Perak hunting for gold

DIVISION One leaders Perak want to improve on the fifth placing achieved last season, as coach Manjit Singh believe they are better prepared for the 48th Edition of the Razak Cup in Kuantan.
And with nine points after three matches, Perak are the team to beat for the title this year.
"I am looking at another six points which should take us into the final, and then take it from there. My team is better prepared this season, and should be able to achieve their target before the last match," said Manjit Singh.
Perak next play Armed Forces on Tuesday, and then Penang on Wednesday. Six points from the two matches should see them through to the final, with one match against Kuala Lumpur, on Friday, in hand.
"Most of the teams are well prepared this year, and we must win the next two matchs so that the pressure will be leas when we play our last match against Kuala Lumpur."
Manjit left Kuantan for KL yesterday because the national under-16 team checked into camp, and he is one of their coaches.
"I will travel up and down, training the under-16 and also the Perak players, but if my team plays in the final, I will not be available as I have to be with the under-16 players in KL," said Manjit.
The seasoned coach believes the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) did the right thing when they mad eit mandatory for each team to have four under-21 players, while two must be on the pitch at any given time.
"My young players are from the Project 2013 squad and all four have been carrying their weight well so far.
"In fact, against Johor, I had all four palyers on the pitch for long periods, and they delivered. But some of the team are struggling because their young players are slow to adapt.
"However, this rule should be maintained in the Razak Cup, as it will expose a big numer of youth at a young age," said Manjit.
Kuala Lumpur are one step behind Perak, after they dropped points in the 1-1 draw against Johor but they have the depth to pull through in their remaining matches.
MONDAY: Division One -- Armed Forces v Malacca (3pm), Penang v Johor (5pm), Negri v Kuala Lumpur (7pm); Division Two: Police v Kedah (3pm), Sabah v Singapore (5pm).
All matches at Pitch I and II of the Kuantan Stadium.