KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 (Bernama) -- The National Juniors aim to make up for last year's disappointment by getting on the podium in this year's Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) International Hockey Tournament that will be held at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru from Oct 11-18.
National head coach Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiruddin said that would require his players to perform to their best throughout the prestigious Under-21 tournament.
However, he acknowledged that their main goal is not just result-based, but the overall improvement in terms of player performance.
"Our focus is on team performance, discipline and consistency throughout the tournament. Our target is to get on the podium. It's not easy, but it's crucial to set lofty goals for the team to be positive and competitive.
"I want the players to prove themselves capable of competing with any team, including the best, and not be categorised as just 'so-so’ players. The key to success is self-confidence, not making mistakes and capitalising on goal-scoring chances,” he said in a statement issued by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation today.
Commenting on the squad, Nor Saiful said player selection was made based on their ability to adapt to the team's style of play, their determination to succeed and a high level of discipline on and off the field.
For this year's edition, Nor Saiful has included five 21-year-old players - Muhammad Danish Aiman Khairil Anuar, Muhammad Addy Jazmi Jamlus, Muhammad Handzalah Abdul Hadi, Mohammad Harris Iskandar Osman and Yashvindraa Singaravadivel.
Nor Saiful has also retained nine players from last year's edition, including Muhammad Aqil Danial Mat Ruslee, Azimuddin Syakir Kamaruddin, Muhammad Nabil Irfan Mohd Yusof, Andywalfian Jeffrynus and Muhammad Adam Ashraf Mohd Johari.
Six countries are taking part in SOJC 2025, including Malaysia, who will view this as a crucial platform in their preparation for the Men's FIH Hockey Junior World Cup in India next month.
Malaysia are slated to start their SOJC campaign against Pakistan on Oct 11, followed by matches against Australia (Oct 12), New Zealand (Oct 14), defending champions Great Britain (Oct 15 ) and India (Oct 17).
Malaysia won the inaugural tournament in 2011 and finished as runners-up in 2013. Last year, they finished sixth.
-- BERNAMA
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