There will be no compromises when Terengganu Hoki Team (THT) and Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) go head to head in the Community Shield, this Sunday, as the new season of Malaysia Hockey League Division One unfolds.
Head coach of KLHC, Muhammad Dharma Raj Abdullah realizes it is not an easy task to defeat THT, who won the double last season, but is determined to grab the three points.
Speaking to Kosmo Online, Dharma, however, feels the match is taking place too early, thus affecting their rhythm of play.
“If possible, I would avoid facing THT so early in the season, as we still have players who are adjusting themselves in the team. Few of the players have reported late during training and preparations are still going on. It is even seen during our sessions, where they still search for that “special connection” between them in order to perform well as a team.”
“Having said that, I would still go for the win because I have never given up,” added Dharma.
Last season, THT under their coach Sarjit Singh, went all the way and ended KLHC’s dominance for the past four years.
Both THT and KLHC have equipped themselves with stronger imported players, continuing their rivalry from the past season and competing against other teams such as Sapura Hockey Club and Kuala Lumpur University (UniKL).
In the mean time, Executive Officer of the Malaysia Hockey Confederation (MHC), Logan Raj commented that it is a good move to implement the mix of junior, senior and imported players in a team.
“It will certainly help us in identifying new talents. We have to start building our squad for the 2020 Olympics, and we believe the MHL will be a perfect stage to begin with.
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