THE Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) received a severe blow when Ernst and Young pulled out of the Premier League, but the Malaysian Hockey Federation are unfazed and have big plans for the tournament this year.
A meeting with the stake-holders will be held today where the MHF will outline their plans and seek approval from the clubs.
The five club representatives who will be in the meeting today are from Sapura, Maybank, Nur Insafi, Tenaga Na sional and Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL).
Ernst and Young were also invited, because they have yet to officially write in their pull-out to the MHF, but they did not respond.
UniKL is new outfit who will join the Premier League as their affiliation with Kuala Lumpur HA has been sorted out. The new team is expected to utilise players form the Project 2013 squad.
The MHF plan to change the Premier League format in a big way, and instead if playing in Kuala Lumpur, the five or six teams will be travelling to at least six states to play three matches each weekend.
“The plan is to take hockey to the states and allow the fans from all over the country to enjoy the Premier League. States were selected based on the availability of floodlights as the matches will be played at night to attract the maximum number of fans,” said an official who declined to be named as the plan has yet to be put forward to the clubs.
Among the states which have been identified are Johor, Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
There are also plans to hold a coaching clinic for youth before the matches and ESPN have also been roped in to provide one live match at least per week.
“The coaching clinics will benefit the youth in states, while the live matches will give sponsors Tenaga Nasional added value for sponsoring the League.”
A total of 44 matches, including two round quarter-finals and two round semi-finals have been planned for the Premier League.
Division One champions UiTM and runners-up Airod Armed Forces will join in during the quarter-finals stage.
And it the plan takes off, next year, MHF hope to invite four club champions from Asia to join in from the quarters onwards.
But the survival of plan is subject to the approval of clubs today, then the Competitions Committee on Sunday and finally the MHF Council.
Also, if Malaysia win gold medal in the New Zealand Qualifier from Nov 7-15, then the Premier League, which is supposed to start on Dec 4, might be shelved.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Jonathon to debut under dad Ric
'With players such as Jamie Dwyer, Eddie Ockenden and Des Abbott playing club hockey in the Netherlands, this tour will give the younger squad members a chance to step up and play a key role.'
RIC and Jonathon Charlesworth will become the first father/son – coach/player combination in the Kookaburras history, with Jonathon today selected to debut for the Kookaburras in an upcoming tour of Malaysia.
The 24 year old will be joined by Queensland pair Matt Gohdes and Matthew Swann as debutants when the Kookaburras tour Malaysia in a 5 test series from October 16-26.
In another family related announcement, Gohdes is the cousin of two time world player of the year and current Kookaburra Jamie Dwyer.
Jonathon, who is a member of the 2009 Kookaburras development squad, represented Australia A several months ago in a series against Malaysia, Canada and the Kookaburras. He has been an important member of the SmokeFree WA Thundersticks line up since debuting in the Australian Hockey League in 2004.
While Jonathon shares many similarities to his father, including wearing a headband similar to what Ric wore during his playing days and is also studying to be a doctor like his father, he says he is looking forward to paving his own career.
“It’s only human nature for people to compare us, but I’m confident that my abilities are enough to have me stand on my own two feet. Having obviously grown up around hockey, I’m very excited to make my debut at the top level,” said Jonathon.
Ric said Jonathon’s inclusion, along with that of Matt Gohdes and Matthew Swann, will continue to expand the depth of the Kookaburras squad.
“All three players have shown encouraging signs throughout the year and have all earned the right to represent the Kookaburras. Obviously as a father I’m proud of Jonathon, but he will be treated no different from any other player in the squad,” said Charlesworth.
With the inclusion of these three players, 14 players have now made their debut for the Kookaburras under Ric Charlesworth this year, with the team continuing to develop their squad ahead of the ABN AMRO Hockey Champions Trophy which will be held in Melbourne from November 28 – December 6.
As the most prestigious event on the 2009 International Hockey calendar, all players will be desperate to impress Charlesworth during this Malaysian series in a bid to earn their spot in the Champions Trophy squad.
With players such as Jamie Dwyer, Eddie Ockenden and Des Abbott playing club hockey in the Netherlands, this tour will give the younger squad members a chance to step up and play a key role.
Kookaburras-Malaysia.
TEST Series squad 16-26 October, 2009...
Nathan Burgers, ACT; Ross Meadows, WA; Graeme Begbie, WA; Joel Carroll, NT; Kiel Brown, WA; Ian Burcher, WA; Chris Ciriello, VIC; David Guest, TAS; Matthew Butturini, NSW; Glenn Simpson, VIC; Liam De Young, QLD; Rob Hammond, QLD; Fergus Kavanagh, WA; Mark Paterson, NSW; Simon Orchard, NSW; Grant Schubert, SA; Brent Dancer, WA; Matt Gohdes, QLD; Matthew Swann, QLD; Jonathon Charlesworth, WA; Glenn Turner, ACT; Jason Wilson, QLD.
RIC and Jonathon Charlesworth will become the first father/son – coach/player combination in the Kookaburras history, with Jonathon today selected to debut for the Kookaburras in an upcoming tour of Malaysia.
The 24 year old will be joined by Queensland pair Matt Gohdes and Matthew Swann as debutants when the Kookaburras tour Malaysia in a 5 test series from October 16-26.
In another family related announcement, Gohdes is the cousin of two time world player of the year and current Kookaburra Jamie Dwyer.
Jonathon, who is a member of the 2009 Kookaburras development squad, represented Australia A several months ago in a series against Malaysia, Canada and the Kookaburras. He has been an important member of the SmokeFree WA Thundersticks line up since debuting in the Australian Hockey League in 2004.
While Jonathon shares many similarities to his father, including wearing a headband similar to what Ric wore during his playing days and is also studying to be a doctor like his father, he says he is looking forward to paving his own career.
“It’s only human nature for people to compare us, but I’m confident that my abilities are enough to have me stand on my own two feet. Having obviously grown up around hockey, I’m very excited to make my debut at the top level,” said Jonathon.
Ric said Jonathon’s inclusion, along with that of Matt Gohdes and Matthew Swann, will continue to expand the depth of the Kookaburras squad.
“All three players have shown encouraging signs throughout the year and have all earned the right to represent the Kookaburras. Obviously as a father I’m proud of Jonathon, but he will be treated no different from any other player in the squad,” said Charlesworth.
With the inclusion of these three players, 14 players have now made their debut for the Kookaburras under Ric Charlesworth this year, with the team continuing to develop their squad ahead of the ABN AMRO Hockey Champions Trophy which will be held in Melbourne from November 28 – December 6.
As the most prestigious event on the 2009 International Hockey calendar, all players will be desperate to impress Charlesworth during this Malaysian series in a bid to earn their spot in the Champions Trophy squad.
With players such as Jamie Dwyer, Eddie Ockenden and Des Abbott playing club hockey in the Netherlands, this tour will give the younger squad members a chance to step up and play a key role.
Kookaburras-Malaysia.
TEST Series squad 16-26 October, 2009...
Nathan Burgers, ACT; Ross Meadows, WA; Graeme Begbie, WA; Joel Carroll, NT; Kiel Brown, WA; Ian Burcher, WA; Chris Ciriello, VIC; David Guest, TAS; Matthew Butturini, NSW; Glenn Simpson, VIC; Liam De Young, QLD; Rob Hammond, QLD; Fergus Kavanagh, WA; Mark Paterson, NSW; Simon Orchard, NSW; Grant Schubert, SA; Brent Dancer, WA; Matt Gohdes, QLD; Matthew Swann, QLD; Jonathon Charlesworth, WA; Glenn Turner, ACT; Jason Wilson, QLD.
Then they screw it up...
MALAYSIA, represented by Under-18 boys, lost to Singapore 2-1 in the Sea Cup in Bangkok, Thailand on Wednesday.
And now, they must beat Thailand B today to qualify for the final, and have a re-match with Singapore.
The Sea Cup is being held in Thailand, as Sea Games Laos is not hosting hockey in December.
“The boys were overconfident and muffed the five panalyy corners with three bad stops, and ballooned the ball several time even though the goal-mouth was empty.
“They became a little big headed, and it cost us the match, However, I am looking forward to pitting the boys against Singapore in the final again, as we need to win the title at all cost,” said Malaysian coach K. Dharmaraj.
Malaysia play Thailand B today and a win will take them into the final on Sunday. It should be an easy match, as Singapore blasted Thailand B 11-0.
The women had a better outing when they beat Thailand A 1-0.
RESULTS: Men -- Thailand A 4 Thailand B 2, Malaysia 1 Singapore 2; Women: Singapore 5 Thailand B 0, Thailand A 0 Malaysia 1.
FIXTURES: Friday: Men -- Thailand B v Malaysia, Singapore v Thai land A; Women: Malaysia v Thailand B.
Sunday: Finals.
And now, they must beat Thailand B today to qualify for the final, and have a re-match with Singapore.
The Sea Cup is being held in Thailand, as Sea Games Laos is not hosting hockey in December.
“The boys were overconfident and muffed the five panalyy corners with three bad stops, and ballooned the ball several time even though the goal-mouth was empty.
“They became a little big headed, and it cost us the match, However, I am looking forward to pitting the boys against Singapore in the final again, as we need to win the title at all cost,” said Malaysian coach K. Dharmaraj.
Malaysia play Thailand B today and a win will take them into the final on Sunday. It should be an easy match, as Singapore blasted Thailand B 11-0.
The women had a better outing when they beat Thailand A 1-0.
RESULTS: Men -- Thailand A 4 Thailand B 2, Malaysia 1 Singapore 2; Women: Singapore 5 Thailand B 0, Thailand A 0 Malaysia 1.
FIXTURES: Friday: Men -- Thailand B v Malaysia, Singapore v Thai land A; Women: Malaysia v Thailand B.
Sunday: Finals.
Good start for boys and women
THE National Under-18 side got-off to a perfect start in the Sea Cup hockey tournament when they thrashed Thailand 'A' 6-0 in Bangkok yesterday.
Nor Faeez Ibrahim was the Under-18 side's hero when he scored a brace.
Mohd Fitri Saari, Amir Farid, Syamim Yusof and Sabri Mohamed were the other goal scorers.
In another match, Singapore whipped Thailand 'B' 11-0.
The Under-18 side, coached by K.Dharmaraj, will face Singapore today.
Team manager Mirnawan Nawawi said his boys played their hearts out yesterday.
"The match with Singapore will likely be a pre-final. The boys' will not hold back as another victory will boost their confidence ahead of the final," said Mirnawan.
The Sea Cup is being held to make up for the December's Sea Games, where host Laos dropped hockey.
Result - Men: Singapore 11 Thailand 'B' 0, Malaysia 6 Thailand 'B' 0.
Nor Faeez Ibrahim was the Under-18 side's hero when he scored a brace.
Mohd Fitri Saari, Amir Farid, Syamim Yusof and Sabri Mohamed were the other goal scorers.
In another match, Singapore whipped Thailand 'B' 11-0.
The Under-18 side, coached by K.Dharmaraj, will face Singapore today.
Team manager Mirnawan Nawawi said his boys played their hearts out yesterday.
"The match with Singapore will likely be a pre-final. The boys' will not hold back as another victory will boost their confidence ahead of the final," said Mirnawan.
The Sea Cup is being held to make up for the December's Sea Games, where host Laos dropped hockey.
Result - Men: Singapore 11 Thailand 'B' 0, Malaysia 6 Thailand 'B' 0.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Two gold medals, for sure
THE Malaysian boys and women’s hockey teams are poised to win gold medals in the Sea Cup hockey tournament which will start in Bangkok, Thailand tomorrow.
The opposition for both the boys and women’s teams are Singapore, Thailand A and Thailand B, and nothing but gold medals are expected in both the categories.
In fact, the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) and the Malaysian Women’s Hockey Federation (MWHF) will be using the open tournament to expose their youth.
MHF sent their Under-18 outfit, while 70 per cent in the women’s team are Under-21.
“The girls and boys left for Bangkok yesterday and for us, the target is winning gold. We have sent a relatively young side, but are confident of winning gold,” said MWHA sec retary S. Shamala.
Indonesia were also supposed to send a team but pulled out at the eleventh hour, and hosts Thailand then fielded two teams. The tournament is being held to compensate the fact that Sea Games hosts Laos will not be hosting hockey at the end of the year.
The women’s team, ranked 24th in the world, is coached by Yahya Atan, while K. Dharmaraj is the boys coach.
FIXTURES: Tuesday -- Men: Malaysia v Thailand A; Wom en: Thailand A v Thailand B, Singapore v Malaysia.
Wednesday: Men -- Thailand A v Thailand B, Malaysia v Singapore; Women: Singapore v Thailand B, Thailand A v Malaysia.
Friday: Men -- Thailand B v Malaysia, Singapore v Thai land A; Women: Malaysia v Thailand B.
Sunday: Finals.
The opposition for both the boys and women’s teams are Singapore, Thailand A and Thailand B, and nothing but gold medals are expected in both the categories.
In fact, the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) and the Malaysian Women’s Hockey Federation (MWHF) will be using the open tournament to expose their youth.
MHF sent their Under-18 outfit, while 70 per cent in the women’s team are Under-21.
“The girls and boys left for Bangkok yesterday and for us, the target is winning gold. We have sent a relatively young side, but are confident of winning gold,” said MWHA sec retary S. Shamala.
Indonesia were also supposed to send a team but pulled out at the eleventh hour, and hosts Thailand then fielded two teams. The tournament is being held to compensate the fact that Sea Games hosts Laos will not be hosting hockey at the end of the year.
The women’s team, ranked 24th in the world, is coached by Yahya Atan, while K. Dharmaraj is the boys coach.
FIXTURES: Tuesday -- Men: Malaysia v Thailand A; Wom en: Thailand A v Thailand B, Singapore v Malaysia.
Wednesday: Men -- Thailand A v Thailand B, Malaysia v Singapore; Women: Singapore v Thailand B, Thailand A v Malaysia.
Friday: Men -- Thailand B v Malaysia, Singapore v Thai land A; Women: Malaysia v Thailand B.
Sunday: Finals.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
