Tenaga believe fight for title is still open

Tenaga Nasional have the advantage but they believe that the battle for the Division One title in the MHF-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League is far from over.

With two matches remaining, the title will go to either Tenaga Nasional or defending champions Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS).

For Tenaga, the decisive match for them is their final fixture against BJSS on March 11. The previous day, they will take on another tough team Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and defeat will not put them out of contention for the title.

Coach Lailin Abu Hassan said: “All the other teams are out of the running and for us, it is down to that one match against BJSS. We can afford to lose to MBPJ.

“We have two tough matches to play back to back. Bukit Jalil have a longer rest. They will play against us before their final match against Anderson. And in some ways, I feel they have a slight advantage over us.”

Tenaga have 18 points while BJSS are on 16 after dropping points in a 1-1 draw with Bandar Penawar Sports School on Friday.

BJSS coach S. Prakash said that their fate in retaining the title rested in their own hands.

“It's a must win situation for us against Tenaga and we probably need to get full points too against Anderson the next day. But that equation could change if Tenaga lose or draw against MBPJ,” he said.

For both coaches, their biggest worry is the inconsistent performance of their teams in the league thus far.

Lailin said that his players tended to relax when leading in a match or when playing against weaker teams.

“The players must treat every match seriously and develop a winning mentality. That is why I have certain reservations. Now that it is crucial, hopefully they rise to the occasion,” he said.

In Division Two, it is down to a three-horse race for the title. MSS Kelantan are the leaders on 21 points followed by MSN Malacca (19) and MSSM KL (16).

The Division Two fixtures will end on March 16.