Friendlies, Tests to keep busy

03/11/2002

THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) calendar for next year may be void
of international tournaments, but will still have Tests and international
friendlies.
MHF secretary S. Satgunam, after a meeting with national chief coach
Paul Lissek after the Razak Cup final on Friday, said a rough plan had
been drawn up on how to keep the juniors and seniors busy next year.
"The two big tournaments for Malaysia next year are the Azlan Shah Cup
in March and the Vietnam Sea Games.
"So, we have to plan early and send letters out for Tests and friendlies
with other countries so that the players can get maximun exposure to
prepare for the Junior World Cup qualifiers in 2004 and the Athens
Olympics the same year," said Satgunam.
Australia has withdrawn from the Azlan Shah Cup on March 22-30 in Ipoh,
but a world class field has been confirmed for the tournament.
Champions Trophy teams Germany, India, South Korea, Pakistan and New
Zealand, who replaces Australia, have confirmed their entries for the
coveted Azlan Shah Cup.
For the juniors, MHF has lined up an Under-19 Invitational International
tournament on Jan 7-12 at the National Hockey Stadium, Bukit Jalil.
MHF has received sanction from the FIH to hold the Invitational after
the success of the Under-18 tournament in Ipoh in 2001 where India emerged
champions.
Malaysia will field two teams, but only one team's results will be taken
into account.
"The first team will be coached by Stephen van Huizen while the second
Yahya Atan," said Satgunam.
Van Huizen's team is expected to comprise national under-18 players who
won the World Invitational tournament in Poland.
The second team, handled by Yahya, will comprise the national under-18
back-up players and, if nothing else, will gain much needed exposure.
"We have decided to field two teams because we want to have a bigger
pool for the Junior World Cup Qualifier in 2004. We do not want to lose
players before the Qualifier so we will keep them busy with tournaments."
The teams that have confirmed their entries are India, who come in place
of Australia, and South Korea. The Australians had declined the
invitation.
Pakistan have also indicated they would be coming.
The final blueprint for the 2003 programme will be released after MHF
finalises details of Tests and friendlies.
Meanwhile, Lissek was not too happy with what he saw at the National
Under-15 tournament in Terengganu.
When asked if he saw any exciting talent in the tournament, Lissek said:
"I did not spot any new talent as most of the players lacked the basics
and were not up to the mark even though they were playing in a national
tournament.
"That is why I returned early from Terengganu to watch the final and the
third placing match of the Razak Cup because my interest is here."
While Lissek was impressed with the way the National Juniors played, he
was not too happy with the way his charges played for Kuala Lumpur in the final (against Johor) of the Razak Cup.
"I would not call the final exciting, as it only deserves an
`interesting' label," said Lissek.
(END)