Back in the game
Faizal and Fitri grat teful for national team re ecall
The Saari brothers Faizal and Fitri have been recalled to the national hockey team after being dropped earlier this year by former coach Roelant Oltmans. And both of them have promised new coach S. Arul Selvaraj that they will give nothing but their best.
PETALING JAYA: From national discards to top players again in just eight months. The fortunes of the Saari brothers Faizal and Fitri have certainly reversed.
The duo got their wish yesterday when they were recalled to the national team as part of the 38-men squad named by coach S. Arul Selvaraj.
The siblings were shocked when they were dropped from the centralised camp in February this year by former head coach Roelant Oltmans but they refused to give up.
They wanted to make a comeback when Arul took over the job from Oltmans last month but the former told them to prove themselves at the Razak Cup. And they certainly did.
The 29-year-old Faizal was emphatic as he scored 18 goals in six games, while his brother Fitri, 27, scored two and assisted in seven, which saw their team Terengganu finishing runners-up after losing 2-4 to Perak in the final.
Faizal was overjoyed with the second chance given to him.
“I can’t wait. It feels good to be back with the team after eight months. The competition will be tight as there are many strikers in the squad, but I see this as a healthy challenge,” said Faizal.
“I know I have to prove myself again during the one-month centralised training camp. I have to be at my best to be part of the 25-men squad.”
As for Fitri, he was happy that his performance for Terengganu was noticed.
“It was tough when I was dropped, but now that I am back, I will give my all for the team. I still have to prove myself to be part of the 25,” said Fitri.
“Now, I have to show the coaches that I am the best midfielder in Malaysia and add depth in the team with my performances.
Arul also named 11 new players, of which, seven are uncapped.
The seven are goalkeeper Mohd Shafie Sharom; defenders Zulpidaus Mizun, Syarmann Mat Tee; midfielders Mohd Fakhri Ardillah, Pavandip Singh; and strikers Nur Rahull Hrshikesa Tatchana Murthy, Syamil Azam Dzulkafly.
The other four – goalkeeper Mohd Hafizuddin Othman, defender Mohd Azri Hassan, midfielders Mohd Ramadan Rosli and Harvinder Singh have been capped.
Arul said the selection of the team, with an average age of 25, was done based on hockey performance and also their attitude in games.
“The new faces in the centralised training squad are here because of their commitment. Before taking over, I felt the spirit was lacking,” Arul said.
“I can help them improve on skills and tactics but spirit and fitness, it is on them. I want them to be more responsible.
“For me, age is not the most important criteria, it’s the quality and the spirit that matter.”
The squad will get ready for the Asian Champions Trophy in March next year.