. Thus, it was 1-1 at half-time, with two S-Team players already booked, one of which was for a blatant two-footed foul on Amir by their No.9, which left him in some discomfort and destroyed his Nike Total 90 boots.

Mavericks FC re-grouped during half-time and sent out a more attacking team for the second half. However, this left gaps exposed at the back with the S-Team's new January transfer window sigining, their No.12, bull-dozing past a defence that struggled to cope with his lightning pace and brute strength, on several occasions. While some last-ditch tackling by inspirational skipper Chao Xing and Chuan Ji did manage to nick the ball off the striker at critical timings, on two occasions, he was left one-on-one with Alex and showed his classy finishing, scoring both of them.

Down 3-1, the hosts displayed tremendous fighting spirit to bring back the contest at 3-2. From a free kick awarded some 30 yards from goal, dead-ball specialist Seng Yew sent an absolute screamer into the top right corner of the net, going in off the post.

Sensing an opportunity to fight back, Mavericks FC chased the game with some passion, leading to Jerome and team captain Chao Xing being shown the yellow card. Firstly, the S-Team goalie showed some tricks up his sleeve when he collapsed like a sack of potatoes upon being "kneed in the face" by Jerome, while the two contested for a delivery from a corner. Not to be outdone, the S-Team No.10 leaped onto wet grass, from an innocuous-looking challenge by Chao Xing.

Route One football was on show again, as this time a high ball was flicked on into the path of the S-Team No.12, who managed to squeeze past two Mavericks centre backs before firing his shot past a stranded Alex.

False hopes were raised towards the end of the match, with goal-scoring machine Zhi Fei, receiving another superb pass from Amir, letting fly a thunderbolt effort from 25 yards out, which went in off the keeper.

From then onwards, S-Team defended in numbers and continued the brilliant tactic of time wasting till the final whistle. Now the question in the mind of every Mavericks player...when will they taste their first victory in their new black jersey?

Mavericks Vs S-team

Date: 5 January 2007
Location: Stade De Sembawang
Kick-off: 3pm
Opponents: S-Team FC (blue kit)
Costs: $50 per team

Players available:

• Chao Xing
• Jiun Wei
• Randy
• Wei Long
  
• Zhi Fei
• Amir
• Clement
• Fuad
• Seng Yew
• Chuan Ji
• Chung Wei
• Wei Jie
• Alex
• Jerome Boon Kee
• Kee Siang
  

Players out:

• Boon Leng (duty)
  

Players doubtful:

• Mike (ankle injury)
• Faizy (book out timing)
  

Mavericks man-to-watch: Clement (no.11)


Strong left back Clement has been putting in a string of steady performances after recovering from his ankle injury. Although still not fully fit, the 20-year-old who graduated from Mavericks academy in GSMB a year ago as a promising youngster, is all prepared to defend his first team place as he faces stiff competition from attacking fullback Randy, a club newcomer, who is currently in hot form at the same moment.

A disappointing loss to Premier F C in the last match of 2007 was what finally reminded Mavericks FC of their leaky defence after a string of unbeaten runs in the month of December. A new tryout of Mike and Chuan Ji in the central defence would take time for the partnership to work. Meanwhile, with Randy threatening the first team places of Clement and Jiun Wei, the competition should vastly improve the performances of the duo. With homeground advantage, Mavericks FC will be looking to attain its first win over S-team which they had failed to beat on several occasions on away grounds. Mavericks will once again be missing the services of midfielder Boon Leng due to international duty while centre-back Mike faces a race against to time to recover from an ankle injury. Also, the team welcomes back speedy forward Jerome Boon Kee after he missed last week's game.




Note:
Players' responses are based on a poll held last week after match. Players who are turning up and are not in the playing list/not turning up but are included in the playing list, please let us know asap. Leaders please assist to ensure that. Thanks.

~Chao Xing

Player Statistics

*statistics accurate as of 16 July 2007 (16 matches)


Goals: 11 - Amir
7 - Zhi Fei
5 - Jerome Boon Kee
4 - Chao Xing
3 - Wei Long
2 - Kee Siang
2 - Wei Jie
2 – Fuad
2 - Seng Yew
2 - Chung Wei
1 - Jiun Wei

Assists: 6 - Amir
4 - Fuad
4 – Zhi Fei
4 - Boon Leng
3 - Chao Xing
2 - Chung Wei
2 - Seng Yew
2 - Jiun Wei
1 - Wei Long
1 - Jerome Boon Kee

Man of Match: 3 - Zhi Fei
3 - Amir
1 - Kee Siang
1 - Alex
1 - Chao Xing
1 - Mike
1 - Jiun Wei
1 - Chuan Ji

Clean Sheets: 3

Clean Sheet Assists: 3 - Clement
3 - Chao Xing
2 - Chuan Ji
2 - Mike
2 - Jiun Wei