Skilful Shaharul is the player to watch in MHL

Sixteen-year-old forward Shaharul Dennis will be the player to watch in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

The Form Four student of SMK Damansara Jaya is a skilful player who has caught the eyes of the national selectors.

Shaharul, who is the son of former international Henry Fidelis, will make his debut for Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) in Division Two, which is for players under 19.



MBPJ coach Paul Raj said that Shaharul has excellent dribbling skills and has the potential to become the country’s top forward in the national team.

“He is only 16 but he can play much better than players older than him. He was twice named the Best Player in the Selangor Schools Sports (MSS) Under-18 age category in 2007 and 2008.

“Shaharul has received a call-up to join the National Under-16 team in April,’’ said Paul.

He added that Shaharul would lead the forward line and hope he would be able to deliver the goals during the tournament.

Shaharul, who helped Selangor finished runners-up in the Malaysian Schools Sports Council’s (MSSM) Under-18 tournament last year, said that he only took up hockey seriously four years ago.

“I am happy that I have impressed the national coaches to be selected for the National Under-16 team.

“I want to become a national player like my father and to achieve that I have to continue training hard,’’ said Shaharul.

He added that this would be the first time he would feature in the MHL and he has a set a personal target in the league.

“I hope to score 12 goals in 10 league matches,’’ said Shaharul.

Besides MBPJ the other teams in Division Two of this year’s MHL are double champions BJSS, BJSS Juniors, Kijang Mas Kelantan, MSN Malacca, Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak), Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS), BPSS Juniors, Setapak High School, Anderson of Ipoh and Tenaga Nasional.