Coach Richard Charlesworth optimistic for Kookaburras’ winning streak – Hockey News
Richard Charlesworth, one of the best coaches in the world believes that the Kookaburras (Australian Hockey Team) will display an impressive show in the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Cup commencing from Thursday, May 5 in the Malaysian city of Ipoh.
Despite the fact that the Kookaburras have not played any major game since the Commonwealth Games, Charlesworth is quite optimistic about the performance of the team.
Speaking to the media, the coach of the Australian hockey team said that their major concern was about the empty period. He stated, “My concern is we haven't had a match for six months so maybe we'll be a bit rusty early on. It's sort of like the first game
of the season in the AFL I suppose.”
The trainer was of the view that the talent and professionalism of any team was a significant step for success, adding that the players in many reasons have the potential to shine for their respective countries during the course of the tournament.
It will be a great test for Kookaburras to add another title into their credit, as they are on high momentum since the last year. The Azlan Shah Hockey Cup was the only trophy that the Australian hockey team could not win in 2010. The squad led by Charlesworth
won all the major titles in 2010 including the World Cup, the Champions Trophy and the Commonwealth Games. Apart from all the victories, they could only obtain third place in the 19th edition of the Azlan Shah Cup.
It will be a tough time for the Australian hockey team in the recent edition which is scheduled to start from May 5 to 15, as many of key players are missing from the squad due to injuries.
Jamie Dwyer, one of the best hockey players and four times Player of the Year along with Graeme Begbie, Kieran Govers and Des Abbott are not part of the squad that is going to contest the seven-nation tournament. Some other experienced players including
Mark Knowles, Luke Doerner, Rob Hammond and Eddie Ockenden will also be missing due to their commitments with their respective clubs in Holland.
In place of experienced players, some new faces including Jacob Whetton and Andrew Charter will make their debut in the international hockey. Australia will face Great Britain, South Korea, New Zealand, India, Pakistan and the host Malaysia.
Charlesworth was of the opinion that the Kookaburras will have to take some time to cover their game again. He stated that the Australian team at this time cannot be compared with last year’s performances.
Jonathon, the son of Charlesworth displayed an impressive game in the practice match and is likely to be included in the squad while Matthew Butturini will make another return after recovering from a severe injury.
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