From the Head of PE and Sport 11.11.2023

U15 FOBISIA Games Part 3 – Football, the final challenge!

“Sports do not build character. They reveal it.” – Heywood Broun

At our team meeting in the evening prior to the last day of competition, there was both a real air of excitement and elation as a result of the previous two days’ performances and results. However, there was also a little bit of apprehension and anxiety about the coming day’s football competition. Both Mr Richie and I emphasised that what we expected to see from them was not outstanding performances, as we knew they were tired and hadn’t had the same level of preparation as for basketball, but we wanted them to show us their character. We wanted to see them approach the competition with a positive mindset and focus on the processes of what they can do to help them be successful, rather than focusing on the outcomes. Once again, the team did not let us down and rose to every challenge that was thrown at them and never quit!

Girls Football – Ms Watt

The girls were first on the field and were playing our Malaysian neighbours, BXCL from Penang. The team started with a great deal of promise and there was some great movement and play across the pitch. It was a very close match with both teams creating chances and play moving from one end to the other. The game really could have gone either way. Thankfully, it was the Vipers who managed to find a way through to score leading to massive celebrations. The team held on to win their first game 1-0. 

In their second game against Seoul Foreign School the team started a little slower and as a result paid the price by conceding a goal in the first half. They were clearly the better team and after regrouping at half time showed genuine character and managed to turn the game around with 2 goals for their second win on the day.

Going into the third match against Garden, the team needed a point to guarantee a place in the final. It was a very physical and tough match and despite both teams having chances, no one was able to find the back of the net and the game finished in a 0-0 draw. This meant that the Vipers qualified top of their group with 2 wins and a draw and earned themselves a place in the Gold medal playoff match which would be a rematch against Garden.

It was brilliant to see the confidence of the team going into the match and even though all players were exhausted there was a very real intensity in the girls who wanted to finished the tournament on a final high. 

Our attacking 3 were outstanding in the first half and made some great connections leading to some fantastic chances to score. Unfortunately, we just couldn’t seem to find that final finish to send the ball into the back of the net. Not long before half-time and completely against the run of play, Garden broke through our defense and with a powerful shot managed to make the most of their singular opportunity. At half-time the team showed the character that we had spoken about the night before and in the morning. There was no defeatism in their speech or body language, but rather everything centered around self-belief and the desire to go back out for the second half and give it everything they had. For our Year 10’s it was going to be their last minute of FOBISIA and we also just wanted to have fun. 

The team did everything I asked of them and more, and whilst we were unable to find that equaliser in the end, I had nothing but the highest praise for their efforts and commitment on the pitch. So many players in the team really ‘stepped up’ during the day, with special mentions to Sophie and Pui San in attack who never stopped running and creating so many great opportunities for the team. While Ana, Chelsea, and Dasha (who played every single minute!) were tenacious in defense. Being the team’s last line of defense as goalkeeper is an incredibly difficult and high pressure position to have and Melanie was both brave and brilliant in saving so many chances from the opposition. 

It was a real feel good moment to see the team collect their silver medals and finish their 3 days of sport in such a positive manner. 

They don’t call the competition the “FOBISIA Friendly Games” for no reason and throughout the day, members of the Vipers had been helping out Seoul Foreign School who were low on numbers. Haylie, Amantha, Olivia and Nayeon in addition to doing their part for the Vipers also supported SFS and in doing so also picked up an additional Bronze medal to go with their silver for their efforts. 

Boys Football – Mr Richie

Our team had been doing very well, multiple medals in athletics, swimming events and they had worked hard to earn gold in basketball. It had been fantastic so far. We went back to our rooms after the trophy ceremony to rest and get refreshed before heading out for dinner. Around 8:15 p.m. we gathered for the final team briefing after dinner, informing them about the plans for tomorrow’s football games. The students looked tired, understandably they’ve worked so hard throughout the tournament. We gave words of encouragement, telling them they should not be worried about the games and should focus on their performance.

The next morning, they were all ready in their football kit and ready to go. There were smiles on their faces on the final day which was pleasing to see. After breakfast, we went to our tent by the field to watch the Viper-ettes play. We cheered and were so happy when they scored goals and won their first match. Knowing that the boys are playing next, I layed down the strategies and told them to do their best.

The boys played well to keep the ball and create chances, unfortunately luck was not on our side in the first game as we lost 0-2 to BXCL (XCL International School Penang). Dejected, I told the boys to keep their chins up and focus on the next game. After we found out that the girls won their second game, the boys felt energised and ready for game 2 against SFS (Seoul Foreign School). We created multiple chances to score and played good football, if it was not for the other team’s good defensive and goalkeeping performances we would have scored goals and won in that game. One more game to go, against GIS (Garden International School). We were told that we need to score more than 3 goals in order to qualify for the Gold and Silver finals, due to goal differences. I have made changes to the team’s formations and strategies since the second game, we have created so many chances and scored two goals to nil. GIS decided to play defensively and did well to prevent us from scoring more. We won the match 2-0, unfortunately we missed out the final by just one goal difference. Bummer.

Despite missing out on the final, we had one more game to go which is the 3rd placing match against GIS. I told the boys that even though they have beaten this team before, they should not take anything for granted and focus on creating as many opportunities to score as they can to win the match. During the match, as expected GIS decided to play defensively to prevent us from scoring. There were times when they were too physical, however no foul calls from the referee and it was starting to get frustrating. During half time, I told the boys to calm down and stick to the plan, which they did so throughout the match. So many chances to score created, a mix of good goalkeeping, defense and luck from the other team prevented us from scoring. In the final few minutes before the match ended, we finally scored the winning goal after a good pass towards Leroy as he hit the shot low with velocity past the goalkeeper. The team erupted with joy and we were all feeling ecstatic for the win. After the final whistle, we shook hands with the other team and then we gathered together celebrating our achievement. What a performance by the team!

Reflecting back after we’re back from the tournament, I am so proud of the team’s character, determination and desire to perform at their best despite the challenges they faced during the tournament. They performed according to plan and remained calm when situations did not go their way. They were graceful in defeat and humble in victory. It was a joy to work with this team and I look forward to working with them again in the future. Definitely the best KIS team so far.  Go Vipers!!!

Liga SupaRimau Season C – Weekend wrap up

It was great to get back down to Likas on Saturday morning for the first time since Round 1 and watch all three teams in action. All three sides came up against strong teams but it was clear to see still the immense improvement that has occurred throughout this season and in fact throughout the year. 

There was some impressive defending and super shot stopping in the Under 8’s who fought hard against a very skilled and experienced TABS team. 

Watching the Under 10’s play, it was pleasing to see the improved structure in their formation and how they are now better able to move into positions of support when off the ball.

The Under 12’s have really come a long way over the course of this season and the year as a whole. They played with such determination and really made their opponents work hard to earn their eventual goals.  

Under 12’s Match Report 

Last Saturday the KIS Vipers U12 Football team faced tough opposite in TABS A. However, with a good result the week before against TABS B there was encouragement and optimism going forward. We kept the focus on process goals for performance rather than outcome goals as this is the best way for the players and team to develop. After kick off the team were fantastic and kept TABS goalless for the first quarter of the match. Unfortunately, a couple lapses in concentration meant that we went into the break behind but full of positivity. The second half was tougher as the humidity and heat kicked in and we conceded a few very late goals to flatter the opposition. There is no game this weekend but the following weekend sees the final match day with a double header fixture. – Coach Bromley

Congratulations to the following players for being rewarded the Player of the Match last week. 

Under 8’s – Sungwoo

Under 10’s – Muhammad

Under 12’s – Justin

No matches today on account of the long weekend. 

The final games for Season C and in fact the year will take place on Saturday 18th November. See the game times below. 

If you are not sure what Liga SupaRimau is all about but think your child might enjoy being a part of this in the future then I would encourage you to come down on Saturday 18th to take a look and while you’re there cheer on the Vipers. 

Information for Season A 2024 and how to register will be coming out shortly. With many of our Under 12 players moving up an age group we hope to be able to expand our involvement and continue to provide a pathway for players moving up with the addition of an Under 14’s team next year. 

Miss Watt

Head of PE and Sport