The national sepak takraw team will start their journey to the 27th Southeast Asian Games when they leave for Myanmar tomorrow - and they have medals in their sights.
Marzuki Munap, Ismail Ang, Hafizzuddin Jamaludin, Humaidi Brahim, Md Shukri Saineh and Abd Hadi Ariffin Matali are set to compete in the regu double, team double and hoop events during the Dec 10-22 sepak takraw competition.
Brunei have been paired with Indonesia, Vietnam and Laos in Group A for the regu double and Cambodia, Singapore and Vietnam in the team double.
Brunei, Singapore, Myanmar and Thailand will be the only four countries taking part in the hoop event, making for only one group.
Team manager Hj Zaman Hj Samat believes that Brunei will have their best chances in the hoop and team double - where he hopes to finish with at least a bronze medal.
"We should be able to take the bronze in the hoop event but we will try our best to aim for gold and silver medal," said Hj Zaman in an interview with The Brunei Times.
"If we can beat Vietnam, Singapore and Cambodia, we will make it to the semi-final of the team double.
"Because of the draw, we will really have to fight in the regu double. But we will still try do our best - especially against Indonesia and Vietnam.
"Over the last three months the team has spent one month in Thailand and the other two here preparing themselves, and throughout that time, they have become a lot better," added Hj Zaman during their farewell doa selamat on Tuesday.
Brunei Darussalam Sepak Takraw Association's (Pestabaru) president, Pg Hj Ali Hassan Pg DSLJ Hj Abas reinforced the belief that the six athletes picked to represent Brunei were chosen for a reason - and should remember to be disciplined and listen to what the coach and manager tells them during the trip.
"They have been training for quite some time now, and of course, we are expecting results out of this," said Pg Hj Ali.
"We really appreciate being given this opportunity by the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports to participate in the SEA Games.
"We are also thankful that our local referee, Mohd Darus Tanjong, has been given the chance to take part and referee at the Games," added the president.
