Div 2 :: BJSS reserve forward on fire

Forward Shahzrul Irwan Nazli is only a reserve in the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) team. But the Perak player is on fire — having scored four goals in seven matches for the double champions.

Shahzrul, who is making his debut for BJSS, said that he was delighted with his performance in Division Two (Under-19 category) of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

“I don’t get to play the entire match but I still managed to score more goals than the other senior forwards. And this augurs well for my hockey career,’’ said Shahzrul, who will turn 16 on Aug 27.

Shahzrul earned a call-up to the national Under-16 training squad last week following his performance in the national tournament for the age-group in Seremban two weeks ago. He scored three goals for Perak.

Shahzrul added that he hoped BJSS coach S. Prakash would make him a first-choice forward in the remaining four matches in the league.

BJSS lead the Division Two standings with the maximum 21 points from seven matches — two points more than Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS).

BJSS will play against former champions Petaling Jaya City Council at the Tun Razak Stadium today and they will take on Olak at the same venue on Sunday. The last two matches for BJSS are against Anderson on Wednesday and against BPSS next Friday.

Shahzrul added that the pressure would be on them to keep up their winning streak.

“It’s not going to be easy to win all four matches in a week,’’ he said.