As the saying goes, 'all work without play makes Jack a dull boy,' and the same principle applies to life at KDI School. At the commencement of each semester, both professors and students immerse themselves in academic pursuits, focusing on coursework, assignments, and research. However, as the semester unfolds, the challenge of striking a balance between academic commitments and extracurricular activities becomes increasingly demanding. The juggling act of managing school responsibilities alongside various engagements becomes more intricate with each passing day.

On the 2nd of March, students found themselves clamoring with excitement during a friendly match between KDIS United FC and Bangok FC on the KDIS soccer field. KDIS United FC emerged victorious, scoring an impressive 6 goals against Bangkok FC. The resounding victory was a testament to the team's dedicated training, putting in hours of hard work in preparation. This triumph marked the beginning of what promises to be a season filled with many more exciting friendly matches for the team.

After the exhilarating match, I had the privilege of sitting down with the captain of KDIS United FC, Ted Martinez MAPOTA MIKOUMA NDONG, for a candid conversation about the game and the team's commitment to sustaining this level of success in the future. Known fondly as 'Sir Martinez' among his peers, he is a distinguished 2023 MPM major who has been at the helm as captain since joining KDIS in the fall of 2023.

Greetings, Captain. How would you describe the match?

It went well.

Which team did you play against?

We faced off against Bangok FC, a Korean squad from Sejong City, in a friendly match - and we were able to score 6 goals to 3. This contest was especially important to us since it determined which team was the best in Sejong City.

How did you connect to the team?

We established an excellent rapport with Bangkok FC, which came naturally. Our former captain had already fostered effective communication between our teams, so it was easy for us to connect with them and plan this friendly match.

Have you played together before?

Yes, we have a long-standing and great connection with Bangkok FC. This was our second match, and we won both times. In our first meeting, we achieved a 4-1 victory, but this time, we triumphed with a score of 6-3.

How did you achieve victory? What strategies and teamwork were involved?

It's essential to note that this was KDIS United FC's first official game of the season. Our key goals were to assess our progress and increase team cohesion. With our players' strong commitment, we used two strategies: starting with a 4-3-3 configuration and shifting to a more traditional 4-4-2 as changes were made. This tactical versatility enabled us to determine the optimal strategy for our players, which has contributed to our success.

How did the team react to this win? What  does this triumph mean for the future of KDIS football?

The team is overjoyed with our first victory for the semester, which strengthens our confidence and commitment. However, we realize the importance of intensive  training for future contests. This triumph means a lot to us because it indicates our talent, hints at the importance of upcoming matches and contests, and emphasizes the value of teamwork. We want to win titles and leave our stamp on KDIS football history.

What does the team have in store for us? Future plans, short-term, long-term, etc?

We anticipate many more achievements and cherished moments to share, with diversity as our primary goal. In terms of future plans, I would be happy and honored to organize a football match between our instructors at KDI School. In addition, we intend to replace the aged equipment, such as first aid kits, balls, nets, and other vital items, left by our predecessors. In the long run, we hope to leave behind a successful team that values inclusion, honor, and fair playing conditions for all future generations of KDIS United FC.

What can be done to make KDIS football great?

We rely on the constant support and encouragement of our supporters and stakeholders. Increased administrative support and new athletic equipment are critical measures toward increasing the standard of KDIS football.

Your final comments:

I am deeply grateful for the opportunities afforded to me and encourage fellow students to come and support us. Our club is open to everyone, and we welcome all with open arms.

We also talked to Gunhou Park, the captain of Bangok FC, who thanked KDIS United FC for this friendly match and hoped for his team to do better in future:

“We had a two-point lead, but unfortunately we were caught up and lost. In the future, we will find and secure tactical problems. Also, I was grateful to my opponent for helping me have various experiences through this game and appreciated Roh Seungwan who scored hattrick.”

KDIS continues to excel not only in academics and research but also on the sports field. The objective was to establish the premier team in Sejong City, and here we are with KDIS United FC after this match with Bangok FC. Watch out for the next football match and clear your calendars.