DPMM FC vs Tampines Rovers: Clash of Strength Between Two Southeast Asian Clubs at the 2026 President's Cup

DPMM FC (Brunei Darussalam) will face Tampines Rovers FC (Singapore) in the opening Group A fixture of the 2026 President's Cup. Both teams will play the match at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung Regency, on Saturday 25 July 2026 at 15.30 WIB.

This clash between two top-tier Southeast Asian clubs is expected to be a highly competitive contest. Aside from both sides using this tournament as preparation for their respective domestic leagues, the two teams arrive carrying full ambition to secure maximum results.

Tampines Rovers head coach Nazri Nasir confirmed his side only commenced their pre-season training period in early July. He stated that the team's current primary focus is improving player fitness levels while establishing the squad's playing identity.

"We only started pre-season at the beginning of July. Our main priorities right now are building up player conditioning and implementing the playing style we want to execute. We have full respect for our opponents, but our focus remains entirely on our own team's progress," Nazri stated during a press conference held at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium Media Center on Friday 23 July 2026.

Despite this being part of pre-season preparations, Nazri stressed that every match still holds significant value for his squad.

"Every team comes here with the mission to win. We also want to get victories, but above all we want to showcase our brand of football to the supporters," he stated.

Mirroring Nazri's view, Tampines Rovers player Amirul Haikal described this tournament as a critical benchmark before the team enters a congested fixture calendar across multiple competitions.

"We will aim to win every single match. This tournament will measure how capable we are to compete against quality opposition before we start the new season," Amirul said.

For DPMM FC, head coach Jamie McAllister expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete in the President's Cup. He noted that this tournament provides a perfect platform to evaluate his squad which features multiple new signings.

"It is a great honour for us to participate in this prestigious tournament. We want to test our team's quality against the best sides in this region," Jamie stated.

He confirmed that DPMM FC have travelled with a 25-player squad including three goalkeepers for the tournament.

"We have a simple target: to perform to the best of our ability and attempt to win every match. This may be pre-season, but every single fixture still matters a lot for us," he explained.

McAllister also noted he is already very familiar with Tampines Rovers' playing style, as the two clubs previously faced one another in the Singapore Premier League several seasons prior.

"I know Coach Nazri and the quality his team possesses. This will be an excellent challenge for us, and also a chance to observe how our new players adapt under competitive match conditions," he added.

The famous atmosphere created by Indonesian football supporters is an additional highlight for both teams. Both Nazri and Jamie confirmed they are very excited to experience the live support of tens of thousands of fans inside Si Jalak Harupat Stadium.

Reporter: Syafira