About Us

What is Borak-Borak Floorball?

Borak-Borak Floorball (BBF) was initiated by a group of three avid floorballers from Penang, Malaysia. The interest sparked off due to a certain passion for the sport and a keen desire to share that passion to others. With that, came the idea of 'borak-borak'.

What does the term "Borak-Borak" actually mean?

"Borak-borak" is a Malaysian lingo that equates to the English word "chit-chat". The phrase is commonly used and has somewhat the power to identify one's identity as a Malaysian. BBF is passionate to 'chit-chat' about the happenings and events of floorball, first in Penang and then the other parts of Malaysia. With that in mind, Borak-Borak Floorball came into existence.

Who are we?


BBF comprises mainly of three suspects under the pseudonyms of Jose, Bendy and Spritzer. However, BBF has also taken in hired-for-free reporters in their effort to cover as many grounds as possible.

NOTE: BBF is not an official website to any organization or governing body. We are merely a group of passionate floorballers who seek to share this passion to others. We strive to be courteous, neutral and honest in our opinions, thoughts, reviews and analyses.

Our vision?

BBF sought to 'talk big' and 'talk much' about floorball. We hope to represent the floorball community in Penang as well as the nation, Malaysia, in the bigger picture. We want to be a voice for floorball in the present and future generation, a voice to be heard not for recognition but for the ultimate growth and development of floorball in Malaysia.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

APAC 2010 Journal: Reflection

So the tale of 17 nearly men (led by 4 leaders) who set out with little hope came back as men with shattered hearts. It was a journey of hope with years of preparation within each individual capacity, all of which made this hammering blow in APAC 2010 ever more excruciating.

Regardless, it was a mammoth quest to begin with, not impossible if the belief was strong enough but there was too much fear. Oh yes, fear was looming around but there was also courage. The men understood that they have to summon every ounce of courage they had to face the giants but the will did not last long enough and at times, crumbled too easily when given a few blows here and there.

There was growth as well amidst the adversities. The men realised they lacked heart and drive and what it takes to bear the flag - they learned it the hard way. But the sacrifice was not in vain as a new culture has been born out of it and will set precedent for future generations to follow when they wander down the same road.

Siap sedia berkorban, untuk ibu pertiwi.

In the end, realisation and reflection upon oneself is essential. The men may have failed, but we must all learn why they have failed and what remedies should be taken so that future generations will not share the same fate. The horizon seemed to be looming with darkness. Perseverance is what it takes and at such a time like this, we need it ever than before. The next ray of light may just penetrate through any moment now, but before that happens, let us brave ourselves to re-align our mindsets, train harder than ever and then march out to face what lies ahead.

Semboyan telah berbunyi, menuju medan bakti.

By Khor Kuan Yang, #27

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

APAC 2010 Journal: Day 7 - 7th February 2010

It's the final showdown for the national team and the last chance to get back our pride and dignity with our national jerseys on. So did we managed to beat the giants? Our coach said this in our dressing room, 'We are facing giants today,and every giant can fall!'. I was inspired by this statement and was pretty fired up and motivated to slay this giants (Aussies) down.

The moment we went out there to sing our national anthem and literally face the giants. We were all pretty pumped up and excited until they dismissed from the middle of the court without giving a handshake. And this really pissed some of our players and it affected them pretty badly. Racism statements started coming out from their mouth and I could feel the negative energy flowing through. What difference are we from them when we start doing that? Our weakness for the match was 'sportsmanship' and professionalism on court.

One of the lessons that we learned as a team throughout this APAC campaign was knowing the value of wearing the Jalur Gemilang across our hearts. And showing the true spirit of warriors and fighters. I would say we did improve from day 1 but it wasn't enough to secure a win.

I have nothing much to say about the game. I guess from the previous journal entries, you would at least know how we fare in international tournaments and how we play. Much has to be improved and worked on, especially the mental than the physical.

I salute the players who tried hard and gave everything out during this game. The Aussies are physically stronger and faster than us. They dominate almost the whole 60 minutes but we managed to reduce to gap but playing really hard in our defense. Our goalie, Illyaz was selected as the best player in that game.

Final score, 10-0 to Australia and 21 broken hearts.

Deswyn Wan, #11

Thursday, February 11, 2010

APAC 2010 Journal: Day 6 - 6th February 2010

After yesterday’s spirited display against the Japs, team Malaysia was in high confidence of causing an upset against the Koreans today. It was a must-win game for us if we were going to stand any chance to qualify for the World Cup. Our game was scheduled at 4pm, with the match of the tournament Japan versus Singapore following just after our match.

With no option but to win, team Malaysia was fired up for this encounter. The first period was a close match up with the Koreans taking a 2-0 lead. It was tough luck for the Malaysians after every player ran and chased down every ball. The Koreans didn’t create many clear cut chances but were lucky to score 2 due to a split second lost of concentration by the Malaysian players. This was basically the story for team Malaysia through out this APAC, being unable to focus 100% for the whole 60 minutes.

Meeting the Koreans.

Defending the best we could.

Attack!

The 2nd period was again a close fight between the both teams with the Koreans winning the period 2-1 and 4-1 overall. Ter min scored a wonderful goal for team Malaysia after we were down 0-4, which greatly lifted the team’s spirit.

With our spirits high, Ter min scored again early in the 3rd period to put the score line at 2-4. Team Malaysia were firing from all cylinders but were unable to beat the disciplined Korean defense and the ever dependable Korean goalie. Again, as usual, a lapse of concentration from the Malaysian players mid way through the game allowed the Koreans to score a few quick goals and they were up b 8-2. With time running out, team Malaysia pushed up with full court pressure, but was further punished with 2 more counter attack goals.

The never-say-die Koreans.

Discussing with Termin what to do.

Team Malaysia.

Full time score: Malaysia 2-10 Korea.

From my point of view, team Malaysia wasn’t that much inferior to the Koreans skill-wise. However, our lack of stamina and inability to concentrate for the full 60 minutes caused us the match. A lack of experience in high level competitions and a lack of mental toughness also caused us this defeat. Everyone played with all their hearts, but we just weren’t good enough today. Already mathematically unable to qualify for the World Cup, hopefully we will be able to give the Aussies a better fight on day 4 for Pride.

The Japan versus Singapore match lived up to its billing as the match of the tournament with both teams battling for top spot. Although the match ended in a 2-2 draw, it was a fair result as both teams were equally good. Based on their level of play, team Malaysia will need to improve more if we are going to stand any chance of qualifying for the next World Cup qualifiers.

By Low Kien Teck, #12

(Note: Photos taken by Serena Tiong)

Monday, February 8, 2010

APAC 2010 Journal: Day 5 - 5th February 2010

The game yesterday between Malaysia and Singapore was a painful one to watch as quoted by someone. As part of the team official and supporter, I somehow agree. It was painful. It was painful not because Malaysia lost the game. It was simply painful to see how the players walked out of the court feeling dejected with every goal that they conceded. Any team would find it difficult to spring back into action.

Therefore, my earnest prayer and hope today is that the team will forget what lies behind and strive towards what is ahead. They will truly step up to face greater challenges, or another big giant for that matter. This is definitely not the time to lose their heads but to keep walking high in spirit and confidence.

Just before the team entered the court for the national anthem, they got together and started singing this old Malay patriotic song – a song dedicated to our fellow soldiers who fought for the nation and independence. This is just a small portion of the song but brings a whole lot of meaning in serving and sacrificing for the nation.

Inilah barisan kita yang ikhlas berjuang (This is our line of comrades who are faithful to fight)
Siap sedia berkorban untuk ibu pertiwi
(Ready to sacrifice for their beloved nation)
Sebelum kita berjaya jangan harap kami pulang (Before we succeed, please don’t hope for our return)
Inilah sumpah pendekar kita menuju medan bakti (This is the vow of our fellow comrades as they approach the battle zone)

What an appropriate song of commitment for such a time as this! It certainly did boost up the spirit and morale of the team. As they faced Japan today, Malaysia displayed a very positive spirit throughout the first period. It was somehow different from yesterday’s game. They truly stepped up to the challenge! Very commendable indeed! In fact the team had great possession of the ball for the first 2-3 minutes, and fairly well throughout the first period. We saw a drop in their mental state and spirit during the second period but managed to pick themselves up again to finish the battle. And the rest was history..... Malaysia lost to Japan 1-11.

Malaysia vs. Japan
(Taken from IFF website)


There is no way (at least not yet!) for Malaysia to match Japan in terms of skills and speed. But overall, it was relatively a good and intense game, simply because the team stepped up, and believed that they can face the giant and do their nation proud!

Penny Khoo, Team Malaysia Official

APAC 2010 Journal: Day 4 - 4th February 2010

On paper, we are the weakest team. On paper, they are the strongest team. When we are facing the giant, it is not about what’s on the outside but it is about what’s on the inside. Facing the giant requires us to call out the real person inside us! Entering our first game of the tournament and that’s exactly what we needed to do - we had to play against Singapore, widely regarded as the best team in Asia. What a way to begin APAC 2010 campaign!

Facing the giant!

Everyone was motivated in the dressing room. We were so confident that we can at least give the Singaporeans a hard fight. No doubt, we were all nervous... Nervous for every reason possible... but the fight must still go on. This game was really about challenging ourselves more than anything else. It’s about us fighting against our fears. APAC 2010 will not be about gaining exposure any longer, it’s about going up against every team with the mindset to win.

The Malaysia flag across our jersey was our motivation.

The coaches and team manager of Malaysia discussing.

Running hard, playing hard!

Warming up!

Everything seemed to go into a blur in just within 10 minutes of the game - we were already down 8 to nothing. Facing situations like that is never an easy pill to swallow down especially if it’s only your first match. We were all dejected. We could tell by looking at each others’ faces. By the end of the first period, we were down by 11 goals. It was brutal.

Negaraku.

Facing off against the Singaporeans!


Nothing much can be said about the match. At the end of the day, we all know that we didn't play hard enough, we didn't play with our hearts. The difference between a winner and a loser is that a winner always play with their hearts and not by the circumstance that they are in. We didn't do that today.

It's not a good start for all of us but an essential lesson to be learn. Time to move on.

Three more games to go.

Low Chong Guan, #13

Friday, February 5, 2010

APAC 2010 Journal: Day 3 - 3rd February 2010

Ah, finally. The day of the official face-off of APAC 2010. We were all excited to watch the teams play. With all the best teams in Asia assembled here, every team will be worth watching. Japan, the Kamikaze team, will turned up the heat against the Australians.

Travelling by MRT to Woodlands Sports Hall.

The Japs has always been known for their speed, agility and their "kamikaze" spirit on court. Although physically small in size, their strength and aggressiveness surprises any team. The Aussies, on the other hand, are BIG. Size is their biggest strength (pun intended). The Aussies may have a speedy Jonathan Veron on their side, but unfortunately for them, the Japs have a whole troupe of 'Verons' in their team!

Snapshots!

The Japanese!

The Australians!

The final score?

Japan 6 - Australia 2

The second match of the day saw the home team, Singapore, going up against Korea. Singapore, the much feared team, is definitely a team superior in its speed, technicality, agility and team work. A team bolstered by a handful of young guns, this team is set to cause some serious damage to other teams in APAC 2010. Korea, the team that has shown over and over again how passionate, persistent and physical they can be on court, is also a team to be reckon with. Their biggest weapon? Their heart. Their ability to not give up is something to be applauded for.

Snapshots!


Singapore vs. Korea

But at the end of the day, only one team stands superior.

The final score;

Singapore 10 - Korea 2

Tomorrow will be our first game playing against the Singaporeans. How are we doing so far? Jitters are kicking in for sure but nonetheless, we will give our all regardless of the scoreline.

Malaysia!

By Christopher Koh, #14

Thursday, February 4, 2010

APAC 2010 Journal: Day 2 - 2nd February 2010

What supposed to be a short smooth sailing trip from Penang to Singapore turned out to be a disaster on our first day. Nonetheless, thank God that we all arrived in Singapore in one piece albeit a draining trip.

The second day started off a little slow with most of us sleeping in as much as we could to compensate the much needed rest after the energy-zapping trip from Penang to Singapore the day before. Our schedule for the second day was relatively light and easy, beginning the day with breakfast!

One of the many challenges some of us are facing here is budget. Most of us are here on a rather tight budget. Therefore, knowing where to get cheap yet good food is my other personal mission here as well :P So far, food hasn’t been an issue. I’m thankful that where we are staying, food can be found almost immediately. The plus point is that it is cheap and nice!

The highlight of the day was none other than our one and only training session at Woodlands Sports Hall, the venue of APAC 2010. The one hour training session was for us to get a good feel of the court, atmosphere and setting. Before we even got to the venue, we had an adventure of our own – getting lost! Yup, it took us a while before we eventually found the place.

Woodlands Sports Hall.

Getting acquainted with the court.

Training went well. The arena was exceptionally hot and stuffy and that hindered our performance on court. Most of us felt that the heat in the court was a little too much to handle. Well, at least we know how it feels and that should keep our heads up and be ready to perform during game time. On another note, Kok Ee, Guan, Teik and Kean Hooi have been extremely hospitable and generous to the national team. Not only did they provided us with accommodation but they also sponsored us with a very “yeng” training kit jersey. Thanks guys! Appreciate it loads!

Feeling the tension.

Tomorrow will see the official launch of APAC 2010. Our first game will be on Thursday. The jitters are kicking in. How will the national team fare? Only time will tell...

“If God is for us, who can stand against us?”

At all cause, remember the cause.

By Christopher Koh, #14

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

APAC 2010 Journal: Day 1 - 1st February 2010

The day started at 6.30. Sleepy heads climbing out of the bed, a quick wash up, final check on the bags and off we went... It seemed to be a great start before a series of unfortunate events came along.

Penang had a group of 6 who were heading down to Singapore via Jetstar and during check in, we were told that the take off had been brought forward 15 minutes earlier. However, after a 30 minutes wait, we were then told that the flight has been delayed and then further delayed and even further delayed until we finally took off at 1.15pm. The good side to it other than recovering some sleep on uncomfortable chairs was that we were treated free MacD and switched our flight to MAS and had another meal during the flight. Save us lunch cost. ^^

eh, when we flying la...

By the time we touched down and arrived at Kok Ee’s place, which was 20+ stations away from the airport, it was already late noon and everyone dozed off. Dinner time saw the arrival of another 3 Malaysian from KL and all took off for dinner.

On the way, we passed by a big public court and Sam’s hands were getting itchy and suggested we have a floorball session, which we did. A nice pre-competition work out to get our muscles running. Tomorrow will be our first and final training at the arena, Woodlands Sports Hall.

pass! pass!

Now we sleep...

... and wait...


By Khor Kuan Yang, #27