Eintracht keen to recruit Malaysian juniors

26/02/1999

FORMER national hockey coach Volker Knapp is looking for two Malaysians to
play for Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga on April 16 to May
30.
Knapp, who now coaches Eintracht, will arrive before the Azlan Shah Cup
to do the scouting.
"The club are keen on signing two Malaysians, not necessarily national
players, for the season and have agreed to provide air tickets, board and
lodging," said Knapp by telephone yesterday.
Knapp said he will talk terms with interested players before approaching
the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) to sort out the paperwork.
"We will be writing to the MHF soon to make a formal request for the
players, failing which we will approach India.
"But I would rather have Malaysians," said Knapp.
Knapp's contract as coach of the Malaysian team was not renewed after
World Cup in Utrecht, Holland last year. He was replaced by Paul Lissek
for the Commonwealth Games in September.
The first exercise in 1997 saw five national players on attachment with
German clubs for three months prior to the World Cup qualifiers.
The players were S. Kuhan and Kerpal Singh (both with Limburg), Chairil
Anwar Aziz and Nor Azlan Bakar (Frankfurt 1880) and R. Shankar (SAFO).
"Since the Bundesliga begins after the Azlan Shah Cup and most of the
national players will be on holiday, it is a good chance for a six-week
exposure," said Knapp.
Meanwhile, the MHF, happy with the success of sending some junior
players on attachement with German clubs in 1997, are looking to send 12
juniors to two top clubs under the guidance of Lissek.
(END)