Lissek luring Maninderjit, Shanker

25/06/2003

NATIONAL chief coach Paul Lissek is hoping for two former internationals
to make a comeback for the Champions Challenge next month and the Asia Cup
in September.
With many of his trainees nursing injuries, Lissek is presently
"negotiating" with former national defender Maninderjit Singh and Junior
World Cup player S. Shanker in an effort to entice them to make a
comeback.
"I have been watching them play in the Malaysia Hockey League (both for
Ernst & Young) and I feel that Maninderjit and Shanker deserve a national
call-up. I have approached them and they said they will get back to me,"
Lissek said after a training session yesterday.
Maninderjit quit the national team due to work commitments while Shanker
took study leave after the Junior World Cup in Tasmania, Hobart.
"If they can manage to balance their work and study commitments with
training and playing matches, I feel Malaysia will have a better chance in
the Asia Cup," said Lissek.
For the Champions Challenge on July 19-27 in Randburg, South Africa,
Lissek said K. Keevan Raj could also return to the squad.
"Keevan has said that he might be able to take some time off from
studies to play in the Champions Challenge. If he is available, I might
use him in the China Tests early next month to see if he has been keeping
himself fit."
Players carrying injuries but who have been called to the training camp
are Redzuan Ponirin (wrist), Madzli Ikmar (wrist), P. Prabah-karan (knee),
Norazlan Rahim (shin), Fairuz Ramli (ankle), Rodhanizam Radzi (low
haemoglobin count) and Megat Azrafiq (hamstring).
The latest to join the injury list is Chua Boon Huat who received five
stitches just below his eyebrow on the first day of training on Monday.
"Chua received five stitches after he was accidently hit by Redza Maadun
during training. The doctor has given him five days rest, but knowing
Chua, he will be back before that," said the coach.
Before the Champions Challenge, the national team will play four
friendly matches against the national juniors before facing China in four
Test matches.
The China Tests will be held at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit
Jalil on July 3, 4, 6 and 7. The team departs for Randburg on July 14.
The teams competing in the Challenge are England, Spain, South Korea,
New Zealand, Malaysia and hosts South Africa.
And Lissek picks Spain to finish tops.
"Spain are the most improved side and if South Korea field the same side
they did for the Azlan Shah Cup, my choice will be the former," said
Lissek.
And for Malaysia?
"The Champions Challenge is our opportunity to improve on our fourth
placing in the First Edition in Kuala Lumpur, and then give our best
during the Asia Cup to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany."
(END)