Beng Hai: In Jiwa we trust

By Ajitpal Singh

JIWA Mohan (pic) is professed to be the saviour of Malaysia and his presence, according to national coach Tai Beng Hai, will give a huge boost to the team in the AirAsia Men's Asia Cup which starts in Kuantan on Saturday.

Beng Hai believes Jiwa's versatility and experience will make a difference to the team and also boost their chances of making a mark in the tournament. "Jiwa is a natural leader. He can play a defensive role and also in midfield plus he's really good with penalty corner set-pieces.
These are the characteristics of a complete hockey player," said Beng Hai when contacted in Kuantan yesterday. "He is also a good motivator and his presence on the pitch will boost the confidence of the younger players." Jiwa, who quit the national team after last year's Azlan Shah Cup, accepted a call-up from the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) to play in the Asia Cup.
The 28-year-old is working as a mechanical engineer in Perth, Australia. Early fears that Jiwa may not be fit enough for the Asia Cup were wiped away when he gave a promising show in a friendly against Pakistan, which Malaysia lost 2-0, on Tuesday.
"Overall, Jiwa did well in the match. I certify him as fit and ready for the Asia Cup. He will be in the team." said Beng Hai.
Despite his busy schedule in Australia, Jiwa still plays league hockey with Darwin district. Last year, he represented Curtin Trinity Pirates Club in the Perth League and scored 12 goals in 12 matches. Beng Hai, an interim national coach, will get a full time contract if he manages to guide the team to a top four finish in the Asia Cup. The coach did well in his first task when the team finished second behind India in last month's Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh.
On the team's preparation, Beng Hai said the players are peaking nicely for the tournament. "My initial target during preparation was to get them 100 per cent, both mentally and physically, ready and it has been achieved.
"As for now, I'm cutting down the training volume and concentrating more on tactical play."
Malaysia will open their Group A campaign against South Korea on Saturday, followed by Bangladesh (Monday) and Japan (Tuesday).
"We must treat the Koreans with caution as they are quick and fast. However, I have my plans for them," he added.
Defending champions India are in Group B with Pakistan and China.
FIXTURES -- Saturday: Group B: Pakistan v China (3pm); Group A: South Korea v Malaysia (5pm), Japan v Bangladesh (7pm).
Sunday -- Group B: India v Pakistan (5pm).
Monday -- Group A: Japan v South Korea (5pm); Bangladesh v Malaysia (7pm).
Tuesday -- Group B: China v India (3pm); Group A: South Korea v Bangladesh (5pm); Malaysia v Japan (7pm).
May 14 -- Classification match (3pm); Semi-finals (5pm and 7pm). May 15 -- Classification match (5pm).
May 16 -- Third/Fourth placing (5pm); Final (7.30pm) (All matches at Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium, Kuantan)