SAFFC Coach Richard Bok: Hopefully, we can get better

SAF played host to Bruneian visitors DPMM FC in their first game on Singapore soil in two years and lost 2-1.

While the visitors have something to celebrate about, having tied last season’s table toppers Tampines Rovers 2-2 in their first fixture, and having beaten the eight-time S.League champions in their second game of the season, the Warriors needs to reconsider their gameplan in a bid to better their league standing.

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“Whatever happened today we have to rectify it and move on from here,” conceded Bok.

“I think it was mostly a lapse in concentration

“We have been giving away set piece goals in both this game as well as the last. Both goals tonight hailed from set pieces; one from a corner, and one from a free-kick.

“Hopefully we can get better.”

While SAF did have several chances at goal, a less than venomous frontline did not manage to find the back of the net more than once. This, alongside Brunei’s defensive stance in the second-half, did not bode well for the home team.

“Brunei has always had a good defensive record. Collectively, they are very defensive, very discipline and very aggressive,”added the three-time S.League Coach of the Year winner.

“They do not watch you, follow you, then try to win the ball. They close you down very early.”

But Bok remains hopeful even after his first two games of the season resulted in losses.

“Its not easy to take a two-game loss in a row. According to the sequence of the games, we have had two tough games and have a third one coming against Home United.”

“It has not been kind to us but it is a challenge we have to take.”

“In any game, it can go either way. This time around it went their way but next time, hopefully it goes our way," stated the coach, very astutely pointing out that their title ambitions have been far from thwarted.