Premier Division Champion KLHC bent on setting a new record
Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) – the champions in the Premier Division are headed for a record-breaking achievement in the knockout stage continuing their unbeaten trend. The quarter-final round of the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) will commence on October
12, 2011 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Malaysia.
In the first phase, KLHC lifted the third consecutive title after winning all eight games. They are anticipating upholding their winning streak in the five upcoming games to acclaim the overall honour.
If successful, they will create new history for the league by earning the double champions honour consecutively for the second time. Although the Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has triumphed double titles, it was not back to back. They claimed the title in
the 1991-1992 and, later during the 2003 editions.
The next two weeks will be very crucial for Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club, as pressure mounts to win the double title. R. Vivekanandan – the Coach of the club has cautioned the players not to take any team easy.
He added, “It is easy to get carried away when you think that you have become unbeatable. I am thankful that the format for the knockout stage is over two legs, as this will allow us to ensure we do not slip up. The players are now playing well and are slowly
getting their act together and not being over individualistic. We have several players who can deliver the goals.”
In the quarter-final competition, KLHC will face Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI), champions of the Division One. It will not be an easy task for KLHC, as the level of the game in the Division One is not similar to the Premier Division.
The coach was doubtful about Kelvinder’s availability in the knockout stage. However, he stated that he had competent substitutes with the capability to win the double title. They will not worry about the semi-final round once they clear the first stage,
he maintained.
Sapura – the runner-up team in the Premier Division and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) – the third-place team are expected to get spots in the semi-final stage. They will face Nur Insafi and Yayasan Negeri Sembilan (YNS), respectively, in the next round.
On the other hand, University Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) will meet with Maybank in the title-claiming clashes. Maybank showed reasonable performances in the initial stage; but UniKL, having nine players from Project 2013, will give them a tough time.
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