BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

XN FT progressed to the next round of the Veteran and Grand Masters events at the 7th Brunei 7’s International Soccer Challenge yesterday.

In the Veteran event, XN FT finished at the top of the group after two wins and one draw to qualify into the Cup Competition held at the Berakas Sports Complex.

They were joined by 2013 and 2014 champions Harimau Mega (HM) FC of Johor, Wisma RSC, and PSJD in group B of the tournament’s proper.

Al Idrus FT, Mohais FC, Riwayat FC and ITF are pooled in group A, while the rest of the teams were relegated into the Plate Competition.

XN FT also qualified into the Cup Competition of the Grand Masters event dominating their group, collecting seven points following two wins and one draw.

XN FT, who are defending champions of the Grand Masters event will be in the same group with Teruja FC, RSCU and Sarawak’s Mevec Bukit Sari in group A, while group B consist of Stoneville FC, PSJD, HM FC and Al Idrus FT.

“We had a good start today even though it was raining almost the whole morning, the games were very competitive and everyone is enjoying their time,” said one of the organising committee members of the tournament, Tajul Ariffin Sumpong in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.

Present as the guest of honour at the opening ceremony of the tournament yesterday was the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Hj Ali Hj Apong

Organised by the VFA and sanctioned by the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD), the tournament attracts a total of 32 teams this year.

The winners of both categories will receive a $2,000 cash prize, challenge trophy and medals while the runner-up will get half the amount, trophy and medals.

Among the tournament’s objectives are to promote the country as a tourist destination and to provide an opportunity for veteran football players to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Held for the first time in 2010, the inaugural edition of the tournament attracted 10 teams each in the Veterans and Grand Masters category.

The Brunei Times