Time to spoil the party

Terengganu out to end Police’s Cup dream

KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu will be out to dash Police’s hopes of a historic Razak Cup title at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

The Cops, who won the Division Two title last year, are gunning for their maiden crown while the East Coast side are out to lift their second title today.

Unbeaten Police qualified for the final with an impressive 3-0 win over last year’s runners-up Perak in the last-four on Friday.

Terengganu, who won the title in 2012, will be relying on former international forward Faizal Saari, who netted five goals in four matches, to deliver in the final.

But he may face a stumbling block in Police goalkeeper Zaidi Ibrahim who has been outstanding between the posts.

Police, on the other hand, will be banking on penalty corner specialist Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim, who has also scored five goals in four matches, to get on the score card in the final.

Police will welcome the return of forward Azreen Rizal Nasir who has served his onematch suspension for a red-card offence against Malacca on Wednesday.

Overall, Terengganu have a slight advantage as they are powered by four national players in forwards Faizal, Mohd Firhan Ashaari, goalkeeper Mohd Hafizuddin Othman and midfielder Mohd Fitri Saari.

Despite the high stakes in today’s showdown, there is unlikely to be any chance of hostilities as both coaches are good buddies. Terengganu’s Sarjit Singh was the national coach from 2006 to 2008 with Gurmit Singh his assistant. Gurmit said that Sarjit is his “Guru”. “I have high regard for Sarjit, who is one of the best coaches in the country,” said Gurmit.

“It is a proud moment for us to reach the final as we hope to create history by lifting our first title.

“We respect Terengganu, who have young and energetic players. It will be a good final.”

Sarjit congratulated Gurmit for guiding Police into the final.

“I’m happy for Gurmit as he has put in a lot of hard work with the team,” said Sarjit.

“I’m also glad that the 13 Sukma (Malaysia Games) players in my team have gelled well with the five seniors.

“I am also expecting it to be a good final,” said Sarjit.