Malaysia's Jiwa Mohan (right) celebrates with team-mates after scoring the third goal against Italy. 04/05/08
THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) council yes terday decided that they need to hire foreign coaches to strengthen Malaysia’s defense and attack.
The council also decided yesterday to bid for the Asia Cup next year, which will double as a qualifier for the 2010 Delhi World Cup.
Sarjit Singh will remain as the chief coach, but two more foreign experts will be roped in on a short-term basis to help him.
"Right now we have a goalkeepers’ coach (Shahid Ali Khan) who will be retained until the Asia Cup and Junior World Cup (next year). And we will also hire a coach to train strikes and another to beef up the defense," said MHF president Tan Sri Admiral (rtd) Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor.
This decision was taken after analysing Malaysia’s per formance in the Japan Olympic Qualifiers.
"As an example, we had 43 circle penetrations against Italy, while the Italy and only entered the Malaysian semi- circle 11 times. But still, the match ended in a 4-4 draw and put a dent in our chances of qualifying for the final," said Anwar.
The statistics were also damning as Malaysia had 11 shots at goal, while the Italians only had four but converted all.
The MHF have a few coaches in mind: "But they are not available right now as they are tied with their present contracts. We will get their expertise on a short-term basis as soon as possible," said Anwar.
Anwar also said that the MHF will take up a crusade to give more power to the third umpire when the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Annual General Meeting is held in Los Angeles in November.
"We were denied entry into the final on a technicality when Japan’s equaliser was allowed even though it hit their player’s thigh before he scored.
"So, we will bring up the matter in Los Angeles and push to give more clout to video evidence in future tournaments. Tennis and cricket have implemented video calls success fully, and I don’t see why hockey should not follow suit as the game has become super fast on the artificial pitch," said Anwar.
And on the Asia Cup, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan are also expected to place a bid, as three seats to the World Cup will be available there.
