And that’s why Project 2013 coach K. Dharmaraj (pic) has thrown the under-19 players a challenge -- play in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) if you want to impress him.
Right now, established players, who have been selected for the Project 2013 and 2017 squads, are the ones who are keeping the League alive in three Division One teams.
Tengku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI), UniKL Young Guns and Petaling Jaya City Council are involved in an intense battle for the Division One League title as they have the lions share of the project players.
The other teams are struggling simply because their players are still raw,
“I have been watching the Division One matches and the conclusion is that there are no new talent to join the national juniors training. The present players from the 2013 and 2017 project squads are the one who are keeping their teams afloat.
“And my advise to those who want to make an impact, is to try and impress the MHL clubs and play in the senior league.
“if they can survive, or even hold themselves well in the MHL, then they warrant a call-up to the national juniors training squad,” said Dharmaraj.
The national juniors, 25-strong, are in training for the Junior World Cup in India in December, and they commute between JHL matches and training under Dharmaraj during weekdays.
“I am happy to release them for the JHL as they get match practice, while I work on their physical and mental side when they come to me,” said Dharmaraj.
Citing and example, Dharmaraj said one of the btter players in the JHL now is Shahril Saabah who is with SSTMI, because he has seen action in the MHL with Tenaga Nasional last season.
“But even he found the going tough in TNB playing against the big boys, bit he survived and is now holding court in SSSTMI. That is what I want from those who aspire to break into the Junior World Cup training squad from the outside.
“I am willing to provide names to MHL clubs who are looking for youth, as it will benefit the country in the long run,” said Dharmaraj.
