'Pahang Telekom can only finish second at best'

04/04/2003

OVERALL defending champions Pahang Telekom have resigned themselves to the
fact that, at best, they can only finish second in Division One when the
MHF-Milo-Admiral-NSC Junior Hockey League pool matches end on April 20.
Pahang coach Izwan Suhardi arrived at this conclusion because they have
three tough matches lined up and his penalty corner flicker, Zulkiffli
Rejab, injured his knee while playing in the Kilat Sixes during the JHL
break.
"Zulkiffli scored an average of one goal per match (seven goals in six
matches) and his injury is a big blow to the team as we have tough
opponents in Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (tomorrow), Anderson-Xybase
and Yayasan Negri Sembilan," said Izwan yesterday.
The other Division One title contenders, Tenaga Nasional and Malaysia
Sports School, have easier opponents in their last three matches.
Finishing runners-up in Division One is dreaded by every team because
the draw for the quarter-finals is arranged in such a way the second-
placed team in Division One will play the top team in Division Two - most
likely to be high-flying Malacca Municipal Council.
"The boys are motivated enough to go all out for the top spot because we
want to defend our Overall title. But it is going to be very tough. I have
not seen PJMC play a single match and do not know what they are capable
of. Also, we will be playing the last three matches away and it is always
difficult when one travels," said Izwan.
"The other problem for Pahang is that rain has disrupted most of our
evening practices during the break. We could only do light workouts in the
mornings. As a result, although the fitness level has improved, we could
not sharpen our set-pieces," Izwan added.
Pahang Telekom charged to the top in their JHL debut last year, winning
the Group A title and then the Overall title by beating Malaysia Sports
School but they are a depleted side this year because four of their
players received national call-ups and were barred from the JHL this
season.
(END)