Head coach of the national women’s hockey squad, Muhammad Dhaarma Raj Abdullah is convinced that the five matches against China’s youth team in Changzhou was the best platform for the squad to improve as a team.
Five matches were played in Guangzhou, with Malaysia losing the first three games (0-4, 1-2, 1-2). The managed to respond better in the fourth game, drawing 2-2 though the final match ended up being a defeat as Dhaarma’s charges succumbed to a 0-2 defeat.
“Many inadequacies were uncovered, providing greater insight to what is required for the team to improve. We included an offensive approach, resulting in creating effective circle penetrations and penalty corners in every match,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
“The players are now beginning to believe in this concept. They also understand the need to pile the hours away if we are to match up to the best teams in the world,” he said in statement Sunday.
“Youngsters like Hanis Nadiah Onn and Wan Norfaezah Md Saiuti were fantastic here. They have the talent and tenacity required to carve a name for themselves internationally. This provides much promise for the future,” he added.
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