JLJ out for upset, then walkover...

DIVISION TWO champions Jurulatih dan Jentera (JLJ) will be banking on their 19-year-old penalty corner flicker to do the damage against Sapura in the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Hockey League on Dec 5.
But the irony is that, even if they advance to the semi-finals, JLJ will give a walk-over.
“We will give our best in the quarter-finals, with an eye to upset Sapura, but after that, we have a prior arrangement to play in Brunei on Dec 21, which clashes with the semi- finals.
“Even if we advance, we will have to give a walkover,” said JLJ coach Kamaruddin Misman.
Their exciting flicker is Shafiq Yaakob, who has scored 10 goals in eight matches. JLJ also have the distinction of scoring 24 goals, and only conceding nine.
“We were playing at a different level (Division Two), so it will be interesting to see how my boys stand up against the runners-up of Division One (Sapura),” said Kamaruddin.
The coach has been training his charges, with an average age of 25, for the past six months. JLJ were also the champions of the Armed Forces games last month.
“Shafiq has a powerful flick, and his placing is also intelligent. And now he will get a chance to pit his skills against an established goalkeeper (former international Nasihin Nubli).
“My defense has also proven to be solid, but then, we were playing against our peers. I know we will be tested to the limit, but my team is not afraid, instead, they are eager to play in the last eight,” said Kamaruddin.