Pahang bent on retaining title

DEFENDING champions Pahang will start as favourites in the TNB-Women’s Tun Razak Cup, which starts on Saturday, at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium.

Team manager Nuriza Sulaiman, however, has warned her charges not to be overconfident as other teams have prepared well for the week-long tournament.

Pahang have the services of seven national players and one ex-international in Siti Noor Amarina Ruhani, Wan Norfaiezah Saiuti, Nuraini Rashid, Rabiatul Adawiyah Mohd, S. Priyangga, Siti Zaidah, Fatin Nuraini and Nadia Abdul Rahman.

“It is dangerous to be over confident. Yes, we have a strong team on paper but we must respect our opponents.

“They are all preparing well for the tournament and anything can happen if we do not take them seriously,” said Nuriza yesterday.

“Our target is to retain our title.

Pahang are in Group A with KL, Perak, Terengganu and Indonesian while Group B comprise Selangor, Armed Forces, Melaka and Johor.

Pahang will open their campaign against Terengganu on Saturday followed by matches against KL (Nov 19), Indonesia (Nov 20) and Perak (Nov 21).

“Indonesia could upset the form book. They are decent and we have to respect them, just like the other teams in the tournament,” said Nuriza, adding that Pahang have a tight schedule in the tournament.

“We play four matches over four days and it is going to be taxing.

“However, the fitness level of the players is good, especially the national players, who have just returned from the Asia Cup,” she said.

Coach Ashraf Benedict Abdullah will step down as the team’s trainer after the tournament.

“We hope to present him with the title as a special gift,” said Nuriza.

Pahang won the inaugural tournament last year following a 4-0 mauling of Armed Forces in the final.