Coach Sarjit holds Johor’s key to final

THE mouth-watering Razak Cup Division One semi-final between Johor and Terengganu could well be decided by someone on the touchline — coach Sarjit Singh.

The master tactician spent four seasons with the Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) before returning to coach his home state Johor and, as such, knows everything about the THT players.

“When I was with THT, I coached the seniors (at least 12 are in the current Razak Cup team). I also coached the juniors, who are now in the team, under the THT’s development programme. They were either in Form One or Form Two then.

“Terengganu are the favourites against my youthful Johor side, but I know how to stop them,” said the former Olympian.

Sarjit has had an immediate impact on Johor who, after four seasons in the wilderness — including a fifth placing last year — are back in the semi-finals.

The former national coach, however, can also thank Sabah for Johor’s quick revival as he borrowed five of players from the East Malaysian team. Among the notable ones are Shello Silverius and Alfarico Lance Riau.

Terengganu skipper Shahrun Nabil is well aware of what Sarjit is capable of, having trained under him when he coached the 2005 Rotterdam Junior World Cup team.

“I’ve known coach Sarjit since my junior playing days. He was also my coach in THT. He is a master tactician who can turn the tide around for his team.

“But our strength is that every player in the team is Terengganuborn and we know each other well. That’s what’s going to work for us,” said former national player Shahrul.

Terengganu will also be counting on their Division One top scorer Akhimullah Anuar Essok to deliver the goods.

Akhimullah and Kuala Lumpur’s Syamin Yusof are joint top scorers with five goals each.

The other semi-final should see Melaka holding a slight edge over Kuala Lumpur in terms of fitness.

RESULTS — Division Two: Kedah 4 Kelantan 4, Armed Forces 0 Perlis 1, Selangor 2 Negri Sembilan 2.

TODAY — Divison One, Men’s semi-finals: Johor v Terengganu (NHS 1, 6.30pm), Kuala Lumpur v Melaka (NHS 2, 6.30pm).

Women’s semi-finals: Kuala Lumpur v Armed Forces (NHS 1, 4pm), Selangor v Police (NHS 2, 4pm).

SATURDAY — Division Two, Final: Selangor v Perlis (NHS 2, 3pm);

Third-fourth: Armed Forces v Negri Sembilan (NHS 1, 3pm).