New Zealand Hockey Team to face big challenges in Azlan Shah Cup, says Coach Shane McLeod
The Men’s hockey team of New Zealand will have to face plenty of challenges to get a spot among the top four teams in the upcoming Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament starting from May 05, in Ipoh, Malaysia.
Kyle Pontifex, the custodian of the Black Sticks, will have to use his past experience to carry his side in the knock-out stage of the tournament. Dean Couzins has been appointed as skipper of the Black Sticks, as the legendary players, Phil Burrows and
Shea McAleese, were not available with the squad in the seven-nation event. Couzins, who has played 223 international games, will be required to manage the squad comprising experienced players and youngsters.
Shane McLeod, the coach of the national side while speaking to the media said that the upcoming contest would be a stiff challenge for the squad. He, however, stated that the boys would try to win a medal. Many players inducted in the squad are youngsters
and competing for the first time in the international event, he added.
He stated, “The team named for the tournament is young, and for many players it will be a chance to gain international experience and play against teams that New Zealand are likely to compete against at next year's London Olympic Games.”
The Black Sticks will have to overcome the world’s best teams in the event if they want to capture a medal. New Zealand will meet Australia, South Korea, Great Britain, Pakistan, India and the host Malaysia in the tournament.
The coach was of the view that they should be realistic about their chances, as the squad do not have the services of some senior players. Though they are standing at the seventh highest place in the world ranks, he added.
Apart from the medal quest, he also stated that it would be a great opportunity for youngsters to learn a vast range of games’ techniques from different teams. He further said that the contest would really assist them to prepare a line-up for the 2012 London
Olympics.
In absence of James Coughlan and Simon Child, McLeod selected Matt L’Huillier as defender of the squad. It is pertinent to mention here that L'Huillier will make his international debut in the Azlan Shah Hockey Cup.
The Black Sticks won a game against U-21 squad of the host country, while managed a draw against senior team of Malaysia in the first two games of the three-match practice session. They will play final practice match against India, before facing the Greenshirts
(Pakistan) in the event-opening contest. In the later stage, the New Zealand team will play against Korea, Great Britain, Malaysia, India and arch-rival, Australia.
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