JSC hold trump card

19/04/2003

BOTTOM-of-the-table Johor Sports Council (JSC) hold the trump card in
deciding the winner of the Division One title when the MHF-Milo-Admiral-
NSC Junior Hockey League concludes its preliminary fixtures this weekend.
But it is an unenviable position, and even JSC coach Lukman Sa'adon is
wondering how they have gotten themselves into such a position.
JSC take on Malaysia Sports School (MSS) tomorrow at the Tun Razak
Stadium, and if they pull off a miracle, and win, MSS will be denied a
podium finish in Division One, and Yayasan Negri Sembilan will be
relegated to Division Two.
MSS not only need a win, they also have to score 12 goals to pip Tenaga
Nasional Berhad (TNB) to the title, which is not an impossible feat
considering they represent the finest talent from the two sports schools
in the country - Bukit Jalil and Bandar Penawar.
"We have no chance of pulling off an upset, but I have told my boys to
go for goals and if we manage to score two and contain the MSS strikers,
it will be a big boost for our campaign next year," said Lukman.
Lukman will be banking on their opponents' over eagerness to score 12
goals to sneak in a few themselves.
"If we win, it will be the biggest upset in the League and instead of
us, YNS will be relegated. The stakes are very high on Sunday (tomorrow),
and I hope the boys put up a good fight," said Lukman.
Johor SC are in fact the Bandar Penawar Sports School in disguise, and
there is a fear that they might let MSS run riot to pip TNB.
"Many things have been said, but I have told my players to ignore the
rumours and play their normal game without fear-or-favour," said Lukman.
For the record, Malaysia SS have 19 points from eight matches. They have
scored 26 goals and let in eight.
Johor SC are second from the bottom with one win and one draw from eight
matches and have let in 29 goals.
(END)