Fit-again Ismail gives Pahang reason to aim higher

02/09/2002

PAHANG have revised their Malaysia Games hockey target - from making the
semi-finals to the final.
And it is all because of the return of Ismail Abu to full fitness, which
has coach Izwan Suhardi smiling again.
Izwan, when contacted in Sabah, said Ismail is 90 per cent fit and they
have revised their target to making the final.
Earlier, Pahang were only looking at the semi-finals.
"We did some light training this morning (yesterday) in Sabah and Ismail
did not have any trouble coping with the rest," said Izwan.
"However, I am a little worried as it will be our last training session
before the opening match against Negri Sembilan on Wednesday as the only
hockey pitch here is solidly booked," said Izwan.
Pahang last won the Malaysia Games boys hockey gold in 1996 when they
hosted the meet in Kuantan but since then, have been on the slide.
In fact, Pahang made first round exits in the 1998 and 2000 editions.
But Pahang almost did not make the trip to Sabah for the Games as the
Pahang Sports Council left the sport out of the list.
PSC, however, had a change of heart after appeals from Izwan and other
officials and were given the nod early this year to play in the Games.
Izwan said they managed to convince PSC because they had many good
players who were playing in other States and promised the council that he
will be able to whip up a strong side.
And he proved it, by winning the National Junior League (NJL) title.
Playing under the Telekom Pahang banner, the Malaysia Games squad lited
two titles in the NJL when they emerged Group B Champions and went on to
beat Malaysia Sports School for the Overall title.
Ismail was the livewire and instrumental in helping the team win the two
titles, and the talented player will be expected to provide the midfield
thrust in the Malaysia Games.
"Ismail was dropped from the national team, which is in China for a
Five-Test series, because of his injury but has since recovered."
Pahang also have another national player, Mohamed Fakhrulradzi, who can
help them win at least a silver. Fakhrulradzi played for Malaysia Sports
School in the NJL.
Two players from Petaling Jaya Municipal Council, Norhisham Shaari and
Ahmad Zamil, are also in the team. The other players that Izwan is relying
on are goalkeeper Khairul Nizam, Zarit Zainal, Mohamed Al-Fadhil, Mohamed
Razi, Mohamed Shukri and Mohamed Supian.
"We almost didn't make it to the Games, so we will be out to prove a
point. Also, all my players are below 18-years-old, so they can also play
in the next Malaysia Games in 2004 in Negri Sembilan," said Izwan.
Pahang are in Group A with defending champions Selangor, Negri Sembilan,
Kedah and Sabah. In Group B are Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Perak, Johor and
Brunei.
(END)