TNB out to end 20-year wait by winning both MHL League and TNB Cup

PETALING JAYA, Feb 7 (Bernama) -- Five times Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) winners Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) have set their sights on repeating a feat accomplished 20 years ago, that is to clinch a double in the (TNB MHL) which starts on Thursday (Feb 9) at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil. 

Coach Nor Saiful Zaini said TNB’s mission of accomplishing a grand double can start with a prolific performance to beat East Coast giants, Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) in the Chairty Shield and win the first trophy.

Nor Saiful said if the TNB squad that comprises a blend of young and experienced players can produce an excellent performance in their first important match, they can certainly maintain their commitment throughout the MHL and TNB Cup competitions.

"We cannot be too far-sighted because we have an important match on Thursday (Charity Shield). Therefore, we must first clinch the title on offer,” he told reporters during an event held to introduce players who will feature in the 2023 TNB squad, at the TNB Sports Complex, today.

Last year, THT turned out to be TNB’s bogey team twice, beating the power brokers in the Charity Shield and MHL league title, but salvaged some pride by winning the TNB Cup after beating THT 3-2 in the final.

Since the inception of the TNB-MHL in 1987, TNB is considered the most successful club, having won the league five times - 1990, 1991-1992 (as Kilat Club), 2000-2001, 2002 and 2003 and emerged as double slam winners in 1991-1992 and 2003 seasons.

Nor Saiful however, claimed that the tactical approach of the squad would have to be revamped due to the absence of three first choice players, namely Shahril Saabah and Syafiq Sumantri (not back to fitness after returning from the World Cup in Bhubaneswar) and Nik Aiman Rozemi who is down with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. 

The coach said the three new players who will be replacing the trio are Hafiz Zainol and Azri Hassan who played for UiTM before, and Danish Danial Abd Wahab, a player from the Thunderbolts programme. 

"We did not register Nik Aiman for this season but Shahril and Syafiq have been included but since we are not sure of their fitness level, they might not feature in the first month. That is why I had to recruit players from outside. 

"Certainly the absence of the trio will affect the tactical preparations of the team since they were key players in the team thoughout last season. The three newcomers are also good players and able to fit into the squad," he said.

-- BERNAMA