Warning to Podium players
Joel Samuel Van Huizen, who are in the national team, are the key local players along with former International Kevin Lim.
“Now that all is in place in terms of players, we need to build on team work as well as tactics to ensure a successful season,” said UniKL coach Arul Selvaraj.
“With matches every two days spread over a month, it is going to be a question of whether our players can sustain the intensity throughout the season.
“I believe we have a good pool of players capable of doing well in matches.
“We cannot afford to drop points while injuries and suspensions are among the things we need to avoid.”
UniKL will start their season against Selangor in the first round of the P. Alegandra Cup tomorrow, but they will be without Deavin and Hertzberger, who are only due to arrive after the knockout competition.
On the P. Alegandra Cup, Arul said: “I have reminded my players not to take any of the matches lightly. Complacency is something I will not tolerate and every THE door to the national men’s hockey team is always open.
Despite the presence of 24 players from the elite Podium Programme, national coach Stephen Van Huizen said other aspiring players will still be considered.
As such, those who shine in the Malaysian Hockey League which starts tomorrow, will be considered for selection to the national team.
In the same breath, Stephen said the 24 Podium players are not guaranteed of a place in the national team.
“Before the national training camp took a break, I have told the national players not to take it easy.
“The players in the national team need to maintain their form as there are others in the league who want to prove to the coaches that they deserve to be selected.” Saiful Affendy Sapran player will be expected to fight for playing time.
“We need to be consistent in order to win at least one silverware this season,” Arul added.
The MHL Premier Division, comprising UniKL, Terengganu Hockey Team, KL Hockey Club, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Maybank and TNB Thunderbolts, starts on Jan 12.