Coach: Malacca good enough for semis

Coach G. Ravindran is not taking any chances in his bid to help Malacca make a favourable impression in the national Under- 21 hockey tournament, starting on Saturday at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Malacca have tough company in Group B, which has Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Terengganu, Perlis and Selangor. But Ravindran feels that his side has what it takes to make at least the semi-finals. Group A comprises defending champions Perak, Pahang, Kedah, Kelantan and Penang.

“Selangor, Johor and KL are regarded as formidable opponents and title hopefuls. I am banking on fitness and endurance to help us in our cause,” said Ravindran.

“We had a decent period of centralised training and played several friendly matches with local club sides.”

Added manager Francis Leong: “We have players with fighting qualities. The absence of national trainees have brought on a level playing field this time and we are certainly capable of bagging honours.”

Malacca have seven players from their Razak Cup squad to add depth and experience to their side.

They are goalkeeper Azrul Hairi Abdul Latiff, defender Mohd Aizudin Yusof, halves Mohd Shakir Kamarudin and Nazmi Kamarudin and forwards Mohd Fareez Ismail, B. Namasivayam and Mohd Ariffin Dolah.

Malacca have yet to win the national Under-21 title. They were the runners-up thrice in the last 10 years.