[Instant Reaction] Coach Simunic deserves it!

The colorful Croatian coach of DPMM - Vjeran Simunic

Don't get me wrong by saying the following statement.

While other have their merits on getting the nod for the nomination, but DPMM coach Vjeran Simunic is clearly one who truly deserve the accolade to be named the Coach of The Year.

As what the flamboyant Croatian coach has been kept emphasizing since the start of the year, it is mammoth task for his team, who have not been playing competitive football for more than two years due to a ban imposed by FIFA, to compete against other teams in the S.League.

Nonetheless, the Wasps did not show that lack of competitiveness and along the process walked away with the Starhub League Cup (which they last won in 2009 before being forced to pull out), and the late surge of form saw them pushed the league title race to the extreme.

Although the Bruneians tripped at their last hurdle of the campaign, what they had shown us is the sheer determination displayed and overcome the odds.

Much of those efforts shown shall not go without unnoticed and that it's why coach Simunic is the deserving winner of the night.

Coach Simunic greets HRH the Crown Prince of Brunei (file picture)

More importantly is the promise the 55-year-old tactician made to the Crown Prince of Brunei, who is also the chairman of DPMM, when he returned before the campaign starts that he has “unfinished business” to fulfill.

“To revive DPMM and Brunei football” he once said.

But he know inside his heart this is just the start of it and it will be a long way to go, especially when the oil-rich sultanate failed the qualify for the upcoming AFF Suzuki Cup with a number of DPMM's players involved in the qualifying round.

Congratulations to Coach Simunic and other winners at the 2012 S.League Awards Nite.

OTHER NOTABLE WINNERS

• Player of the Year - Aleksandar Duric (Tampines Rovers)
• Young Player of the Year - Wan Zack Haikal (Harimau Muda)
• Goal of the Year - Shukor Zailan (SAFFC) vs Woodlands Wellington
• Referee of the Year - Abdul Malik
• Assistant Referee of the Year - Eugene Chan
• Fan Club of the Year - Hougang United FC