Stewart wary of Albirex as opposites converge

Syahrom Sulaiman
info@sleague.com

Gombak United and Albirex Niigata FC (Singapore), two teams that are currently on the opposite sides of the spectrum, will face off against each other at Jalan Besar Stadium on Friday.

The Bulls, other than the current league leaders SAFFC, are off to a perfect start with two wins out of two. The White Swans, on the other hand, are still awaiting their first point of the S.League season.

Nevertheless, Bulls coach Darren Stewart still believes that Albirex are a dangerous side to play when their backs are against the wall.

He said, “They are an absolute credit to the S.League. We have to really play well against them if we want to get anything out of the game this Friday.”

It is probably understandable if Stewart is not taking his opponents lightly.

Star striker Akira Takase might only be 20 years old, but he is currently tipped by White Swans chairman Daisuke Korenaga to score at least 20 goals this season.

With new signing Kenji Adachihara, who scored his first S.League goal in the 1-3 loss to Geylang in their first game, and Taisuke Akiyoshi looking very sharp, the Bulls’ defence might be in for a busy time.

Nevertheless, the White Swans’ defence might prove to be their undoing as they are still missing the services of centre-back Takatoshi Uchida through injury.

His calming influence at the back would at least prove to be a guiding light for the inexperienced custodian Yoshito Matsushita.

Despite winning both their opening matches, Stewart still believes that there is a lot of room for improvement for his side.

He said, “I am happy with the two wins but we are not showing excellent form. We’re not playing well but at least it is a good sign that we can win despite struggling.

“But I will not doubt the spirit and the resolve of the team. In the previous game against the Super Reds, we came out in the second half to show great work ethics.

“Even though it looked as though we were going to lose, we stuck in there to win the game in the end,” Stewart commented.

He can thank strikers Ojimi Gabriel Obatola and Agu Casmir for being so ruthless in their finishing to ensure the Bulls collect maximum points.

Both strikers are showing great telepathy with each other and it is a joy to watch Obatola’s silky skills and Casmir’s intelligent movements on the pitch.

Stewart added, “It is good for any strikers to open their accounts early in the season. Since they have scored, their confidence will grow with every game.”

Thai midfielder Theerawesin Seehawong is the only doubt in the squad because of his ankle injury but looking at Casmir’s and Obatola’s form at the moment, the White Swans will still have plenty to worry about this Friday.