Text and image Desney Romeo
Finally, in the fourth season of the Suriname Major League (SML), a team managed to defeat Robinhood during the regular competition. Leo Victor achieved this feat. The victory was secured within the space of three minutes in the first half, with both goals scored in almost identical fashion.
In the seventeenth minute, Roy Rome went to the back line and pulled the ball high for Robinhood’s goal. Roviano Aloeboetoe then headed the ball over goalkeeper Jonathan Fonkel into the goal. Three minutes later it happened again. This time Rome played the ball low in front of the goal, after which Aloeboetoe trumped the hesitant Robinhood defense and tapped in from close range: 2-0.
“As for the match, it was clear that the first defeat in the SML would come at some point. Unfortunately, that was the case today. We lost our first match, but no man was spared”
Robinhood trainer Godeken
There weren’t many clear opportunities after that. A special moment was when Jenairo Ligeon hit the crossbar after a free kick from Jamilhio Rigthers. Neither goalkeeper encountered any major difficulties. Leo Victor, who played better organized football, deservedly took the three points.
Afterwards, Leo Victor trainer Henry Kia explained what the victory over Robinhood meant for him and his team. Leo Victor was the first team to defeat Robinhood in the regular competition of the Suriname Major League (SML).
“That is a compliment to my players. We have worked hard for it. We know that we are playing against a very disciplined and organized team, so we had to be careful. We also said that we are not going to defend, but attack. If we dare, we think we will succeed. We have tried to keep our midfield very compact, because we know that Robinhood is very strong there. We have succeeded quite well,” said Kia.
Kia was asked how he explained that Leo Victor managed to score both times with just two shots on target. “That actually comes across very well. There should have been more goals. The intention was for more shots on goal, but because of my enthusiasm I didn’t really pay attention to that,” the trainer responded.
Kia critical of points deduction
Kia was also asked how he experiences the fact that Leo Victor has not ten but seven points after four matches, in which the team won three times and drew once. The club was deducted three points for failing to pay an increased fine. “Of course that is not a good thing. I have stated that the teams must make a statement: if an administrative error has been made, the penalty should not be a point deduction. If necessary, a higher fine can be imposed,” Kia said.
The trainer indicates that he is not aware of the arrangement, despite it being pointed out. “But when it comes to points, I think it has to do with absenteeism from matches. I think they should come up with a different punishment. What we have to do now is make sure that the stronger teams also lose a match, so that they are on level terms with us,” said Kia.
About Leo Victor’s goal this year, he says; “We talk about Leo Victor and I think the last championship dates back to 1982. So we have to aim for the highest,” the trainer concluded.
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During the match, Robinhood coach Roberto Godeken remained different than usual, sitting on the bench for the entire match. “I wanted to take it a bit easier today. I had a bit of a headache. As far as the match was concerned, it was clear that the first defeat in the SML would come at some point. Unfortunately, that was the case today. We lost our first match, but no man is overboard. We just have to move on,” said Godeken.
“Any team can have a bad day and today we clearly had a bad day. You saw that the defense was pulled apart, which gave Leo Victor a lot of space to play football between the lines. On the other hand, we were unable to stop Leo Victor’s running players. We did not defend the space behind our defense well enough and that cost us the two goals in the first half.”
After the two goals, Robinhood tried to correct. Defensively it went much better, but the team fell short offensively. “Our play was disjointed and we lacked creativity. Especially in attack, where Robinhood is normally strong, we could not hold the ball well up front. As a result, we could not play our own game and that cost us,” said Godeken.
Godeken indicated that the team must return to training to correct the shortcomings. The next match is against Notch, and Robinhood needs to do a much better job.
