KEEPERS HAVE DONE ENOUGH
Van Huizen satisfied with Hafizuddin and Hairi but wants improvement
NATIONAL coach Stephen Van Huizen is satisfied with the performances of his goalkeepers Hafizuddin Othman and Hairi Abd Rahman at the just-concluded Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh.
Van Huizen believes both keepers are good enough to fill S. Kumar’s shoes for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games on April 4-15.
Kumar is serving a provisional suspension for testing positive for sibutramine at last year’s Asia Cup in Dhaka.
The veteran will likely miss the Gold Coast assignment as the International Hockey Federation have yet to set a hearing date for his case.
“Hafizuddin and Hairi did their best in Ipoh but of course they were not perfect as they also made mistakes during matches,” said Van Huizen yesterday.
“I hope they will tighten their game following the exposure in the Azlan Shah Cup.”
Van Huizen believes both custodians will improve provided they play regularly in major tournaments.
“Although, it was disappointing that we did not finish top three in Ipoh, I feel the team gave their all in every match,” he said.
Malaysia finished fourth following a 32 defeat to Argentina in a classification match on Saturday.
On the Commonwealth Games, Van Huizen disclosed that he could make some changes to his Gold Coast-bound team.
“I need to assess those who did not play in Ipoh due to injury.
“Captain Sukri Mutalib was one of the regulars who did not play. I will have only two weeks to evaluate them,” Van Huizen added.
The national team will leave for the Gold Coast on March 26.