POST SPORTS

Playing a WO(MAN)S game

W
Republic Polytechnics Womens Soccer team has not only beaten stereotypes, they have also beaten the odds to win major games. By: Sariyanto
hen you think of soccer, the first image that comes to mind is a bunch of boys gathering to support their team, discussing offside rules and goal strategies. In RP however, it is a special group of girls who are adept at scoring all the goals. RPs Womens Soccer team has more than shown their mettle on the pitch. Last year, they were crowned champions in the annual POL-ITE (an annual competition for polytechnics and ITEs), the first time in this IGs history. One of the team members is Nathasha Lopez, 19, a second year Diploma in Mass Communications student. She remembers the day the team won. I dont know how to express it in words all I remember was running in the middle of the field celebrating. Some of the seniors were even crying because they finally won something before they graduate It was very emotional.

From Humble Beginnings

Nathasha Lopez recalling the day when the team clinched the title. PHOTO CREDIT: SHAKTI

Republic Polytechnic Womens Soccer Team, also known as RPWST, started out when the school was first established in 2002. However, due to a lack of players, the team closed down in 2005 and two years on, in 2007, the team was revived and started out with nine players. In a sport largely dominated by males, it is not surprising that this team is largely made up of players who just started kicking a ball only when they joined the team. I was actually from Malay Dance! I wanted to try sportsbut ultimately it was soccer because of my dad is a player, coach and referee, explained Team Manager Nur Sarmira Filzah, 18, a year two student from Diploma in Industry Operations Management. For team captain Mustika Natasha, 19, a third-year student of Diploma in Sports Exercise Science, soccer was more of a blessing in disguise. When I was in year one, I actually went for netball tryouts. It didnt work out for me. Then a friend suggests trying soccer. At first, we started playing at the street

soccer court (basketball court in RP) then gradually move onto the field. I am actually glad I didnt get into netball, because if not, I wouldnt have realized my passion for soccer!

A tight-knit family

It is clear when watching them, the teams strength lies in their tight-knit circle where no one is better than another. On the field, we never condemn each other, even if someone makes a mistake that cost us the match. We always push each other to be better, said vicecaptain, Nur Era Fazira, 18, a third year student in Diploma in Sports and Exercise Sciences. The tight bond was apparent during the interview. There was easy banter among the girls and it is clear they know each other very well. Of the many outings and chalets organized for the purpose of team bonding, one trip in particular, stands out. Our pre-season trip to Kuala Lumpur was one to remember. Before this, we only have friendlies.

When we started losing consecutively, and girls being emotional creatures, the disappointment in our faces was obvious and we start to question our abilities and ourselves. But our pre-season trip to KL changed all that. We went against better teams like Singapore American School. It really motivates us (that we can square off against better opponents). So that trip was my best memory playing for RP, noted Team Captain Mustika, with a smile. For now, the girls are busy preparing to defend their title. They are training hard but they wish for one thing: more support. These girls have been playing their home matches in RP in a near-empty stadium. Although only a few spectators turned up which was quite reasonable amount considering womens soccer does not attract a lot of attention like our male counterparts - but the feeling of winning it at home added to the sweetness of the victory. I hope we get more supporters this time around, she said. Join the girls as they keep you updated with preparations for their upcoming matches and more: http://teamrepublic-wsoccer.blogspot.com/

Sports Calendar
RP Events
MAY
Avontuur De Republic
An adventure race pitting teams of three in various sports such as Kayaking, Rock Climbing and Team Challenge Obstacles (water-based and land activities). The race distance is set approximately between 15km and 30km.

Non-RP Events
MAY 21 - JUNE 09 JUNE 06 - JUNE 20
Basketball, NBA Finals
Stars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and many more will be on show for what sets up to be a tense finals of 2013.

Ultimate Team Republic Challenge

Tennis, French Open

A fun and interactive sports event bringing staff, students and graduates of Team Republic together.

Roland Garros 2013 will see current singles champion, Rafael Nadal, defend his title for the fourth consecutive time.

MAY 25
Football, UEFA Champions League Final
B a y e r n Munich and Borussia Dortmund, which German club is going to be the 22nd winner of the Champions League final at Wembley?

JUNE 24 - JULY 07
Tennis, Wilmbledon
Is Team Great Britain ready to re-join the Davis Cup elite? Watch as the drama unfolds at Wimbeldon 2013.

JUNE
A night to celebrate and recognise the achievements of Team Republic Athletes. The Sports Excellence Awards honour the efforts and commitment of outstanding Republic Polytechnic sportsmen and sportswomen.

Glitz 2013 Sports Excellence Awards Ceremony

MAY 31 - JUNE 01
Running, Sundown Marathon
Head down to the F1 Pit Building on the 31st of May to run as you watch the sun go down!

JUNE 28 - JUNE 30
Rugby 7s, Rugby World Cup Sevens
As the debut of the Rugby 7s at the 2016 Olympic Games, draws near, it will be a showcase of worlds top 24 mens and 16 womens teams, as they compete.

JULY
The Republic Run
An annual event jointly organised by Nam Hong Welfare Service Society and Republic Polytechnic since 2009. The Republic Run 2013 aims to raise funds for Nam Hong Welfare Service Society and Republic Polytechnics Needy Student Fund. 4 THE REPUBLICAN POST