Thursday, May 23, 2013

BEATEN ALL THE WAY

After spending a whopping RM30,000 more then market price tickets as reported in The Malay Mail, the national U16 team ended last in the Four Nation Tournament held in Manhiem, Germany.

This blog waited four days for MHC to provide details and results of the tournament but obviously that was asking for too much.

Anyway Malaysia lost 4-3 to Germany, 6-2 to Holland and 3-0 to Belgium to finish last in a tourney that saw Holland as Champs followed by Belgium and Germany.

One of our worst performances in recent times.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

KLHC CHAMPS



KL Hockey Club successfully defended their TNB Cup title when they came from behind to edge Tenaga Nasional Berhad 2-1 at the National Hockey stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Some 3,000 fans thronged the National Hockey Stadium to witness the clash of two of the most successful teams in the history of MHL. And lending support was Minister of Youth & Sports Khairy Jamaluddin who is the first serving Sports Minister to attend a final of MHL.

WORLD LEAGUE SEMI FINAL FIXTURES JOHOR

The fixtures for the World League Semis, to be played in Johor Baru from June 29 till uly 7 were released by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation.
The eight team, currently marked Team X will be determined at the end of the Round 2 that is to be held in Russia next week where either Japan or Russie are tipped to qualify.
POOL A                                                            POOL B
Germany                                                             Malaysia
South Korea                                                       Pakistan
Argentina                                                            England
Team X                                                               South Africa
FIXTURE:
Saturday 29 June 2013   
15.00     Germany             v              Argentina
17.00     Korea                  v              Team X
19.00     Pakistan               v              Malaysia
21.00     England               v              South Africa
Sunday 30 2013                 
             15.00     Argentina            v              Team X
17.00     Korea                   v              Germany
19.00     Pakistan               v              England
21.00     South Africa       v              Malaysia
Tuesday 2 July 2013         
             15.00     Germany             v              Team X
17.00     Argentina            v              Korea
19.00     England               v              Malaysia
21.00     South Africa       v              Pakistan
Thursday 4 July 2013       
             14.45     QF1        1st Pool A            v              4th Pool B
17.00     QF1        2nd Pool B           v              3rd Pool A
19.15     QF1        2nd Pool A          v              3rd Pool B
 21.30     QF1        1st Pool B            v              4th Pool A
Saturday 6 July 2013        
             14.45     5 / 82     Loser Match 13                 v              Loser Match 14
17.00     5 / 82     Loser Match 15                 v              Loser Match 16
              19.15     SF2         Winner Match 13             v             Winner Match 14
21.30     SF2         Winner Match 15             v              Winner Match 16
Sunday 7 July 2013           
             14.45     7 / 8       Loser Match 17                 v              Loser Match 18
17.00     5 / 6       Winner Match 17             v              Winner Match 18
              19.15     3 / 4       Loser Match 19                 v              Loser Match 20
21.30     1 / 2       Winner Match 19             v              Winner Match 20

Saturday, May 18, 2013

A NOBLE CAUSE BY UNIKL


UNIKL Hockey Club and the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) yesterday officially teamed-up to save a dying breed in hockey -- goalkeepers.

From the days of Khairuddin Zainal in the 1975 Kuala Lumpur World Cup, right until the present No 1 S. Kumar, national goalkeepers have helped keep Malaysia among the top 15 countries in the world.

However, the supply chain of caliber goalkeepers has almost dried up, and that is why UniKL and MHC started a specialised training programe yesterday.


Led by former national keeper and current national and juniors goalkeeper coach M. Nadarajah, the trainings will be held every Saturday.

Yesterday, about 20 goalkeepers from ages 10-16 turned up for the official launch which also saw Kumar, former national goalkeeper Nasihin Nubli, national coach Paul Revington and his assistant Arul Selvaraj making their presence felt.


"We used to have some of the best goalkeepers in the world at one time, but today, even Malaysia Hockey League sides are finding it difficult to secure good goalkeepers.

"And when Kumar and Roslan (Jamaluddin) retire in the near future, the gap between them and those who are likely to fill their shoes is just too wide.
  
"That is why, with the help of UniKL and MHC, I hope to train young goalkeepers with the basics so that when they move up to the club and then national levels, they will easily fit in and there is no need to hire foreign goalkeepers for the MHL," said Nadarajah.


  
Nadarajah, Kumar and Roslan will head for the Netherlands, for the second time, on Monday to undergo specialised goalkeepers training under Martijn Drijver.
  
The first was in November last year: "In Netherlands Roslan and I learned how too combine the Asian and European style in our last training. And it did help improve our game, so we are looking forward to the second stint," said Kumar.



  
Kumar, from Tampin Negri Sembilan, then parted his knowledge with some of the young aspirants, who later lined-up for photo shoots with him.

SAPURA EDGE TIGERS TO FINISH THIRD



Sapura edged Maybank 2-1 to take thid spot in the TNBMHL TNB Cup at the national Hockey stadium in Bukit Jalil tonight. The win assured Sapura of RM40,000 as prize money with the Tigers taking home RM30,000.
 

SUNDAY END UP THIRD


TNBMHL Division One League debutants Sunday 2030 Kuala Lumpur secured a third place finish in the President Cup after defeating Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh 3-1 in the 3rd and 4th place play-offs today.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

TWO MODENAS BIKES TO BE WON



Not only will the fans who make their way to the National Hockey Stadium this Sunday for the TNB Cup and President's Cup final be able to witness top level hockey, but they will also stand a chance to walk away with two Modenas Passion motorcycles donated by Edaran modenas Sdn Bhd.
 

Monday, May 13, 2013

MEOR, KAZA SURPRISE INCLUSIONS AS FAEEZ DROPPED

As expected there were several surprises when the national team was named at the NHS in Bukit Jalil this evening by national coach Paul Revington.

But true to form the press conference was delayed as the Malaysian Hockey Confederation lived up to its form, as they awaited the arrival of its Senior Vice President Dato Nur Azmi Ahmad who was said stuck in a traffic jam.

The surprise inclusions were Ahmad Kazamirul Nasruddin and Meor Muhamad Azuan Hassan while in what comes as a major exclusion was the axing of national juniors skipper Mohd Noor Faeez Ibrahim.

Also making a return to the team were Azreen Rizal Nasir and Firhan Ashaari.

Those who were omitted from the last squad are Faeez, Amir Farid Ahmad Fuzi, Hafifihafiz Hanafi, Jiwa Mohan, Mohd Sallehin Ghani, Mohd Syamim Mohd Yusof, Mohd Amerullah Aziz, Shahrin Mohammad. Also left out was Ismail Abu, who is currently injured, was also left out but his condition will be monitored.

Among the squad are five players who are also in the National Junior squad preparing for the JWC in New Delhi this December. They are Faiz Helmi Jali, Meor, Mohd Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin, Fitri Saari and Firhan Ashaari.

The squad:

Ahmad Kazamirul Nasaruddin, Azlan Misron, Azreen Rizal Nasir, Baljit Singh, Chua Boon Huat, Faiz Helmi Jali, Faisal Saari, Izwan Firdaus Ahmad Tajuddin, Jivan Mohan, Khairulnizam Ibrahim, S.Kumar, Meor Muhammad Azuan Hassan, Mohd Shukri Mutalib, Mohd Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin, Mohd Fitri Saari, Mohd Shahrun Nabil Abdullah, Mohd Amin Rahim, Muhd Azzami Abadi, Muhd Firhan Ashaari, Muhd Ramadhan Rosli, Muhd Marhan Jalil, Mohd Razie Rahim, Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor, Norhizzat Sumantri, Roslan Jamaluddin and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tg Jalil

The October squad

1. Amir Farid Ahmad Fuzi
2. Azlan Misron
3. Baljit Singh Charun Singh
4. Chua Boon Huat
5. Faiz Helmi Jali
6. Hafifihafiz Hanafi
7. Ismail Abu
8. Izwan Firdaus Ahmad Tajuddin
9. Jivan Mohan
10 Jiwa Mohan
11. Kumar Subramaniam
12. Faizal Saari
13. Mohamad Sukri Abdul Mutalib
14. Mohammad Izad Hakimi Jamaludddin
15. Mohd Fitri Saari
16. Mohd Sallehin Abdul Ghani
17. Mohd Sharun Nabil Abdullah
18. Mohd Syamin Mohd Yusof
19. Muhamad Amin Rahim
20. Muhamad Azammi Adabi
21. Muhamad Ramadan Rosli
22. Muhammad Amerullah Abdul Aziz
23. Muhammad Marhan Mohd Jaliem
24. Muhammad Noor Faeez Ibrahim
25. Muhammad Razie Abdul Rahim
26. Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor
27. Norhizzat Sumantri
28. Roslan Jamaluddin
29. Shahrin Mohamad
30. Tengku Ahmad Tajudin Abdul Jalil

On standby
1. Azreen Rizal Nasir
2. Kairulnizam Ibrahim
3. Kelvinder Singh Makbul Singh
4. Muhammad Azri Hassan
5. Muhammad Firhan Ashaari
6. Muhammad Izzat Mohd Rahim
7. Namasivayam
8. Shazril Irwan Nazli

A FEW SURPRISES IN STORE

National coach Paul Revington will hold a press conference this afternoon to name his team for the next phase, from May to September and it will be interesting to see just how many changes are expected to be made to the team.

Revs has a policy of naming a new training squad, and in October last year had named a squad of 30 players with 8 in the reserve list.

He however is not accorded such luxury this time around and has to reduce the team to 26 players, thus it will be interesting to see just which of the four players will be omitted from the squad for really there is not much o add from, in terms of talent.

The squad Revs picked in October last year went on to play in three major tournaments, the Champions Challenge in Argentina where we finished fourth, the AHF Champions Trophy in Doha where we retained our bronze medal, and the 22nd Sultan Azlan Shah Cp where Malaysia lost in the final to Australia by virtue of a goal four seconds from time.

Going by the performances, and in some cases the lack of playing time in the Malaysian Hockey League, Ismail Abu who is nursing a knee injury is likely to face the chop. Ismail who plays for Terengganu HT has hardly played in the MHL and it will come as a surprise if Revs names him given the fact that he has a smaller squad and can ill afford having a passenger in the squad, utilizing an important place to do rehabilitation.

Though KLHC's Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor is also another player that drifted in and out of MHL through a shoulder injury, he has shown sufficient recovery.

Next is the Mohan brothers, Jiwa and Jivan. Of the two, Jiwa is most likely to be axed and it will not be a surprise. He had retired in the past and was brought back in 2011 by former coach Tai Beng Hai. With age catching up, perhaps it's best to allow Jiwa to ride into the sunset for good this time around.

From the goalkeeping aspect, both S.Kumar and Roslan Jamaluddin are certainties. Roslan has been outstanding in the MHL and Kumar has had some rough patches. The duo will leave for Holland after the MHL for a weeks stint under their Dutch goalkeeping coach. Some have questioned the wisdom of utilizing the Dutch coach, but looking at Roslan's vast improvement, really the stints are beneficial.

Another player that will face the chop is Mohd Ameerullah Aziz who plays for Terengganu. His team mates, Azlan Misron, Fitri Saari, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, Jivan Mohan and Mohd Shahrun Nabil are likely to be retained in the national team.

One player that is expected to make the 26, after being left out of the last squad is Sapura's Azreen Rizal Nasir. He has been is exceptional form and has shown good leadership qualities as well. However a big question mark looms over Izwan Firdaus, though he will make it as Maybank's Hafifihafiz Hanafi did not play in the MHL due to a knee surgery.

Another Maybank player that could lose out after being in the training squad for the past two years is Shahrin Mohamad who never made an impact.

From KLHC, those expected to be retained are Roslan, Mohd Razie Rahim, Nabil Fiqri, Mohd Shukri Mutalib, Chua Boon Huat. Kevinder who was in the reserve squad is expected to be left out.

One surprise exclusion will be UniKL's Baljit Singh whose loss of form has been of concern. Although his team mate Mohd Faeez Noor Ibrahim is certain to be included, Baljit's omission could well see the last of the Sikhs donning national colours.

From TNB, the question mark will be on defenders Mohd Sallehin Ghani and Mohd Amin Rahim as they have really not played up to expectations and are unable to meet the demands of international hockey. Another player who ought to be left out is Amir Farid who is just ordinary given his performances in the MHL.

Players like Firhan Ashaari, left out of the last training squad are worthy of another chance as is coaxing Mohd Madzli Ikmar out of retirement for one last hurrah to qualify for the World Cup.

The national team will play China in some friendlies later this month before leaving for South Africa for four Test Matches.

The big test is the World League semis from June 29 to July 7 where they will be up against Germany, Pakistan, England, South Korea, South Africa, Argentina, and a yet to be named team. A top four finish will give them a great chance to make the 2014 World Cup in Holland.

Failing which the final chance will come this August in the Asia Cup, a tournament Malaysia has to win to take the World Cup berth.

Lets see if Revs comes up with some surprises this afternoon.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

KLHC HAMMER EIGHT PAST SAPURA



Defending champions KL Hockey Club eased into the final of the TNB Cup when they trashed Sapura 8-0 in the second leg semi finals at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

The win completed a 11-1 aggregate win and in the final KLHC will take on Tenaga Nasional Berhad who had defeated Maybank in the other semis played earlier in the day.

This will be the third consecutive final between KLHC and TNB, with KLHC winning the last two with a 3-2 and 3-0 scoreline. And KLHC will be out to complete a double, their third on the trot as well, having bagged the league title last month.
 

TNB SAFELY THRU TO FINAL



Tenaga Nasional Berhad booked their berth in the final of the TNB Cup despite being held to a 2-2 draw by Maybank in the second leg semis at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil. They thus went through on a 8-4 aggregate and will play either KL Hockey Club or Sapura in the final next Sunday.

And their second stringers made it a day to remember as TNB Thunderbolts defeated Ipoh City Council 8-2, to complete a 14-5 aggregate win following the first leg win of 6-3.
 

SELECTIVE CO-OPERATION

For those who are following the twitter of TNBMHL as well as read stories from www.tnbmhl.com.my, please note that the times provided for the goals may not be accurate as the Technical Officials on duty have stopped co-operating with the Medai Officer and enetertain only individual phone calls in providing information.

Though MHC was informed about this on Friday, nothing was done. So now the question is are the Technical Officials watching the match or talking on the phone? Over to you MHC.

Friday, May 10, 2013

TNB HAVE A FOOT IN THE FINAL



Tenaga Nasional Berhad put a huge dent in the aspirations of Maybank and put one foot in the final of the TNB Cup when they defeated the Tigers 6-2 at the National Hockey Stadium.

And in the President's Cup TNB Thunderbolts scored a convincing 6-3 win over Ipoh City Council and look safe for a place in the final.

It is curtains for Maybank as there is no way that TNB will concede four goals without reply and for TNB, they can start planning for the final where they are likely to be playing KLHC.

Maybank suffered from some rater harsh umpiring decisions and that largely affected their game as the umpires awarded penalty corners for some good dives by the TNB players.
 

KLHC HOLD THE EDGE, AS DO UITM



Though the scoreline shows that KL Hockey Club holding a 3-1 lead at the end of the TNB Cup, in reality the place in the final is still up for grabs. And in the President's Cup, Uitm held off Sunday 2030 for a slim 2-1 advantage.

The KLHC v Sapura match lacked the excitement that was expected from a match between the two teams and in the end KLHC will probably be regretting not taking advantage of the chances they created.
 

Thursday, May 9, 2013

WORLD CLASS

While top hockey nations appoint personalities with good hockey credentials to run their national team department, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation are taking an unorthodox method towards achieving world class status.

For they have appointed someone to administer the National Team Department and the person is set to take up the position on June 1.

This is inline with the decision taken at the seminar in Johor Baru during the Sultan Johor Cup and a high powered cimmittee chaired by Dato Rahim Md Ariff was set up.

It has taken them 6 months in their quest to find the right candidate and the person chosen came highly recommended by MHC Secretary General Johary Aziz.

Another vital info is that the candidate is close to senior officials of MHC and has been given a lucrative package. And such is the ability and contacts that the person shares that the salary offered for what will end up as a glorified clerk is twice what MHC pay their Assistant Secretary, infact more then staff who have served diligently and faithfully for the past seven years.

So the likes of Charlesworth,  Roelant Oltmans and Terry Walsh, cringe in fear as MHC unveils their secret weapon soon.

Truly a world class acquisition.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

TNB CUP SEMIS PREVIEW

MAYBANK AIM TO END 14 YEAR WAIT


The last time Maybank defeated Tenaga Nasional Berhad in the knock out stage of the MHL was in the 1999 season. But they went on to lose the final against Bank Simpanan Nasional. And prior to that Maybank won the double in 1994 and the overall title in 1995.

Ironically both Maybank and TNB are the pioneers of the MHL,  as the two clubs have never missed out on any edition since the MHL was introduced to replace the Champions Club tournament in 1987.
 

WALKING ON A TIGHT ROPE


Several players will be walking on a tight rope in the semi finals of the TNB Cup, the first leg of which will be held at the National Hockey Stadium at Bukit Jalil this Friday.

The semis will pit defending champions and the TNBMHL League Champions KL Hockey club against Sapura while the other semis will be between Maybank and Tenaga Nasional Berhad.
 

Friday, May 3, 2013

SAPURA SNEAK THRU AS SUNDAY 2030 TAKE A STROLL



Sapura survived a spirited comeback from UniKL to make the semi finals of the TNB Cup as they edged their opponents 3-2 on the night and 6-4 on aggregate at the National Hockey stadium.

And Sunday 2-30 also made it through to the President Cup semis although they were held to a 1-1 draw as their first leg emphatic win of 5-2 saw them safely through on a 6-3 aggregate.

With thunderstorm looming, the start of both the matches was delayed but once it got underway, the Sapura v UniKL tie kept the spectators at the edge of trheir seats.
 

TNB ZAP TERENGGANU AS MBI MAKE SEMIS AS WELL




Tenaga Nasional Berhad were forced to dig deep by Terengganu HT before romping home with a 5-1 win in the second leg quarterfinals of the TNB Cup to make the semifinals on an 8-3 aggregate.

And in the Presidents Cup, Ipoh City Council did enough by holding Uniten KPT to a 1-1 draw to make the semis on a 4-3 aggregate and will take on TNB Thunderbolts in the first leg next Friday.
 

Thursday, May 2, 2013

AMARINA AND FAZILLA OFFER FRESH HOPE FOR WOMENS HOCKEY IN MALAYSIA


In September last year, two national women players, Fazilla Slyvester Silin and Siti Amarina Ruhaini left for Spain to gain exposure playing in the Spanish Hockey League, a bold move by two girls who wanted to do their bit to ensure Malaysian women's hockey was on the right track.
This blog featured the duo but after that no news was forthcoming as some officials within MHC had prevented this blog from updating the hockey fans on the progress made by the two players. However thanks to the assistance from a friend, this blog managed to get the updates over the last two days and featured below is the account of their coach and the two players as well as the background of the club.
I do hope that the mainstream media will feature the gallant efforts of these two players so that the rest of the country will be able to read what they have achieved and credit to these two players for their foresight and willingness to venture abroad so that in the end its Malaysian hockey that benefits.

About the Club : CASTELLDEFELS HOCKEY CLUB
This Club was formed only in 1995, so its progression has been amazing. They gained promotion from National Women´s League 3 to National Women´s League 2 in the 2009-2010 season. And it did not stop there as they were promoted to National Women´s League 1 for the 2010-2011season. Although last season (2011-2012) they were relegated from National Women´s League 1 to National Women´s League 2, the club managed to move back into the top flight for next year.

Upon relegation last year, a target was set for this season to gain promotionfor the  National League 1. And in order to achieve this, a new coach, Juan Manuel Mas Ortiz, who was the former U16 coach of the Spanish women and former Singapore National Team Coach,was hired, together with two former Olympic Spanish players in Esther Termens and Lara Domenech.

It was he who decided to sign on two Malaysian internationals - Siti Amarina Ruhani and Fazilla Sylvester Silin. Both are 26 years old with Siti having 77 international caps and Fazilla 69 caps.


And the end results have been great, for the Club is currently runners-up of the National League 2, and have ensured the promotion to National League 1 (top 2 promote), and can emerge as  Champions if they win the last two games. 

Notably the team is the highest scoring team in the league with 95 goals in 16 games and still have another 2 games remaining; overall. 

It has been a fantastic season, with all the members and people of the Club are very excited with the team and the future.

Quotes from the Coach - Juan-Manuel Mas Ortiz, 42 years old.

Question: What does the coach think of these two players and their contribution to the team?

Ortiz: I think that they have contributed a lot with their international experience, their skills and quality and the team has been rewarded with a very good results for it.
Question: Will you want the two Malaysian players back for next season?
Ortiz: I think both parties would really love but we think that they have first to finish their studies, maybe when they finish it could happen again.

Question: When will the next season run and what is the duration?
Ortiz: The next season, in the National Women´s League 1 will start in October 2013, and will finish in May 2014 (season 2013-2014) 

Question: How has the two Malaysian players fared and how have they contributed? 
Ortiz: Siti has been an impressive center back, our key player in defence, and also in the PC set pieces. Fazilla has been our best forward together with Lara Domenech, amazing performances both of them. Fazilla has scored 25 goals this season.  

Question: Will they be in your plan for the coming years?
Ortiz: I would like to think YES! But I respect their decision to try to finish their studies first, and after that, only time will tell. 

Question: Do you think other Malaysian players can play in the league?
Ortiz: Yes definitely yes, I have to negotiate now with MHC again, to see if for next season another two National players from Malaysia can join our squad, which will feature in the top League of Spain, National League 1. Really other players also can feature in the League, but Clubs prefer to bring players from Argentina because they can speak Spanish and it´s  easier to adapt.  

Question: How can Malaysia go about getting more players to play there?
Ortiz: I would like to thank Dr S. Shamala and the Malaysian Hockey Confederation for their help, the spirit and the cooperation that we have had together. I really hope to continue with our agreements, which benefit for both parties. The Malaysian players have been amazing in all sense and a future collaboration will provide continual benefits as well.

QUESTION FOR THE PLAYERS
 
Question: How has the experience been?
 
SITI: I gained invaluable experience playing in the league as it gave me an opportunity to play alongside two ex Spanish internationals as well as the budding players.

ZILA: i really had a great fun and gained experience staying and playing with this club. I had the opportunity to learn a lot of new skills especially from the experinced players in the team.  

Question: How much of a difference is it playing in Europe compared to back home?
 
SITI: In my opinion, here in Europe there is much club hockey and quality many players.
 
ZILA: There is a lot of difference because here in Spain they have a lot of very competitive games to play. 

Question: How many goals have you two  scored?
 
SITI: 3 goals
 
ZILA: 25 goals 

Question: What next for both of you? Have you decided to stay on, or head back home?
 
SITI: We are heading back to Malaysia as we have to prepare for next tournament with our national team.
 
ZILA: We have to go back home. We both have to finish our studies first and also have to focus on the next international tournament. We love to come back to play again with the club, but we still have to finish our studies first.

Question: What were the biggest challenge you faced playing in Spain?
 
SITI: For me was the opponent, as some players from some club play very robust hockey, But I have learnt to manage it and it is a good challenge for me to improve myself.
 
ZILA: The biggest challenge for me was just the language barrier. But yes, I still have to try and understand some words that is quite important to use during playing. 

Question: What are you thoughts on having a womens league in KL?
 
SITI: Yes, I really do hope that Malaysia has a hockey league for women teams.
 
ZILA: I am really looking forward to have a womens league in KL. 
Question: And what will the benefits be by having such a league?
 
SITI: We should have one league at least to help increase the quality of womens hockey.
 
ZILA: To have a league is a great idea to create a positive competitive environment to improve the quality of hockey for the Malaysian team. Through the league also we can produce more talented players. 

Question: Anything else you wish to add on?
 
SITI: I hope this club or maybe other club in Europe will also give more room for other players from Malaysia to play and gain experience playing in the high quality of league.
 
ZILA: I hope there are more opportunities for us, players from Malaysia to play with European hockey clubs and as such be exposed to high quality hockey games.


BACKGROUND; STORY WHEN THEY LEFT FOR SPAIN

Two Malaysian players intend to give a good account in the World League Round One in Kuantan before leaving to play in the Spanish League next month.

The duo – Siti Noor Amarina Ruhaini and Fazilla Slyvester Silin have been signed up to play for Castelldefels HC in the league that gets underway at the end of September.

And the duo, both who are 25 year old, are looking forward to enhancing their knowledge of the sport in their maiden overseas attachment with a foreign club.

But getting Malaysia through to the second round of the World League is their main priority.

“I am looking forward towards my stint in Spain as I hope to gain experience and help Malaysia do well internationally,” said Amarina who made her national team debut at the Asia Cup in New Delhi in 2004.

“I feel honoured to be selected to play for the club and will do my level best. But right now I need to concentrate on helping Malaysia win this leg of the World Series.”

Amarina, who hails from Penang is currently pursuing a degree in Physical Education at Universiti Putra Malaysia. She has 93 caps to her credit and lists the win over South Africa in the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne as her best momment in hockey.

“I intend to carry on playing in the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and Incheon Asian Games at the very least,” added Amarina who credits her elder sister Siti Roshaida as the person who got her interested in hockey in the first place.

As for Fazilla who is a striker, scoring goals for Malaysia in the tournament is the task that she intends to accomplish to ensure a top finish for her team.

“Though I am expected to score goals, it is a team effort and the end result is what matters for me,” said Fazilla who hails from Mukah, Sarawak.

“Getting this opportunity to play in Spain is a dream come true for me. Besides gaining experience I intend to promote the country during my stint there.”

Fazilla made her debut in the 2007 SEA Games in Korat and it was in that tournament that she scored her first international goal.

Having played 62 internationals, Fazilla said that she will carry on playing as long as she can and hopes for a good outing in this tournament.

“It is not going to be easy as the other teams to are here with the same mission, to qualify for the next round,” said Fazilla who lists winning the Sukma gold medal for Sarawak in the 2006 Malaysia Games as her best hockey momment.

Initially two other players, Norazlin Sumantri and Raja Norsaharina Raja Shahbuddin were also earmarked to play in the Spanish League. But that did not materialise and Amarina and Fazilla are left to chart a new chapter for Malaysian women hockey in Spain.


A CRYING SHAME

It is said that two national hockey tournaments have to be called off and it had to be related to money, or the lack of it.

The Raja Noora Ashikin Cup, which is akin to the men's version of the Tun Razak Cup was not held in April and is said to have been moved to June.

And the National Under 21 Tournament, scheduled for May 21 to May 30 has suffered the same fate, postponed to a yet to be determined date.

What is most ironic is that both the events were pencilled in the MHC Calendar that was released last December and the failure to hold these two tournaments as scheduled is indeed a big blow to the MHC Competitions Committee.

No one within the MHC was prepared to talk on the reasons as to why the two tournaments have been wiped off the radar and the states too are bewildered on such an action as they were only notified today about the Under 21 postponement.

It is learnt that the state affiliates have turned down the hosting job for national tournaments as the MHC did not want to increase the hosting fee of RM35,000 per tournament. Although states will receive RM70,000 as hosting fee, they will need to host both the men's and women's tournaments, thus placing a severe financial burden on the states.

This is due to the fact that the cost of paying allowances, transportation and accommodation for tournament officials alone come to RM28,000 and the balance of RM7,000 is hardly enough to cover stadium rental and providing of refreshments as well as organizational costs.

Thus states declined to bid for hosting of tournaments and even though Perlis had initially bid for the National Under 21 Tournament, they pulled out after the increase in subsidies for hosting was rejected at the recent MHC Council Meeting.

With problems even arising with the host broadcaster in the telecast of matches in the ongoing TNBMHL, the future looks bleak unless concrete decisions are made to salvage the Organising of such tournaments so as to keep hockey relevant in the country.

Even the MHL has not seen any changes, supposedly to increase its popularity, despite the competition being keener.

The fact that the Competitions Committee opted not to include the 45 secon regulation for penalty corners when FIH has indicated that the rule will be included in the World League Semis in June, the decision could prove costly to our national team.

But alas when egos take precedence then working together, wither Malaysian Hockey....

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

TNB STRUGGLE



Tenaga Nasional Berhad used the oldest trick in the book, that ace striker Faisal Saari was doubtful for their quarterfinal tie against Terengganu HT in the TNB Cup.

But Faisal showed no effects of the injury to score two goals to give TNB a slight 3-2 edge in the match at the National Hockey stadium. Infact the two goals has now put him within a goal of the leading scorers, Mohd Noor Faeez Ibrahim (UniKL) and Khasif Ali ( Sapura).
 

SAPURA EDGE UNIKL, SUNDAY 2030 ON A ROLL




Sapura took a slim lead in the first leg of the quarterfinal match against UniKL in the TNB Cup while Sunday 2030 romped to an effortless win over SSTMI for the President's Cup at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Sapura edged UniKL 3-2 in an exciting tie that saw the MHL's top scorers, Mohd Noor Faeez Ibrahim of UniKL and Khasif Ali of Sapura continue their neck to neck battle as both scored a brace to take their tally to 15.