Tenaga want to keep TNB Cup

FRIDAY: Final -- Sapura v Tenaga Nasional (8.30pm); Third- Fourth: Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club v Maybank (6.30pm).
Both matches at the Tun Razak Stadium, and telecast live on Astro.


TENAGA Nasional will be banking on their Fort Knox defense when they attempt to snatch the TNB Cup from the jaws of a vastly improved Sapura today.
And skipper Tajol Rosli was all smiles when he said he will only be carrying half half the weight, midfield onwards, as he has the best defenders in the country.
Goalkeeper S. Kumar, and defenders Madzli Ikmar, Amin Rahim and Baljit Singh have an almost perfect under standing, as they have played together against the best in the world in numerous internationals.
“We were unlucky not to land the League title due to a handful of mistakes at the back, but overall, my defenders know what to do, and I stay away from that department.
“I will only have to concentrate on how to help take the ball from midfield into the opponents semi-circle, and then look for penalty corners and Amin Rahim will do the rest,” said Tenaga skipper Tajol.
Sallehin Ghani was the chosen one with the armband, but he picked up an injury in their last league match, and is out for the season.
Tajol was propelled into the lime light in the knock-out stages, and he did well to rally his side in the quarters and semis.
“We are confident, but not overconfident, that our TNB Cup will be displayed at the Kilat Club from Saturday onwards,” said the 28-year-old former national player who has been with Tenaga for the past 11 years.
And in midfield Tajol has seasoned M. Kaliswaran, 34, another Tenaga stalwart and former national player, who has become one of the best club player in the country.
“Kalis can always be relied upon and has become a really cool player with a matured mind. His passes are almost accurate and I believe he will make an impact in the final,” said Tajol.
On the youth side, Tenaga have the talented and upcoming Faizal Saari, who delivered eight goals in the last Junior World Cup.
Faizal, 19, Mohamed Noor Hafiq, 20, Shazril Irwan, 17, are some of Tenaga’s young legs which are expected to run-down Sapura’s defenders.
TENAGA NASIONAL: S. Kumar (Gk), Fairus Wanazir (Gk), Madzli Ikmar, Baljit Singh, Mawardi Samad, Shazril Irwan, Nor Hafiq Ghaffar, Sallehin Ghani, Zaharin Zakariah, Anwar Ali, Tajol Rosli, S. Selvaraju, M. Kaliswaran, S. Bubalan, Faizal Saari, Fairuz Ramli, Fikri Bassar, Jamil Saidin, Izwan Firdaus, Amin Rahim.