BSN confident despite exodus

30/05/2003

BANK Simpanan Nasional (BSN) were dealt a severe blow when seven of their
players decided to leave - some without even a handsake or an
acknowledging nod.
But veteran schemer C. Paramalingam has managed to string a team which
is capable of lifting the Malaysia Hockey League overall title for the
fourth straight year.
Goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin, Amin Rahim, Lee Sien Lam, M. Jivan and P.
Prabahkaran left for greener pastures while Pakistanis Sohail Abbas and
Kashif Jawad hae national duty back home.
The new season begins tomorrow, and BSN's first match is against Ipoh
City Hall on Saturday - and they are expected to collect their first three
points with ease.
"After several key players left us, many wrote us off as also-rans. But
I have 20 determined players who will be out to prove everyone wrong,"
said Paramalimgam.
"As far as I am concerned, BSN remains intact and ready, and we will be
all out for our fourth consecutive title."
Paramalingam's secret weapon this season will be his Pakistani signing
Syed Imran Ali Warsi.
Syed Imran, only 20 but a towering lad, has been training with Sohail
back home and has almost perfected his penalty corner flick.
"Syed Imran is a very disciplined player and he is getting along well
with the rest of the players. He is a very talented midfielder and his
flicks are getting better," said Paramalingam.
BSN's biggest hurdle in the MHL will be Ernst & Young who they meet in
the middle of June.
Ernst & Young have secured England international Daniel Thomas Haydon
and Len Aiyappa from India. Len, a deadly flicker, proved his worth by
helping Andersen Sports Club to emerge runners-up to BSN last season.
Among the notable locals in Ernst & Young are Roslan, Amin, Chua Boon
Huat and Shahrun Nabil.
Tomorrow: Navy Dolphins v Pahang Sports Council (Azlan Shah Stadim,
5.15pm), Srii Aroma v Maybank (Bertam Stadium, 5.15pm), Tenaga Nasional v
Johor Baru MC (KL Stadium, 5.15pm), Royal Malay Regiment v Ernst & Young
(Tun Razak Stadium, 6pm).
Saturday: Johor Baru MC v Sapura (JB Stadium, 5.15pm), Bank Simpanan
Nasional Ipoh City Hall (Tun Razak Stadium, 5.15pm), Royal Malaysian
Customs v Royal Malay Regiment (Pandamaran Stadium, 5.15pm).
Sunday: Royal Malaysian Customs v Srii Aroma (Pandamaran Stadium,
5.15pm), Ernst & Young v Navy Dolphins (KL Stadium, 6pm).
Monday: Pahang Sports Council v Maybank (Pandamaran Klang, 5.15pm),
Sapra v Tenaga Nasional (Kl Stadium, 6pm).
(END)