Lissek: Top-three target in Randburg

12/07/2003

NATIONAL chief coach Paul Lissek has set a top-three target for the
Champions Challenge in Randburg, South Africa on July 19-27.
And for the first time since the German started coaching Malaysia, he
had problems selecting players, as there were two or three players
fighting to fill every position.
"I have been in a very unique position in the past week, because never
before have I had the luxury of such a dedicated pool to select from. Some
of the choices were very difficult to make, and it augurs well for the
future of Malaysian hockey," said Lissek.
Malaysia, fielding a team whose average age is 22, will be up against
South Africa, South Korea, Spain, England and New Zealand in the Second
Edition of the Challenge.
Going by the last World Cup rankings, a top-three target is not too far
off as South Korea and England are the two teams who finished better than
Malaysia.
Yesterday, the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) Selection Committee
named the 18-man squad to South Africa, and 18-year-old Azli Misron from
Chemor, Perak, got his much-awaited break.
"I have been watching Azli in training with the junior squad and he has
impressed me with his talent. Not only has he got talent, but he is also
clever enough to get himself out of tricky situations.
"The other thing I like about him is that he is always willing to learn,
and able to put theory into practice. He has also been marked for the
Olympics Qualifiers in Madrid next year," said Lissek.
Defender Madzli Ikmar, who fractured his wrist seven months ago, was
also selected after he put up a good show in the last friendly match
against China.
Four players who helped Malaysia win bronze at the Busan Asian Games
were left out from the Challenge squad, but they will continue training
for a shot at the Asia Cup in September.
Megat Azrafq, Redzuan Ponirin, Nor Azlan Rahim and Rodhanizam Radzi will
have to fight their way back into the team, as their form had dipped after
the Asian Games.
Going by the list, the Challenge squad is much stronger than the Asian
Games team as Nor Azlan Bakar and Tajol Rosli - both opted out of Busan
due to studies - are back to boost the squad.
Malaysia - goalkeepers: Roslan Jamaluddin, S. Kumar.
Defenders: K. Gobinathan, S. Kuhan, Madzli Ikmar, Nor Azlan Bakar, Amin
Rahim.
Midfielders: Shaiful Azli, Jiwa Mohan, Azlan Misron, P. Prabahkaran, K.
Keevan Raj.
Forwards: Riduan Nasir, Ismail Abu, Tajol Rosli, Fairuz Ramli, Chua Boon
Huat, Azli Misron.
(END)