The Last Samba

Written on Saturday, March 20, 2010 by KayChink

Kay Rezz (Chinko) is a classy and complete centre-forward, pairing the ability to ruthlessly and regularly find the net inside the box with the aptitude to create moments of sheer magic outside it.

Toh Chi Lung likes players with plenty of charisma in the way they play, and the Chink’s calmness is instantly recognisable on the field. It’s also an approach that has drawn comparisons with former United talisman Christiano Ronaldo. Like the captivating Portuguese, Kay Rezz loves to entertain with the ball at his feet, and he also shares Ronaldo’s happy knack for scoring important goals, which he showed more than once in his first season at Le Samba CF and also in 2009/2010 RFL season. (Against Chittapa FC and Tigers FC)

Kay Rezz started out with the underdog team, FCUK. He joined The Chinaman Army in 2006, following the footsteps of his roommate, Magesh, who also played for the club.

Despite promising starts, his first season at the club received mixed reviews; he’s being praised for his skills, but also often criticised for lack of consistency and poor decision making on the field however later on, has shown signs of improvement, and VK (Team Captain) has promised Kay Rezz will further raise his game.

“I really hope he has the same success as me, or even more, because he’s got the ability to do this," said VK.

Naveen (1st year newbie) stole all the headlines in 2009/2010 bagged the best Defender/Midfielder, but Kay Rezz chipped in with another 6 goals.

"He’s always so in control and pinpoint accurate with his passing – a beautiful player to watch."

Chinko’s exciting strike partnership with Asoka and Harinthiran was one of the key factors in the Sambas’ RFL triumph and cemented his iconic status at Room 8-12.

But it's not just Kay Rezz's goals that have endeared him to the Samba faithful. A tireless worker, Magesh always gives 100 per cent and can't stand losing.

“Are you meant to smile sweetly and jog back to the halfway line?” he protested at the time. "People want footballers to be whiter than white. Do they want a game of robots?" And that about sums up Magesh's passion for the game and, more importantly, Le’ Samba.

He arrived with the billing: the ‘new Benzema’. But upon his arrival at Le Samba CF from ~~nowhere~~ Mallu FC in 2007 most Samba Fans were left asking: ‘Abilash who?

’"His performance level and drive has never changed," says VK. "It's more obvious in Abilash because he never had the talent of Kay Rezz or Naveen, but he had determination to make sure he was always in the team.

As he began his third season in a blue shirt, the one thing that was missing from Abilash’s game was a goal, though it hadn't been for lack of trying. But he finally broke that duck with a fine strike from the middle of the court against G-15 in 2007. He has set a standard and big things are expected of him in the coming years, but it’s safe to say ‘Abilash’ and ‘who?’ will not come packaged in the same sentence again.

There have been plenty of pretenders to Min Jie’s throne since his abdication in 2008. But few have graced the number 1 jersey with such quality and consistency as Rahul.
The two differ in style; Min Jie was famed for bellowing at his back four as well as his brilliant saves. Rahul, however, uses his calm assurance to great effect.

VK, the team captain has got that thing which not many players have anymore – the ability to dribble. People who can run with the ball, take it up the pitch and beat a man are a dying breed – there aren't many around.

“I love the feeling when you score," VK says, "especially because it's not one of my main jobs. But I try and take up good positions and go up for top corners not to the goalkeeper. If you get lucky it's a great feeling."

2009/2010 season ended with astonishing result for Le Samba. With 7 wins, 3 loses and 2 draws has put them in the top 5 elite teams in RSMU Futsal League. 3 years after its establishment, Le’ Samba has finally evolved from the team some have thought to be trashable to the team that needs to be avoided. Many have enjoyed our show… All the upsets and the unimaginable results have made Le Samba, the most anticipated team in the history of RFL. For that, we could proudly hold our heads high and bid farewell to the club which has given the most memorable experience to us. We also would like to thank the Fans for their never-ending support!!