Jr : Coach Rajan happy with Juniors’ showing in MHL

National Juniors coach K. Ra­­­jan is satisfied with the overall performance of the team in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

The Juniors, who are preparing for the Junior World Cup Finals scheduled for June 7-21, gave defending overall champions Tenaga Nasional a good fight in the two-leg quarter-final tie last week.

The Juniors, who finished sixth and last in Division One, drew 1-1 in the first leg and were beaten 2-4 in the return match.

Rajan said the players made steady progress in the MHL and he was happy with their fighting qualities.

“But there is still a lack of co-ordination among the players and I need to work on this,’’ said Rajan.

He added that the players would attend a one-week mental training camp in the first week of January before they leave for Sydney to play in the Youth Olympic Games from Jan 13-18. Their opponents in the competition are England, New Zealand and Australia.

Rajan added that the juniors would also play four friendly matches against club sides in Sydney.

“We will travel to Brisbane to play another six friendly matches against club sides before we return home in early February,’’ he said.

Rajan added that the team would also play in a six-nation invitational tournament at the Johor Hockey Stadium in March.

“We will go for a three-week playing tour of Europe in April and will have friendly matches against our counterparts in Holland, Germany and Belgium,’’ he said.

Malaysia will co-host the Junior World Cup Finals with Singapore. The Finals will feature 20 teams.