Cikgu seeks double joy

Shahabudin Royani is looking for a double celebration from SMK Datuk Bentara LuarUniKL players in the semi-finals of the TNB Cup today.

For it was his birthday (Thursday) and the 54-year-old team manager will be opting out on early retirement in June.

However, he has a tall order, as his charges face League champions Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) Thunderbolts in the last four.

The other semi-final will be between Anderson Thunderbolts and Pahang’s AHP-SSP Thunderbolts.

Datuk Bentara Luar, from Batu Pahat, Johor, beat Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) Thunderbolts 2-1 in the quarter-finals — to deny a Thunderbolts monopoly in the semi-finals.

“I know it will not be an easy match as we face mighty SSTMI. But I know my players will give their best for an upset, and even if they do not win, I expect them to fight like champions till the very end.

“That is all I am asking from them as a birthday-cum-retirement gift,” said Shahabudin.

Datuk Bentara started as a Division Two outfit in 2013, and gained promotion to Division One in 2016 when they finished second behind Nur Insafi.

With funding from Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Bentara finished eighth in 2016, sixth in 2017 but were knocked out 5-0 in the quarter-finals by SSTMI Thunderbolts.

“This is the second time we will be playing in the knockout stage of the TNB Cup, and our first semi-final appearance.

“Coincidentally we were also paired against SSTMI in the quarter-finals last season.

“This year, we lost to them 4-0 in the league, but that score is no excuse to play badly in the semis,” said Shahabudin.

TODAY: Semi-finals: Anderson Thunderbolts v AHP-SSP Thunderbolts (National Stadium, 4pm), SSTMI Thunderbolts v SMKDBL-UNIKL-PHJ (National Stadium, 6.30pm).