Courtesy: The Electric New Paper


FUTSAL + FIELD = KISMIS UNITED

By Berton Lim

May 17, 2008

KISMIS United look impressive at face value.

They comprise a futsal team and a field team, each consisting of 25 members. On the competitive front, they emerged champions in the Kim Tian West RC five-a-side tournament last year.

But such achievements did not come easy.

'We actually thought about disbanding the whole team two years ago,' confessed team member Ng Ghim Pheng.

'Attendances for training sessions were very poor then. Sometimes, we had eight. There was once when only six players came down. It is difficult to play a proper game with that little number of people.'

Field team captain Muhd Syafiq, 24, elaborated: 'Members left due to a variety of reasons, such as National Service, family and personal commitments. It was an extremely tough period for us.'

Nonetheless, the core members refused to give up. They were determined to battle against the problem and keep the team afloat.

'We decided to recruit more players,' said 26-year-old futsal team captain Eric Ho.

WEBSITE

'A website was set up, so that anyone in Singapore interested to play for a team can contact us. Ghim Pheng went into various local forums to post messages and encourage those passionate about football to join us.'

Their hard work paid off as many enthusiasts touched base with them.

Nicknamed 'The Animal' for his tough tackles, 23-year-old student Alvin Chan is one of such player recruited via the forums.

He described: 'I was looking for a team to join and chanced upon Ghim Pheng's note in a forum. The experience has been great so far.'

Tan Yang Sheng is glad to find a team that shares his passion.

'Most of my friends are into computer gaming and basketball. At Kismis United, I met friendly kakis who helped me to improve my game,' revealed the 19-year-old.

'I will enter NS in July, but I will come for the training sessions whenever possible.'

Recruitment was also conducted through other avenues.

For example, project manager Kenneth Loh, 34, and civil servant Jacky Loh, 28, ended up in the team by word of mouth. They are brothers.

Jacky disclosed: 'Eric was my classmate in Singapore Polytechnic and he recommended me to join the team. My role is basically to guide the other players because I am older than them, other than my brother!'

'Now I know why my brother got me in! Still, I think playing with the younger people makes me feel young,' replied Kenneth with a laugh.

Such esprit de corps extends beyond the blood brothers.

When The New Paper met them, it was apparent that the weekend warriors are a tightly-knitted group.

TRAINING
Currently, the futsal team plays at Singapore Polytechnic on Saturdays and the field team holds their training on Sundays.

Both squads have players ranging from 15 to 34 years old.

Established in 2003, the team name was derived verbatim from a futsal court at Ngee Ann Polytechnic Kismis. They decided to play at SP six months ago due to several logistical conveniences.

A distinct difference within the team is the level of training intensity. In this aspect, the field team sets a higher bar.

Syafiq explained: 'We have a coach to train us. Compared to the futsal guys, we are more competitive because we take part in more tournaments and intend to play in one of the local leagues in future.'

'It is a more relaxed environment at the futsal side,' said Eric.

'We focus more on having fun in the game. Anyone can join us as long as they are interested in football.'

That aside, both captains firmly believe in the importance of discipline. There is no place for prima donnas and teamwork is a key tenet of their team ethos, regardless of how competitive they are.

Perhaps this view is shaped by their struggles over the years.

As such, they strive to forge close ties with one another. Some activities held to build team spirit include a yearly chalet outing and regular gatherings to celebrate a team member's birthday.

To join Kismis United or play a friendly against them, contact Ghim Pheng at 97642114. Alternatively, visit www.kismisutd.blogspot.com or www.kismis.org






Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com