BJSS, Tenaga go on full alert

Defending champions Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) and Tenaga Nasional are favourites to make the final of the MHF-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League but they are aware of the pitfalls of competition in the knockout stage.

And the unpredictability of the opposing sides is the biggest threat to their aspirations.

BJSS coach S. Prakash said: “You can have the best line-up but one mistake can put you out.

“There is no easy team at this stage of competition and we have to be on the alert at all times.

“There will be pressure on my players as they are expected to win.

“The quarter-final and semi-final ties will be decided over two matches and we have to come up with strategies to get a healthy lead in the first leg.”

The quarter-final first-leg matches will be played today and the return leg matches will be played on Sunday.

BJSS will be up against Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak) and the sports school have more experienced players to bank on and should win the tie.

Tenaga, who finished as runners-up in the Division One league, will play against debutants MSS Kelantan, who did well to emerge as the Division Two champions.

Tenaga coach Lailin Abu Hassan said: “In the past, we have lost matches that we were expected to win. Therefore we cannot take any team lightly.

“We will be playing against the Kelantan team for the first time. Kelantan sides are known for their aggressive approach and we can expect a robust game.

“We are injury-free and will be at full strength.”

The other newcomers in the fray, MSJ-Batu Pahat, will play against 2006 overall champions Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).

Their coach, Shaiful Azli Abdul Rahman, said that they had nothing to lose and there was no reason for them to hold back in the two-leg tie.

“We are in with a chance to win the tie and have to work hard in both the matches to get the desired result,” he said.

The other quarter-final tie should go in favour of the Bandar Penawar Sports School.

They play against Anderson, who are widely regarded as the weakest of the quarter-finalists.