Oltmans recalls old hands for World Series

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will bank on their old hands at the FIH World Series.

Experienced forward Muhd Shahril Saabah, who last played in the Asian Champions Trophy in October, will be making a return from a hamstring injury.

Shahril, who is a Tenaga Nasional employee, did not play a single match for the club in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) due to his injury.

National skipper Muhd Sukri Abdul Mutalib and defender Syed Mohd Syafiq Syed Cholan, who both skipped the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh last month also due to injuries, are also back in the team.

National coach Roelant Oltmans has also included goalkeeper Mohd Hafizuddin Othman, who last played at the Champions Trophy.

The Dutchman is confident that the 18 players named would be able to deliver when the Series kicks of from April 26 to May 4 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

“I have full faith in them. They are our best hope to win the tournament,” said Oltmans.

He added that the inclusion of four experienced players in Sukri, Hafizuddin, Shahril and Syed Syafiq will beef up the squad.

“All of them have recovered from their injuries and they are assets to the team.

“We have been focusing more on our tactical play and also in our finishing which was not up to mark in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

“I want to see the forwards not only creating chances but bury them as well,” added Oltmans.

Malaysia will play a friendly against Wales on Tuesday before facing Brazil in their opening Group B match.

The other teams in Group B are China and Italy while Group A comprises Canada, Wales, Austria and Belarus.