Editorial Comment with Story
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19/02/2005
MAS Johor set modest semi-final target
BY RIZAL ABDULLAH
JOHOR BARU: Johor have set their sights on making at least the semi-finals in the National Under-21 hockey tournament, which gets underway at the Bukit Serindit Hockey Stadium in Malacca today.
Johor have been drawn in a tough Group A with title contenders Kuala Lumpur, hosts Malacca, Kelantan, Selangor and the Project Squad, which is basically the national Under-16 side.
Group B comprises Armed Forces, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Penang and Singapore.
Johor HA secretary Manjit Majid Abdullah said their priority was to reach the semi-finals.
“We have never really done well in this tournament. Reaching the semi-final is our first target. Anything more that will be a bonus,” said Manjit yesterday.
“We are unfortunate to have been drawn in a tough group. Malacca and KL are strong. Still, reaching the last four is within our reach.”
Most of the players who have made the Johor team are quite experienced, having played in last year’s Sukma in Seremban, where Johor finished fourth.
The Johor Under-21 squad is made up of players from Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar (English College), Bandar Penawar Sports School in Kota Tinggi and three players from the Bukit Jalil Sports School in Kuala Lumpur.
Their coach is former state player B. Sugumaran, who is assisted by Yasmin Abdul Rahman. Their team manager is Saad Hashim.
