Faizal awakens backline from slumber after dream start in MHL

PETALING JAYA: Three points, two goals and a trophy – the start could not have been better for Terengganu captain Faizal Saari as he aims to inspire his team to greater heights in the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL).

The 31-year-old striker bagged his second Charity Shield after helping Terengganu beat Tenaga Nasional 3-2 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Friday.

He was instrumental as he scored two goals in the seventh and 35th minutes while defender Arif Syafie Ishak nicked the third in the 40th.

Tenaga’s goal scorers were striker Najib Abu Hassan (45th) and defender Faiz Helmi Jali (52nd).

It was Faizal’s second Charity Shield after the last success in 2019, also with Terengganu and he was thrilled. “It’s satisfying to win it again after three years. I was pumped up even before the league started and the excitement led me to scoring goals too,” said Faizal.

He, however, said they would have to tighten their backline if they want to ride on their flying start.

“Tenaga fought back hard in the last two quarters.

We have to work on our backline to make it solid to have a chance of winning the league,” he said.

“Defensively we have to be stronger and upfront, we have to be clinical. We hope to improve from here.”

Faizal hopes his team will be prepared when they face Tnb-thunderbolts today.

“They lost to UITM 2-4 on Friday but we should not underestimate them.

They may lack experience but they make up for that with their energy and fitness,” he said.

“They can run faster and will be eager to show that they can keep pace with the big boys.”