Kiwis like classy Malaysia

Malaysian hockey team have class!

That was the reply from New Zealand coach Darren Smith when asked why they came to Kuala Lumpur for three Test matches starting today at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

The other two matches will be on Nov 20 and 22 at the same venue.

In the World Cup, New Zealand are in Group A with Argentina, Spain and France while Malaysia are in Group D with Netherlands, Germany and Pakistan.

And Malaysa’s recent achievemtnts in the Asian Games also attracted the Black Sticks to

choose them as sparring partners before flying off to Bhubaneswar for the World Cup from Nov 28-Dec 16.

“Malaysia are quality opponents and almost qualified for the Tokyo Olympics (but lost to Japan in the Asian Games final) and they also showed good progress in the Asian Champions Trophy,” said Darren Smith when met during a training session at the Tengku Abdullah Stadium in Bangi.

Smith also said the appointment of Roelant Oltmans as Malaysia’s new coach was the other reason.

“It would be interesting to see what Oltmans can do with the Malaysian team. He is a topnotch coach and I believe it would be great combination with a good side like Malaysia,” said Darren.

Darren is also on a mission to get input from the three friendlies to improve his charges before they head to Bhubaneswar.