Mid-Season Report : Phoenix Bangkit FC

PERFORMANCE: No one would be in their right frame of mind if they say this enigmatic team would be the league strugglers in the beginning of the season. Boasting several high profile players such as Marwan Hadiid, Wan Muhammad Izham, Aiman Johari, Ashraf Marwan and the captain himself, Abdul Munir Sanusi, they would be aghast to find themselves in such position when they had enough quality to be champion themselves. Regarded as unlucky by some, it would be a puzzle to describe their form that hauled 4 points from 5 matches as intervention of fate when there a lot of mistakes apparent to a keen observer. An unconvincing defense and a profligate offense contributed to their own demise as they lost the battle at crucial areas, namely the both end of the field, inside the penalty boxes. Their last gasp (and only) win against Real Benchwarmer elevated some of the pressure and hopefully stands them in a good stead for the second round of PSL.

CAPTAIN: Abdul Munir Sanusi- the famous captain that had a penchant for the spotlights was really known for his passion for football. Playing as a right back, he used his stamina and speed to good effect with his attacking forays yet there defensive deficiencies in his game. Constantly caught out by attackers, he played unconvincingly, riddled with mistakes such as giving away fouls near his own penalty box. Fiercely loyal to some of his starters, it was a questionable stance when they didn’t perform well enough to warrant the privileges. The tactics that been used were aesthetically pleasing as they looked to dominate their opponents but as in any other aspects, substance should be emphasized more than form.

BEST PLAYER: Ashraf Marwan- the vice captain was one of the leading performers with his dynamo abilities in midfield. A battling central midfielder with great technical abilities, he kept the team ticking with his crunching tackles and non-stop attacking run that strike fear to opposing defenders. Good in the air, he scored a brilliant header to secure a precious point for his team against Rubin Irbid FC. It was fitting that he was subjected to several transfer rumors and a red hot target for the top teams.

UNDERPERFORMER: Wan Muhammad Izham a.k.a Awe- highly rated as an attacker, it would be churlish not to say that he had a bad season for his own standards. Greatly known for his fast dribbles, he was chastised for his profligacy in front of goal which reached the nadir in the match against Bugatti FC where he contrived to miss 4 sitters completely. Scoring the last minute sensational goal against RB should increase his confidence level and hopefully improve his future performances but the critics are still out with their knives.

STARLET: Anuar Saad- probably a shock selection as Mahdi, another youngster in team had impressed many of the football cognoscenti. Yet this young right winger had something to caught attention with his crossing which Beckhamesque at its best: simple and effective. His two assists were crucial for the team as both yield an equalizer which is a perfect cross and a winner which is a slide rule pass. However his other attributes such as dribbling and running were average, so the challenge was on him to improve for the future.