Combination of new and experienced players for 2017 SOJC

KUALA LUMPUR: The national men’s hockey squad will feature a combination of young and experienced players for the Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC ) from Oct 22 to 29 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru.

CoachNorSaifulZainiNasiruddin said the line-up could give a tough fight to other participating teams from Great Britain, India, United States, Japan and defending champions Australia in the seventh edition of the tournament.

“We are combining experienced and young players for the first time at SOJC.

I believe this team will be the best line-up in future.

“The SOJC is not the platform to try out players as the participating teams are from the leading squads.

So our young players selected are also very experienced,” he said in a statement issued by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) He said eight of the 20 shortlisted players, who would undergo the final phase training from Oct 15 to 20, had played at international level competitions.

They included Muhammad Zaimi Mat Deris, Mohammad Firdaus Omar, Luqman Nul Haqim Ahmad Shukran, Nor Syafiq Sumantri and Nik Muhammad Aiman Nik Rozemi.

Nor Saiful said it was hoped the senior players would set a good example to the entire team.

“So far, the SOJC squad is the best, and I want all players to adapt themselves to the tactics built into the squad,” he said.

Malaysia were champions when SOJC was held for the first time in 2011. — Bernama