Malaysian Hockey Federation’s dithering creating problems for clubs – Hockey News
The lack of a resolution of the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) regarding releasing of national players put the entire hockey clubs into an uncertain condition, as they are facing problems to complete their line-ups for the 2011 edition of the Malaysian
Hockey League (MHL) scheduled to be held in later part of the year.
The federation left the matter for solution in the 11th hour regarding the league, it has not up till now decided regarding format, time and particularly releasing the national players. In case, it did not allow the national players, what will
have fortune of clubs who have signed compacts with them?
Sapura, the club which has had many titles in their credit including overall honours of 2005 and 2006 while league titles in 2004 and 2005. It is the same club which is suffering more than anyone due to delay of MHF decision.
Abdullah Yunus, the manager of the Sapura Team while speaking to the media said, “When the MHF leaves it to the last minute to decide on matters in the MHL, clubs are in a bind because we can't plan ahead. Sapura still has not signed any foreign player for
this year because the MHF has yet to decide when to hold the League and we can't simply sign a blind contract.”
Prior to finalise their list of local players, the Sapura squad is looking towards the decision of MHF regarding releasing of players. The manager was of the opinion that the clubs should be informed that the national players would be available for the MHL
or not, as they could prepare team comprised of youngsters ahead of the event.
The preparations for the 2011 version of the MHL are in disorder due to the indecisiveness of Malaysian Hockey Federation. It seemed that they had failed to decide how to pacify national coach Tai Beng Hai along with the clubs. It is pertinent to mention
here that the coach of the national side wanted to postpone the league until the completion of Olympic Qualifiers. He wanted the delay in order to continue the training session for the upcoming event.
On the other hand, the clubs are mulling to hold the league in the current year, as they are relying on the national players and sponsors. They not only want the league but also release of national players.
It was decided by the participants of a workshop to organise the league on September sans the national players. Conversely, the final decision will be come out within couple of days whether it endorse the decision or reject the proposal. Sapura, the overall
runner up while secured third in the league with foreign players will have to form-up the squad from youngsters, if the federation barred the national players to participate in the league.
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