Olak to play alongside the big boys next year

KUALA LUMPUR: The Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak) will make their debut in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) next year.

They will feature in Division One when the MHL begins on Jan 10.

Olak team manager Joseph De Silva said that after playing in the Under-19 Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL) for 23 years – since 1995 – “we have finally decided to feature in the senior league”.

“We are competing in the MHL as we want to continue grooming players. We also want to give a chance to players aged 19 and above to continue playing hockey.

“Most of our players don't get a chance to play with other teams in the MHL after they leave Olak,” said Joseph, who has been managing the Olak team since 1995.

Olak have done well in the MJHL, winning the double – league and overall – twice in 1998 and 1999. They also won the league title in 1997 and bagged the overall title in 2000.

Olak are discussing with former national player and Police defender Baljit Singh Sarjab to play for them in the MHL.

“Police are not putting up a team in the MHL despite winning the Division One title this year. So, we hope to get him to beef up our defence. After all, he is also good penalty corner drag flicker.

“We expect to name a young squad to gain exposure in the MHL. Most of them featured in the Selangor Hockey League, which ended last month,” said Joseph.

Olak will hold a one-day trial at the Pandamaran Hockey Stadium in Klang on Dec 2 from 4pm to 7pm.

For details, contact Joseph (0196491927) or Olak chief coach S. Sivabalan (013-3428049).

The closing date for teams to confirm entries for the MHL is Dec 8.