Malaysian Hockey Player Faizal Saari optimistic for his debut in Australian Hockey League
Faizal Saari, the field hockey player of Malaysia is quite confident in shining the squad's skills, particularly the striking capabilities in the forthcoming Australian Hockey League (AHL). He along with another national star namely Mohd Shukri Abdul Mutalib
has been selected in the Southern Hotshot team for the league.
The Chief Coach of the Malaysian Hockey Team, Tai Beng Hai, has recommended the two players to make their debut in the league. They will represent Southern Hotshot in the ten matches until June 2011. However, they will make a comeback to Adelaide to play
the knockout stage in August 2011.
Malaysian forward-man, Faizal Saari started international hockey in 2009 during the Champions Challenge II held in Dublin. He wanted to improve his scoring skill for the Olympic Qualifiers which is scheduled to be held in February 2012.
Talking to the media, Faizal expressed dissatisfaction over the performance he displayed during the recent seven-nation invitational, Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. It is pertinent to mention here that Malaysia earned the bottom position in the tournament. He stated,
“I missed a number of chances. I also failed to convert a penalty stroke against Australia, which resulted in the team losing 1-2.”
The 20-year-old Faizal lit the lamp three times in the invitational and had 55 international caps in his credit. He was of the opinion that it was matter of honour for him to contest in the Australian league, as it is considered one of the world’s best leagues.
He further stated that the Kookaburras were World Number One squad and trained a large number of players. They were also holding the titles of the World Cup 2010, and 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The Malaysian forward was of the view that the league would help him to improve his game, particularly the attacking and goal-scoring capabilities. In his views, the Malaysian side had chances to get a berth for the 2012 London Olympics during the 16th
Asiad, however, they failed to do so and lost to the Greenshirts.
Faizal further stated that they would have to win one of the three qualifiers to get a berth in the London Games.
It is pertinent to mention here that both Shukri and Faizal will not be part of the national side that is going to contest four-nation event in Russia. Besides Malaysia and Russia, Ukraine and South Africa will be other teams in the tournament.
Fazial said, “I am impressed with the Australian style of play as their players are not only fast and have discipline in their game but they are also good in getting the ball from the opponents.”
The forward striker also explained that the Kookaburras have had the services of world’s best coaches who helped the players to overcome their weak section.
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