Old is gold
Veteran goalkeeper Roslan turns back time in MHL
KUALA LUMPUR: Former international Roslan Jamaluddin is the oldest goalkeeper but he continues to put youngsters to shame in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).
The 39-year-old Roslan turned the saviour for KL Hockey Club (KLHC) on Wednesday when he blocked Firhan Ashaari’s attempt in the sudden death shootout against Tenaga Nasional to take his team to the TNB Cup final.
They defeated Tenaga 8-7 in the shootout after both teams were locked 6-6 on aggregate.
KLHC lost the first leg semi-finals 3-2 but won the return leg 4-3.
It was not the first time that Roslan had come to the team’s rescue.
The old-timer, who has featured in the MHL since 1996, also stepped up when it mattered most to help KLHC win two titles – Tan Sri P. Alagendra Cup and Charity Shield this season.
In both the finals, KLHC had defeated Terengganu in the sudden death penalty shootouts (4-3 and 5-4) and it was Roslan, who saved the day.
A modest Roslan said it was not
all that perfect for him.
“I’ve conceded goals too. We’ve lost the Premier Division matches to Tenaga (4-2) and Terengganu (2-1),” said Roslan.
“But, overall I’m satisfied with my performances in the MHL so far. I’ve become better at handling myself during penalty shootouts,” said Roslan.
KLHC will face Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) in the final and Roslan is bracing for a daunting task.
“Our matches against them have always been touch and go and it will be no different in the final,” said Roslan.
“UniKL players will be all fired in the final to win their first-ever silverware.”
UniKL made their debut in the MHL since 2011 and this is the first time that they have qualified in a final.
KLHC defeated UniKL (3-1) in the semi-finals of the Alagendra Cup. In the Premier Division
matches, the first match ended in a 3-3 draw while KLHC won 3-1 in the second round match.
Asked whether Roslan was keen for a national call up, he said it was not possible because of his age.
“Besides, I’ve a full time job as the goalkeepers’ coach for the national women’s team since 2016,” said Roslan, who last represented Malaysia in the World League Semi-finals in Antwerp, Belgium in 2015.