Yahya wants new talent under his care

02/03/1999

THE Milo-MSN-Champions Schools Trophy which ended in Malacca on Sunday has
unearthed a handful of national material but there is fear that they might
disappear from the scene.
The reason is that there is no national Under-18 team right now so they
are at an age where they don't have an avenue to continue their hockey
career to graduate into national level.
But all is not lost, national coach Yahya Atan has agreed to take them
under his wings, with the approval of the Malaysia Hockey Federation (MHF)
of course.
"I have had discussions with Steven van Huizen and decided that five or
six players who were outstanding in the Champions Schools should continue
training or else they might retire early.
"I am willing to train them alongside the national Under-16 squad which
I also handle," said Yahya.
Best player of the tournament, Mohamed Nazrul Wan Deraman, best
goalkeeper Nabil Wan Ahmad, best player in the final Che Redzuan Ismail -
all from Hamzah Secondary of Machang - and most promising player Tajul
Rosli of Anderson in Ipoh are some of the players who have potential.
"We have an Under-16, Project 2001 and senior squad and the reason for
not having an Under-18 is that it will overlap with the Project squad,"
said van Huizen.
Van Huizen and Yahya feel that it would be too early to include players
from the Champions Schools into the Project squad.
"They might feel left out if they are placed together with the Project
players because they lack exposure and experience," said Yahya.
"On the other hand, if they play with the Under-16 players, they might
feel under utilised. I will have to work out a plan to benefit them."
(END)