No surprises

13/03/2003

THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) will name the Azlan Shah Cup squad
at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil today, but the choice is
limited and the outcome a predictable affair.
S. Kuhan, 27, is expected to be named skipper while Junior Hockey League
Pahang Telekom `drop-outs' Fakhrulrazi Baharuddin and Megat Azrafiq Megat
Termizi are expected to get a taste of top-flight hockey on March 22-30 In
Ipoh.
Pahang Telekom tried desperately to include Megat and Fakhrulrazi in
their JHL squad, but MHF stood firm on the ruling which barred national
trainees from playing in the JHL.
Malaysia finished last in the last edition, and coach Paul Lissek will
have his hands full trying to beat New Zealand, South Korea, India,
Pakistan and champions Germany.
The national team underwent a nine-day training stint in Malacca and
returned to KL yesterday and between the goalposts, Roslan Jamaluddin and
S. Kumar are the sure bets, with Roslan being the first choice.
In defence, K. Gobinathan injured his knees in Malacca but is stil
expected to be named in the squad. Nor Azlan Bakar, who skipped the Busan
Asian Games to concentrate on his studies, and Kuhan will be the key
defenders to try and keep the goalcount down.
"The Malacca stint was very fruitful because we tried out some of the
new FIH rules which will be used at the Azlan Shah Cup," said Lissek.
Lissek was very pleased with the way Azlan Misron turned out: "He is
among the most improved players in the squad."
Chairil Anwar missed a few days to training and is likely to face the
chop, but will be retained for the Test matches against Pakistan and South
Korea. The same goes for Shaiful Azli.
Forward Tajol Rosli, who also gave the Busan Games a skip due to
studies, is back and looks fitter and more dangerous than ever.
The probable Azlan Shah squad - Goalkeepers: Roslan Jamaluddin, S.
Kumar; Defenders: Amin Rahim, S. Kuhan, K. Gobinathan, Nor Azlan Bakar,
Megat Azrafiq Megat Termizi; Midfield: K. Keevan Raj, Azlan Misron, P.
Prabahkaran, Nor Azlan Rahim, Riduan Nasir; Forwards: Fairuz Ramli, Tajol
Rosli, Chua Boon Huat, Rodhanizam Radzi, Ikmal Jabar, Fahkrulrazi
Baharuddin.
Test matches reserves: Shaiful Azli, Chairil Anwar.
(END)