Shahril itching to settle score with UNIKL

KUALALUMPUR: Mohd Shahril Saabah has waited an entire season for this moment — another shot at the milo-malaysian junior hockey league (MJHL) Division One league title and the sweet nectar of revenge.

The Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (Sstmi)-thunderbolt forward has been itching to settle the score against arch rivals Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UNIKL), who deprived his team of the double last year.

Today’s final league match, appropriately a repeat of the 2011 clash between the two titans, at Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru, will decide the champions.

Last year, Shahril gave Thunderbolt the lead in their last league tie against UNIKL. But UNIKL managed to equalise and the match ended in a 1-1 draw, which was enough for the university team to win the league on a better goal difference.

However, the scenario is different this time as Thunderbolt have the advantage. They only need a draw while UNIKL must win to pip them again.

Both the teams are level on goal difference with Thunderbolt ahead by virtue of having scored more goals.

The 19-year-old Shahril, who has scored 10 goals in six matches this campaign, said he had been chomping at the bit in anticipation of this match.

“They edged us on better goal difference last season. But this time we only need a draw to win the league.

“Still, we won’t take any chances as they will be going all out to beat us,” said the Project 2013 player.

Shahril, who has been playing for Sports School since 2007, said nothing is going to stop his team from winning the league this year.

“We not only have a solid team but the psychological advantage as we will be playing at our home ground,” said Shahril.

“Our target is to win the double this season to make up for the disappointment of last season.

“Although I have 10 goals, I’m not too pleased as I want to score more than the 15 I hammered last season to win the top scorer award,” said Shahril, a member of the 2013 team.

UNIKL will receive a massive boost with the return of skipper Mohd Taufik Hamid from a three-match suspension.

Taufik was banned for striking Bukit Jalil Sports School’s (BJSS) Ashraf Alias in the face with his stick during their match on Feb 4.

Taufik, a former Thunderbolt player, said it would be a tough match between two teams of equal strength.

“It will be touch-and-go as our last two league matches in KL ended in 1-1 draws,” said Taufik.