Oltmans tells charges: Treat your enemy with respect

SERI KEMBANGAN: Don’t fall flat on your face.

National hockey coach Roelant Oltmans (pic) warned his boys not to take any team lightly even though they are ranked lower than Malaysia at the FIH Series Finals.

Malaysia, ranked 13th, will open their campaign against Brazil (27th) in their opening Group B match on April 26 which will be held at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

The other teams in the group are China (14th) and Italy (32nd) while Group A comprise of Canada (10th), Wales (24th), Austria (19th) and Belarus (31st).

Oltmans’ boys will play a friendly against Wales today.

“In a tournament, rankings don’t really matter as every team have their own approach and strategy. Just like Malaysia, they too want to qualify for the Olympics,” said the Dutch coach.

The tournament is one of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games qualifiers.

“Many said that the teams coming here would struggle due to the travelling and our hot climate but they know what they are in for. They would have planned and made the best preparation possible.

“I know Brazil lost their two friendlies against UiTM and the national Under-21 but that doesn’t mean we should underestimate them.

“But I have to say, Brazil are ranked 27th in the world and if we lose to them, we better not think about Tokyo.”

Oltmans said preparations have been good and added that all the players are making good progress in training.

“I’m focusing on my own team. I can only say that we are making clear progress. Physically, tactically and mentally, we are getting better.

“This is a tournament we want to perform ... a tournament we want to win.

“This bunch of players have the quality to succeed and I believe in them. There has been a change in attitude and we are confident of getting the job done.”

Against Wales today, Oltmans said he will try out a couple of strategies and fine tune some aspects of the game.