Just
before the season began, Mohd Noor Faeez Ibrahim had second thoughts
about playing for UniKL in the TNB Malaysian Hockey League as was made
an offer too good to refuse by Terengganu HT.
But
he did not trek east as did many other players and it could well be the
best decision this budding player made for the good of his career. For
the diminutive Faeez, or Petak as he is nicknamed, is amongst the top
scorers in the MHL.
He
has scored a total of 8 goals, and is in third spot, behind Faisal
Saari (10 goals) and Khasif Ali (9) goals. and what is more remarkable
is taht Faeez has scored two thirds of UniKL's total goals for the
season that stand at 12 currently.
Winning
the top scorer award is within his reach and it will not be something
new for the 2009 Junior Hockey League top scorer. Faeez was also voted
as the most promising player in the 2009 Razak Cup in Kuala Lumpur
land named the best player in the South East Asia (SEA) Cup in
Bangkok in 2009.
Last night
(Tuesday) was another feather in the cap of the player who lists Usain
Bolt as his sports hero. For Faeez led his national junior team onto the
stage to receive the 2012 Best Team Award in the National Sports Award.
They were picked for winning the
Junior Asia Cup in May 2012, the first time ever Malaysia won the title
and assured them a place in the 2013 Junior World Cup.
However Faeez will not be playing in the Junior World cup as he is overaged.
"It
is a wonderful momment and we never expected to win the award given
that there are many senior teams that have also done well last year. It
is indeed an honour for us and this will spur the team to do better in
the Junior World Cup in India this December," said the soft spoken Faeez
who played for Hatem Hockey Club in the Dutch second division two years
ago.
"The team has talent and just needs to believe in their ability to ensure at least a top six finish in India."
Faeez
shoulders a heavy responsibility for UniKL, as not only is he the key
player in penalty corners, but also man's the UniKL defence. The fact
that the team comprises of youngsters, with the exception of the likes
of S. Selvaraju and Baljot Singh, adds pressure on Faeez to churn out
consistent performances, week in and week out.
"We
go out onto the pitch without any pressure as the opponents have more
experienced players. Hence that helps us play our game and it does not
put us under unnecessary pressure," said Faeez.
"But
we tend to make mistakes, some that are due to lack of experience while
others through trying to overdo things, and these factors cost us
points and also we concede goals as well.
"But
overall I think we are doing relatively well in the MHL, though we are
unlucky at times. We are giving the more established sides a run for
their money andnot being outclassed on the pitch."
Faeez
started playing hockey for Sekolah Kebangsaan Rantau Panjang in Klang
before moving to the Bandar Penawar Sports School ( now known as Sekolah
Sukan Tengku Mahkota Ismail).
With
fishing as his hobby, the well mannered Faeez is a joy to watch on the
pitch when let loose to join the attack. His reading of the games, with
astute positioning and cool tackling has allowed UniKL to get out of
trouble many a time.
"UniKL is one
big happy family and the officials have been great in encouraging us.
What UniKL is doing for hockey should be emulated by other institutions
of higher learning as not only do they give youngsters a chance to
improve in hockey but also provide education opportunities that will
serve us well in the future,"added Faeez.
"We need to get some points in Penang this weekend and I really hope taht we get a good draw for the last eight."
