Sunday, June 17, 2012

DIVA LA X!

Yes, it's yet again another year that the team participated in Diva La Futbol for the fourth time! This year, Diva La Futbol celebrated it's 10th edition and we have Eve, our team treasurer, who shares with us what happened over the 2 days of the competition...
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This year, Diva La Futbol celebrated its tenth anniversary! To commemorate and celebrate it's tenth year, Diva La Futbol spread the event out over two days!

The first day was targeted at School Teams and the second day was aimed at the Open category! This year, Republic Polytechnic Women’s Soccer Team (RPWST) sent in not one, not two but three teams due to the high interest in participating!

On 9 June, Saturday, the Blue team, captained by Imaniah, the girls went in with a strong mindset to play well and last through the entire day. It was a scorching hot and humid day, but the girls lasted through it together putting all their efforts into the games. Ultimately, the girls won 4 matches, drew 4 matches and lost 1. Although they did not go home with any medals, the girls went home, proud of themselves, with more knowledge on how they can play better, and a much stronger bond! Thanks to our captain, Natasha and our senior Fifi for coming down to support us! 

Team Blue
 (Back row, L-R):Fiqah, Imaniah, Evepreet, Mag, Farhana, Maslinda)
(Front row, L-R): Sarah and Shank

Team Incredible Bulk
(Back row, L-R): Siti Aisha, Kimberly, Yun Ting, Jannah and Farhana
(Front row, L-R): Natasha, Era and Jerene


On the second blistering and warm day, it was Team Incredible Bulk's turn to play. Living up to their team name, the girls played strong and hard and were awarded 3rd placing in the Diva La Plate!

Team Iron Women
(L-R): Emiliah, Mirah, Phoebe, Farhanah, Khai, Jayme and Aisyah

The third team sent in by RPWST was dubbed the Iron Women. It was tough luck for them as they had only 6 players. The team played their iron hearts out but made an early exit in the knockout stages. Nonetheless, they left Diva La Futbol with more playing experience.

Team VDFC
(Back row, L-R): Nicole, Zahidah, Salasiah, Wana, Fifi, Sheu, Samatha
(Front row, L-R): Mag and Jannah

The seniors’ team were named VDFC. They played long and hard, almost clinching a place in the champion’s cup. However, they were awarded 4th place due to a loss during the penalties. Nevertheless, they played well and we’re proud of them!

All in all, everyone enjoyed the 10th annual Diva La Futbol competition and are hoping to participate again next year. It was both a great learning experience for all who to hope to take away whatever skills they have learnt and put it to use in trainings and for the upcoming annual POL-ITE Games!



Wednesday, June 13, 2012

An interview with the Captain!

Natasha in school colors for RPWST
Today, we bring you a special interview with our (very busy) Captain, Mustika Natasha! It is a rare chance to have the time to have an interview with a Captain, who is busy ensuring that things are well among the team, from the admin stuff to everything that happens on the field.

In recent months, our Captain got a call up to the National Women's Team! An opportunity that every girl dreams of, an opportunity that comes once in a blue moon. We must admit that we are proud of our Captain, who have done well and displayed good skills on the field. We spent a few minutes to sit down and talk about her call up...


What was your reaction when you were informed of your call up to the National Team?

Natasha: Honestly, I never expect myself to be called up for nationals. It was definitely a surprise to me when I was approached for this. Being new to this sport, having only played for a year or so now, I feel that everything is coming at me too fast thus I'm slowly taking my time to enjoy whatever that I have right now.

I only agreed to play in AMK FC because I wanted more exposure in this sport and of course, I want to go against better players and learn from them as well. To be called up for the national team is definitely a bonus, and it gives me a sense of achievement, knowing that I can only do better from now on.

Natasha in action for her club, AMK FC
(Photo courtesy of Women's Football in Singapore)




Has it always been a dream for you to be wearing your country's colors in this sport? 

Natasha: Yes, ever since stepping into this sport last year, I have always imagined myself representing the country and playing with and against the best players. Having played with national players like Ernie and Wati, I really admire them and I actually set goals for myself to eventually be as good as them or if not, better.

I still have a long way to go to reach up to their standard definitely, but I'll work my hearts out to play this sport that I love.

Any word of info yet on who you are going to play against in national colors?

Natasha: Actually, due to family commitments and school, I haven't gone to any national trainings ever since the call up. I have my own reasons, which are mainly due to family problems and that I'm afraid if I were to commit myself to this, I will not have enough time for RPWST.

I know opportunities like this only comes once in a lifetime, but I believe that I still have a long way to go, doesn't matter if I'm a national player or not.

You create good long passes and create some good shots. What are your secret ingredients to that?

Natasha: It takes sweat and determination to get to where I am right now. I can say that I've been an annoying junior to my seniors, always bugging them for demonstrations and answers. I'm glad I have Sheu, Fifi, and Jannah, who always take time off to teach me the correct techniques to kick and such.

I believe that failure teaches success and only from the mistakes that I've made, I will be able to better myself as a player and also as an individual.

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We wish Natasha all the best in her pursuit of soccer!

Well, that's all we have for you! If you'd like to check her out in action, you can do so this Friday, 715pm on our home ground as the team takes on their alumni!

See you there!