The ghost and the darkness

10/09/1998

MALAYSIA would do well to treat Kenya with respect after the way the East
Africans gave Pakistan a scare on the opening day of the men's hockey
competition yesterday.
The Malaysians, now on the mend under German coach Paul Lissek, face
Kenya at the National Hockey Stadium today (7.35).
Kenya have been out of international hockey for more than 10 years until
the World Cup preliminaries in Cagliari, Italy last year, where they
finished eighth.
Yesterday, they played as though they have not been away by pressuring
former world champions Pakistan for a good 15 minutes, before losing 5-4.
It was understandable when Lissek, having watched the Kenyans, said the
Africans are no pushovers despite being an unknown entity.
No doubt, Malaysia would want to start their Commonwealth Games campaign
on a winning note.
But Lissek said whether win, lose or draw, he was not worried about the
outcome.
From what Lissek remembers, Kenya play an Indian-style of hockey as they
had an coach from India before their 10-year hiatus.
"They have a lot of individual flair and their players are fast. Their
fitness level is naturally good," said Lissek.
"As in all opening matches, we have to play a cautious game. Expecting
to win will put undue pressure on the players."
Kenya are likely to be more confident after yesterday's performance.
Lissek said Malaysia should not be overconfident.
"Of course, we had impressive results in the Tests against Germany and
Australia (last month) but a tournament like this is different."
Malaysia beat Germany 2-1 and 1-0 and drew 1-1 in the three Tests.
Against Australia, they drew the first 2-2 but lost the next two Tests
2-0 and 3-2.
Kenyan coach Manjit Singh said nobody expects them to challenge
Malaysia.
Asked how they were going to face Malaysia after a taxing match against
Pakistan, manager Davinder Singh said they will come back.
"We will give a good account of ourselves," he said.
"We have acclimatised to the humid weather. We have also gotten used to
the heavy pitch after two friendlies and the opening match against
Pakistan."
(END)