Return of Loaned Players

A few ESMSCC players have returned from a successful loan spell at Adib's Team. Some members of the ESMSCC 1st team squad was sent out on loan so as to rediscover their form as well as to try out new positions without risking the results of ESMSCC matches. Players involved in the transaction were Abu Diaby, Philippe Sendeshrof, Belozoglu Hatta, Kolo Huzer, Robin van Dedi and Jens Lehnasz.

Jens Lehnasz has proven what an asset he is at the back. Despite a few ambitious attempts to claim corners and take free kicks, his performance all round was solid, if unspectacular. His fine form between the sticks now gives manager Arsene Nasz a headache. His assistant Ash Rice explained, "No one really seems to know where exactly Lehnasz should play so as to benefit the team the most. Don't worry, Arsene Nasz will solve this. Lehnasz will have no say at all in his own positioning."

Kolo Huzer and Robin van Dedi were clearly the players who benefitted the most from their 2 games on loan to Adib's Team. After the debacle of the last ESMSCC game, where players were dropping like flies, Kolo and Robin impressed by coming through the game without cramps. Robin van Dedi seemed like a player posessed, defending like a Tigercat while attacking with such pace he made the opponent's right-back look slow. Kolo Toure also looked solid at the back, a far cry from his last game from ESMSCC. He seemed back to his peak sans overlapping runs. Kolo's discipline in staying back has definitely helped his game and improved his defence.

Sendeshrof impressed when played out of position at left wing, seamlessly swopping positions with the strikers and at one point releasing 3 snap shots in the space of 5 minutes. Later when called back to play in defence, he easily dealt with anything the opponents could throw at him. In fact, Sendeshrof's performance seemed to be the catalyst for Robin van Dedi's inspired display in the second half. However, Arsene Nasz seemed worried when he heard that Sendeshrof was quoted saying, "I'm not sure if I can play in the centre anymore. I'm used to playing on the left flank now." Arsene Nasz responded by saying, "What nonsense. Who does he think he is? William Ganasz? 15 minutes at left wing and he says he's forgotten how to play centre-back? What the bloody bullshit."

Belozoglu Hatta, the dimunitive midfield general, was marshalling the troops well, breaking up play and instigating attacks. His desire was apparent with his constant stream of commands and instructions showing the officer in him. Belozoglu seemed somewhat subdued in the second half, perhaps after being burdened with defensive duties as he was partnered with free spirits Abu Sufian and Abu Diaby. At one point of time, he did not even know who his midfield partner was as he was the only man in the centre of the park. Belo, as he is affectionately known, was struggling to reign in his excitement and desire in the first half, causing even the normally unflappable Sendershrof to lash out at him. Kolo Huzer was seen during half time giving Belo some calming words, "Hey Belo, calm down." Belo must have taken this to heart as he was much more efficent and controlled in the second half before eventually coming off for a well deserved rest.

Abu Diaby was signed by Arsene Nasz to be a defensive midfielder, but he showed all his natural attacking instincts in his cameo appearance. The hard working Abu Diaby was covering every blade of grass on the field, pushing himself and sprinting to close down every player. He surprised even the most ardent fans by proving that he is a box to box player, although he did not seem to worry about the time taken in getting from box to box. All in all, a promising start for Abu Diaby.

Officials from Adib's Team, which is a feeder club to ESMSCC, were said to be filled with gratitude for being on the receiving end of manager Arsene Nasz's generosity. One official was quoted as saying, "We are filled with gratitude."

While things look rosy on the surface, it seems that all is not well. Managers Rafa Adibez and Arsene Nasz were apparently at loggerheads due to ESMSCC's refusal to release Thierai Hanry. Syed Robben Alhabsyi is also uncertain about his future after being ignored for the match even though it was played in his hometown. However, this lack of sentiment was to be expected as manager Arsene Nasz is known to be unsympathetic to factors that he regards as 'nonsense'.

However, there was some controversy surrounding the move with talk of illegal payments being made by ESMSCC so as to help Adib's Team with their financial debts relating to pitch payments in return for Adib's Team accepting the loan players. If these payments are proven to be true, they could be classified as 'reverse bungs'. Such cases are rare as usually, clubs do not pay other clubs to take their players.

To add more spice to the mix, the word on the street is that the post-match meals provided by Adib's Team were both unhealthy and not paid for. Yet again, ESMSCC goalkeeper-turned-midfielder Abu Diaby has found himself embroiled in food-related controversy. Abu Diaby did little to distance himself from the incidents when he said, "If they buy, I eat. Don't ask questions." Abu Diaby's unpleasantness was understandable as rumours of dressing room banter involving a certain Seetea was said to have upset him.