Tenaga look to little Abbas

04/03/2003

TENAGA Nasional Bhd striker Abbas Nekmat, a small built lad for a 19-year-
old, has finally come of age, and coach K. Rajan is all smiles as they
face an acid test this weekend in the MHF-Milo-Admiral-NSC Junior Hockey
League.
Tenaga play giant slayers Terengganu Schools Sports Council on Friday
and then meet overall defending champions Telekom Pahang on Sunday. Last
Saturday, Terengganu shocked Telekom Pahang 2-1 and it spells trouble for
Tenaga if they take things easy.
"My forwards, especially Abbas, have been improving with every match but
even then, it will be touch-and-go affair this weekend, especially against
Telekom Pahang because it is an away match," said Rajan.
This is Abbas' second season with Tenaga, and according to Rajan, he is
ready to knock on the doors of the national team.
"He played in the Poznan (Poland) FIH Youth Festival where Malaysia
emerged as champions (by beating Germany 2-1 in the final) but has always
been in the shadow. But his second season with Tenaga has done wonders for
him as now he is more confident and is among my most hardworking players,"
said Rajan.
Abbas was called to the junior training camp last year, but he could not
make it as he had to help look after his father's business. But now, he is
free to play hockey.
Abbas turned the tide on Petaling Jaya Municipal Council last weekend
with his tireless runs and deft touches and looks set to be called-up for
the Test matches the National Juniors will play against the United States
during the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh.
On this weekend's fixture, Rajan admits that his team can't afford to
drop any more points.
"Terengganu will be very confident after beating Telekom Pahang and they
have the players to trouble us. But we can't lose this if we want to
finish among the top teams in Division One," said Rajan.
S. Selvaraju, notorious for his ill-temper which resulted in him being
flashed the red card while playing for Malaysia Sports School last season,
has surprisingly mellowed down now that he is with Tenaga.
"Selvaraju is a hardworking player who needs some direction because he
takes tackles too seriously. So far, he has managed to control his temper
and has been an asset with Tenaga and I hope he will shine in the crucial
two matches this weekend," said Rajan.
(END)