Coach against MHL before Qualifier

NATIONAL chief coach Tai Beng Hai is all for domestic tournaments, but has put his foot down to organising the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) before the Olympic Qualifiers early next year.
The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) competitions committee could not come to a conclusion on when to hold the MHL this year, and have called all interested parties to submit their views in a seminar this Sunday.
Beng Hai, is of the view that the MHL will disrupt his plans to qualify for the London Olympics.
“I am a great supporter of domestic tournaments, but I strongly feel that if the MHL is held before the Olympic Qualifiers, which could be either in March or April, it would disrupt my plans to prepare a strong side for what could be the turning point, in either direction, for Malaysian hockey,” said Beng Hai.
To cite an example, the coach has declined invitation to the INSEP Hockey Challenge in France, where Malaysia are the defending champions, so that national players can play in the Razak Cup.
“We have been invited again for the INSEP tournament, but since it clashes with the Razak Cup (July 23-28) I decided against playing there because states needed their national players,” said Beng Hai.
The coach is worried that if the MHL is held at the end of the year, it would also disrupt his preparations for the Asian Champions Trophy (Sept 3-11 in China) and the Champions Challenge I (Johannesburg from Nov 26-Dec 4).
“Although the CCI is not as important as the Olympic Qualifiers, we still need to finish among the top-five there so that we are not relegated into CC II.
“I really hope that the management (MHF) will consider every avenue before making a decision on the MHL. I will abide by any decision taken, but personally speaking, I know from experience that playing with clubs and then attending national training has never worked with previous coaches.”
Beng Hai’s worries are justified, as in the past, when clubs release their players for national training, many just stayed away by giving excuses.
Then there are worries about injuries and fitness when players are released to clubs.
“We are closing the gap among our competitors, as we played in the final of the World Cup Qualifier and then the Asian Games final.
“Just give them a little more time, and I believe my players are close to winning the elusive gold.”