Juniors: Don't count us out

THE National Juniors coach K. Rajan sees his charges’ wild-card entry in to the Third Asian Champion Clubs Cup on Nov 13-16th at the Kuala Lumpur HA Stadium, as a challenge which they will stand up to.
The Juniors were invited to play in the tournament by the Asian Hockey Federation at the 11th-hour, so that two groups of three teams would play in the tournament which is being revived after a lapse of 15 years.
“The invitation came at the right time, as my players graph is on an upward trend in the MHL (Malaysia Hockey League).
“I believe, we will make an impact in the Club tournament, and even the outcome against Ernst & Young, our opening match, will be close,” said Rajan.
The Juniors are with Ernst & Young and Royal Thai Airforce in Group A, while in Group B are Olympian Village Club of Pakistan, Singapore Recreation Club and Adijon of Uzbek istan.
And the fact that Rajan will have all is players back, is another reason for his confidence.
“Seven players with other MHL teams are also back with me, and now they must fight to get their first-11 spot again.
“This is healthy competition, and I believe the players will give their best, because I aim to trim the number of trainees soon.”
The Juniors training squad, numbering 34, will be trimmed after December, and the MHL as well as the Asian Club tournament is a selection of sorts for the final Junior World Cup squad.
FIXTURES -- Thursday: Ernst & Young v National Juniors (5pm), Olympian Village Club v Adijon (7pm).
Friday: Royal Thai Airforce v National Juniors (5pm), Singapore Recreation Club v Olympian Village Club (7pm).
Saturday: Ernst & Young v Royal Thai Airforce (5pm), Singapore Recreation Club v Adijon (7pm).
Sunday: Final -- 5pm; Third-Fourth: 3pm.