Malacca aims to qualifying into Division One of 49th 100PLUS Sultan Tun Abdul Razak Cup: Hockey News
Malacca team has a set target of qualifying for the Division One of the 49thedition of the 100PLUS Sultan Tun Abdul Razak Cup, along with the beginning of the South Zone Qualifiers at the Batu Pahat ground, currently being played in Malacca, Malaysia.
Since the Singapore Hockey Federation (SHF) had previously refused to send its team for the competition, the South Zone now only comprises of three teams, which means only two will make it into the Division One round, whereas the third team will automatically
be sent in Division Two. The South Zone comprises of Negri Sembilan, Malacca and Johor.
Malacca team’s coach, K. Balakrishnan commented, “As hosts of the Razak Cup, we would definitely be gunning for a top-two finish but it wont be easy. Negri and Johor will also be fielding an experienced side for the Qualifier, while we will be banking mostly
on youth.”
Out of the total eighteen players, Malacca team includes 11 players that are Under-21. However, out of these, five will not be appearing in the competition due to their commitment to play in the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSC) tournament, being held
in Johor Baru.
Malacca's coach shared the fact that they ended third in last year’s Division One with the help of almost the same team members. However, five of the young players will not be playing this weekend.
On comparing the potential of teams within the South Zone, Balakrishnan believed that almost all the three teams are of the same level, however, a bit competition is expected from Johor.
The team was under training for the past two weeks, but one of the key strikers, Chua Boon Huat, who used to play in the national hockey team, joined the Malacca's squad, yesterday, on June 2.
Like the South Zone, the East Zone will also begin its play this weekend, however, the two teams Pahang and Kelantan are already into the Division One round and will only play the pool matches as a practice. The other two teams Police and Terengganu will
take these matches as mere warm up sessions.
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