Sohail-led BSN and Maybank battle for semis spot

17/05/2002

BANK Simpanan Nasional (BSN) and Maybank will battle for what is virtually
the last semifinal berth in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) at the Tun
Razak Stadium today.
League champions Tenaga are first to book their place while Andersen
Sports Club and Sapura only need three points each to consolidate their
positions. Both should encounter little problems against Navy and Jolly
Lads Sports Club respectively.
All eyes will be on BSN as they have lined up Pakistan World Cup players
Kashif Jawad and Sohail Abbas to lead their challenge this season, but the
duo have yet to click well with local players.
Andersen and Sapura are also involved in another battle, albeit, at the
sidelines.
Both are in the running for the second spot in the standings which comes
with a rich purse of RM10,00.
BSN has the advantage over Maybank as they only need a draw (the first
leg ended 3-3). However, Maybank need to win both their matches this
weekend if they harbour hopes of playing in the semifinals.
The situation for BSN, the overall champions, is very tricky but coach
C. Paramalingam believes they will not only qualify for the semis but have
a good shot at the overall title again.
"It is still not over yet for BSN. I am confident that, like the
previous season, my players will rise to the occassion and win the
remaining title," said Paramalingam.
"I think we will surprise all by making the cut. We have tough matches
ahead and I do not think that we are in a corner though our last match is
against the unbeaten Tenaga.
"We just need three points for a comfortable entry into the semis,
furthermore we have a healthy goal difference. Just watch us, we will
surprise the sceptics," said Paramalingam.
Maybank coach Wallace Tan said their chances of making the semis depends
on them winning both their remaining matches.
"Although we still have a chance, the fact is that we need six points
while BSN need only three. Goal difference will also
be vital and that is why we have to score as many goals as possible in the
last two games. It will be a tough weekend for us," said Wallace.
With Maybank losing prolific striker Suhaimi Ibrahim to a red card in
their last match against Tenaga, and their goal-soring record not that
impressive, they are in for a battle for survival.
Maybank forwards had plenty of chances last weekend against Sapura and Tenaga but they ended up sharing points in both matches.
They certainly cannot afford that this weekend.
(END)