Olak retain nine for junior league

21/03/1999

DOUBLE champions Old La Sallians of Klang (OLAK) retained nine players
from last year's team and look good for a repeat in the MHF-Milo-NSC
Junior League, which begins on April 16.
Other than Electrical Switchgears Automation (ESA) of Penang, Olak are
the only team who have turned out consistently in the Junior League.
They have never missed taking part since its inception in 1995.
And this year is expected to be no different as the Olak fans travel
from venue to venue waving the old and discoloured banner, claiming Olak
Boleh!.
The cash-strapped team showed that money does not make champions.
"We still do not have a strong sponsor for our cause and will make do
with the resources that we have," said Olak assistant coach Joseph de
Silva.
"The players know Olak can't afford to give them anything but training,
so they will be playing for the winners purse again."
With five players from the national pool in his team this year, De
Silva's team look to have what it takes to win at least one title.
Saiful Azhar, Mohamed Shahrul Shawal, Mohamed Amin Rahim, Ridzuan
Ponirin and Shahrizal Zainal Abidin have been training with the national
pool and will play a crucial role in helping Olak win at least one title
this year.
When the League was incepted in 1995, Yayasan Negri Sembilan won both
the titles and a year later, it was ESA who did a double.
In 1997 Olak won the League while ESA won the Overall title.
Coach V. Kalaichelvam, who has trained Olak for the past five years,
will only need to brush up on teamwork.
Together with Johor Sports Council, Malacca Municipal Council and Perak
Sports Council, Olak were a class above the rest last year.
(END)