Discontent brewing in Selangor HA

THE Selangor HA (SHA) will hold its Biennial General Meeting tomorrow with affiliates looking for a change in management to boost hockey in the state.
Council member Joseph de Silva, who claims he is representing several affiliates afraid to publicly voice their intentions, wants SHA president Datuk Salamon Selamat to step down honourably.
The elections are by way of on-the-spot nominations.
"I am sad to say that the SHA has not done any development or organised a league for the past four years, and the president is holding on to power for no purpose," alleged de Silva.
"I represent many affiliates who feel it is time Salamon steps down and make way for someone who has the time for hockey."
When contacted, Salamon said: "Yes, I will be seeking re-election. I do not want to comment in the press on why we did not have any league, or answer any other questions. I will answer the affiliates if they ask me during the BGM."
Salamon has been at the helm since 2002.
De Silva, who was banned three years by the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) and returned early this year to once again take charge of Old La Sallians Association of Klang in the Malaysia Hockey League, is not afraid of facing the consequences of his outburst.
"I am not afraid because I am speaking the truth. Hockey in Selangor is dead, and the 10 affiliates are now relying on the Kuala Lumpur HA for matches. Many Klang-based teams are now playing in the KLHA League and this is embarrassing.
"I urge the president, and all those who know they have no time for hockey, to make way for new blood," said De Silva.
The Selangor HA deputy president is Abu Bakar Zin, vice-presidents Zulkepli Ahmad, Dr Kerpal Singh, Mohammad Mahud Osman and Taram Singh.
Zainal Abidin Ismail is secretary while the treasurer is N. Ganswaran with the 10 clubs as its affiliates.
Selangor, once a hockey powerhouse, also had to resort to drafting two Malacca and one Sarawak player for their National Under-16 campaign due to lack of talent.