Shahril has the energy to help Tenaga end long wait for title

PETALING JAYA: Striker Shahril Saabah wants to end Tenaga Nasional’s 11-year wait for a title in the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL).

Tenaga last won the league in 2010 and their last final appearance was at the TNB Cup in 2013. Last year, they finished third in the league.

“It has been a while. I just want to help Tenaga hoist the title. We have a chance, but we have to be at our 100% to win it,” said Shahril, who scored 10 goals last season.

He knows it will be difficult to win as they will have to contend with defending champions UniKL, Terengganu and Maybank.

“We’ve many national players but UniKL are a top side and Terengganu have retained their core players. Maybank also have a good mix of national senior and junior players,” he said.

The other national players in Tenaga are Faiz Helmi Jali, Syed Mohd Syafiq Syed Cholan, Nik Mohd Aiman Nik Rozemi, Norsyafiq Sumantri, Mohd Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal, Mohd Firhan Ashaari, Mohd

Hairi Abdul Rahman, Mohd Aminuddin Mohd Zain, Mohd Shamir Rizmi Mohd Shamsul and Idris Samad.

Shahril and Co will take a swab test next Monday before they enter the sports bubble on March 9.

“We will have at least eight days of tactical training. It’s not enough, but we will have to make do,” he said.

Despite the short practice time, Shahril believes there will be quality in all matches as players are eager to impress national coach A. Arulselvaraj ahead of the Asian Champions Trophy.

“Players will be out to perform in the league to win a place in the national team. Expect some deadly shots and feisty duels,” he added.