Speedy Tigers to get ‘super test’ from Belgium
KUALA LUMPUR: The national hockey team will leave for Belgium on Friday to get a super lesson from the World No 2, regarded as one of the best teams in the world.
Belgium will host Malaysia in a friendly on Sept 27, followed by a match between a mixed Belgian side and the Speedy Tigers on the next day.
Arul Selvaraj’s side will then play France on Oct 4 and 5.
Arul has selected 22 players, and missing from the list are Faizal Saari and Ashran Hamsani.
Faizal is currently playing for Dutch team ZSV Schaerweijde on a 10-month contract, while Ashran is undergoing rehabilitation.
“After 10 weeks of training, the four matches in Europe, especially against Belgium A, will provide me with information on whether my players can cope against top teams.
“These four matches will be the starting point of our preparations for the World Cup in Bhubaneswar–Rourkela in January,” said Arul.
“The immediate target is the Azlan Shah Cup (Nov 1-10), and the European Tour will help prepare for Ipoh as well,” said Arul.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur will be holding trials to select men’s and women’s Razak Cup teams. The men’s selection will be on Saturday from 11.30am while the women’s selection will be on Monday from 5pm at Tun Razak Stadium. For information, please contact Iqbal at 019-3302660.
The Razak Cup will be held at the National Hockey Stadium on Oct 6-16.
The national senior and junior trainees will not be involved in the tournament as they have international assignments.
Malaysian squad
Goalkeepers: Hafizuddin Othman, Adrian Andy Albert, Zami Mat Deris;
Defenders: Razie Rahim, Marhan Jalil, Najmi Farizal, Aminuddin Zain, Syafiq Hassan, Zulpidaus Mizun, Syarman Mat Tee;
Midfielders: Azuan Hassan, Aiman Nik Rozemi, Faiz Helmi, Amirul Hamizan, Firhan Ashaari;
Forwards: Azrai Aizad, Najib Abu Hassan, Shello Silverius, Ramadan Rosli, Tengku Nasrul Ikmal, Norsyafiq Sumantri, Shahril Saabah.
NST
