Don't get your hopes up

02/04/1999

THE Azlan Shah Cup, which starts today at the National Hockey Stadium in
Bukit Jalil, will reveal the true character of the young Malaysian side.
Finishing runners-up in last September's Commonwealth Games might have
many an ardent fan believing that a second miracle is not impossible. But
the truth of the matter is that while we may have potential world class
players in the squad, they have yet to be molded into a winning unit.
So fans must come prepared for disappointments because it will not be
smooth sailing for our youngsters. In all probability there will be more
tears than cheers.
Coach Stephen van Huizen, handed the task of rebuilding the team with
the Olympic qualifiers in Osaka next March in mind, said he will have his
hands full during the next eight days but he is sure his young brigade
will give their all and more on the pitch.
Team manager R. Yogeswaran said that such is the push and shove for
places in his young training squad that the selectors have a hard time
deciding on their lineup for any assignment.
The young players know that to make the 2002 World Cup squad, they must
start delivering now and there's no place like home to start doing so.
Winning the Azlan Shah Cup is a distant dream, but making the semifinals
of the 2002 World Cup is within Malaysia's reach.
New Zealand and Canada are the only two teams the Malaysians have a
chance of beating here. Forget Pakistan, Germany and South Korea because
they are away ahead.
Nor Saiful Zaini, R. Shankar and Lailin Abu Hassan who helped Malaysia
win the Commonwealth Games silver, are no longer around and it would be
too much to expect K. Logan Raj and company to deliver.
Nevertheless, it will be good to see our young team pit their skills
against the giants and in the process gain some valuable exposure and
experience.
The Malaysia Hockey Federation (MHF) took a bold step and the correct
one when they formed a pool of young national trainees and stopped banking
on the old guard.
The only veterans left are captain Mirnawan Nawawi, S. Kuhan, Chairil
Anwar and M. Kaliswaran but even with their experience Malaysia will find
it tough against Pakistan, South Korea or Paul Lissek's seasoned Germany.
The Germans came within a whisker of lifting the Cup last year but lost
to Australia in a penalty shootout. However, they won it in 1987.
Malaysia's recent record in the Azlan Shah Cup speaks for itself,
finishing last in Ipoh last year. Their best finish was in 1985 when they
lost to India in the final.
But hockey fans must make a beeline for the National Hockey Stadium
because the foreign teams will be fielding their best sides. Some of the
players have seen action at the Utrecht World Cup and the Champions Trophy
in Lahore last year.
Pakistan, the almost-there boys having lost in the finals in 1983, 1987,
1991 and 1994, have Shahbaz Junior back in the team and will be looking to
lift the Cup.
South Korea, champions in in 1996, are out to avenge their defeat to
India in the Asian Games final in December.
Canada are another interesting story. Malaysia beat them in the
semifinals of the KL Games but it is not going to be easy this time
around.
Coach Shiaz Virjee said that Canada will field their strongest side in
preparation for the Pan-American Games in July.
In last Tuesday's friendly the teams drew 2-2 but it would be foolish to
look upon that as an indicator.
(END)