Mouthwatering KLHC-UniKL clash in Alagendra Cup semis
FANS can expect a blockbuster when Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) take on Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) in today’s P. Alagendra Cup semi-finals at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
The two teams will undoubtedly provide a classic encounter for fans given the fact that they have the best foreign and local players in the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL).
UniKL look good, having scored a total of 16 goals in wins over Selangor (10-0) and Universiti Teknoloji Mara (6-0) in the opening two rounds.
KLHC received a first round walkover following the withdrawal of Kedah before edging Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) 2-1 in the quarter-finals on Thursday.
KLHC coach Lim Chiow Chuan is concerned with the threat from UniKL.
“They are a good side with strong attacking players in Australian Glenn Turner and Jeroen Hertzberger,” said Chiow Chuan.
“We will need to step up defensively tomorrow.”
KLHC will have six foreign signings available as Australians Nick Burdgeon and Joshua Pollars are due to arrive just before the match.
UniKL coach Arul Selvaraj said: “KLHC are an experienced side and we cannot allow them to dictate the tempo of the match.
“We will need to be patient and tight as they will be out to exploit defensive lapses,” said Arul.
With Kieren Govers having already netted five goals in the tournament, Arul hopes that the availability of Australian striker Turner will add more depth to his attack.
“We need to step up from the two matches we have played so far.
“We need to win and move into the final,” Arul added.
In the other semi-final match, Terengganu Hockey Club are expected to thrash TNB Thunderbolts. FIXTURES — TODAY Semi-Finals: UniKL v KLHC (6pm); TNB Thunderbolts v Terengganu Hockey Club (8pm)
* Both matches at the National Hockey Stadium