Teams sign up foreign stars as league kicks off early

21/05/2003

THE Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) has been brought forward to May 30 from
June 6 and will take two breaks to accommodate the national team's
fixtures.
The Malaysia Hockey Federation (MHF) decided on the move in a meeting
with team managers as all the national players will be involved in the 12-
team League.
The first break will be on June 22 to cater to the national team's
preparations for the Champions Challenge in Randburg, South Africa, on
July 19-27. The League will resume on Aug 1.
The second break will be on Aug 10 when the preliminary round matches
are completed.
This is to facilitate smooth training sessions for the National Under-18
squad in their preparation for the Junior Men's Challenge in Poznan,
Poland, on Aug 18-23. Malaysia are the defending champions of the FIH-
sanctioned tournament.
"The league will resume on Aug 28 and the final will be held on Sept 7.
We have also decided to move the Asia Cup, which we will host, from Sept
13-20 to Sept 20-27," said MHF deputy president Tan Sri P. Alagendra.
The MHL is expected to be keenly contested this year as most of the
teams have hired foreign players to boost their chances.
Defending overall champions Bank Simpanan Nasional, who failed to secure
Pakistan duo Sohail Abbas and Kashif Jawad due to national duty, have
signed their fellow countryman Imran Warsi.
Sapura have South Korean skipper Kang Keon-wook while Ernst and Young,
formerly known as Andersen Sports Club, have hired Englishman Daniel
Thomas and Indian Len Ayappa.
Not to be outdone, former league champions Royal Malay Regiment have
secured the services of Hong Kong international Arif Ali.
The teams confirmed for the MHL are Bank Simpanan Nasional, Ipoh City
Hall, Royal Malaysian Customs, Ernst and Young, Johor Baru City Council,
Pahang Sports Council, Maybank, Royal Malay Regiment, Sapura, Srii Aroma
PISC, Tenaga Nasional and Royal Malaysian Navy Dolphins.
(END)