On track for treble double
Terengganu one win away from winning two titles for the third time in a row
KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu are one win away from achieving a unique “treble double” in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL)
Based on their current form and lethal finishing, Terengganu should prove to be too strong for Sapura when the teams meet in the TNB Cup final at the Tun Razak Stadium here today.
Having already won the Premier Division three times in a row, the east coast team can cement their place as the top hockey club in the country with a third overall title.
They’ve been in ruthless form of late, brushing aside all oppositions with considerable ease.
Their main goal-getter, Jang Jung-hyun, has been clinical with his penalty corner flicks – having scored 14 goals.
They also have players like Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, Faizal Saari and Ismail Abu, who have been finding the back of the net regularly as well.
With such firepower on show, one wonders if Sapura even stand a chance.
Although Sapura won their first round match 2-0 in the Premier Division, the Terengganu side whipped them 4-1 in the second round of matches on their way to retaining the league crown.
In the TNB Cup semi-finals, Terengganu had an easy time against Maybank while Sapura needed a penalty shootout to edge Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club.
But, as usual, Terengganu coach Sarjit Singh prefers to take a cautious stand ahead of the final.
“It’s easy to be carried away after an easy semi-final win, but Sapura are a good side and they have players who can hurt us. We can’t take them lightly ... there is no room for complacency or mistakes. We have to be on the alert from the word go,” said Sarjit, who led Terengganu to their two title wins in 2014 and 2015.
“No matter what strategy I come up with, it’s the players who will ultimately decide their fate.
“All they need to do is to play to their potential. We started the season badly, but have since stepped up a notch.
“The good thing is that most of my players have played in a final before, so we’ll have a little edge over them.”