On the cusp of victory
Terengganu one win away from bagging third straight Premier Division crown
KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu are just a win away from winning their third successive Premier Division title in the Malaysia Hockey League.
Before Friday’s match, they were third in the standings but a 4-1 win over leaders Sapura and second-placed KLHC’s shock defeat to Tenaga Nasional saw them lead the standings for the first time.
Now they just need a victory against bottom side Tenaga to lift the trophy.
Terengganu coach Sarjit Singh said they will not let their good fortune go to waste.
“We were given a lifeline as we did not expect the tide to turn in our favour.
“We played our best game this season to beat Sapura and top the standings. And with Tenaga Nasional pulling off a big upset against KLHC, the title run has changed direction in our favour.
“From outsiders we are now strong contenders.”
And there were more good news as their top striker Faizal Saari finally scored his first goal of the tournament against Sapura.
Their main goalgetter has been South Korea’s Jang Jung-hyun, who has scored 10 goals all from penalty corners.
“Jang is our main man and I expect him to get among the scorers again.
“And I’m happy for Faizal as the goal will give him confidence to do better,” added Sarjit.
But the former national coach warned his team not to take Tenaga for granted.
“Despite their position, Tenaga are playing well as shown by their win over KLHC. They have a young set of players but are improving with every match.
“They also have nothing to lose against us and that I think is ... dangerous.”