Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) both are looking into contributing to the development of the game in the country -one to use foreign infusion and the other to expose local talent.
South Korean Jang Jong Hyun will turn on the power for Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) in the 2024 Men’s Malaysian Hockey League.
TNB open their campaign against Maybank on Friday.
The 40-year-old Jang, who has been a familiar face in the MHL over the last few years, is expected to play a major role as a drag-flick specialist for TNB who have for the first time invested in a foreign player in the league since 1985.
Tenaga have set their sight on the Charity Shield, League and TNB Cup (overall) in the MHL this year which begins on Thursday simultaneously with the women’s league.
Tenaga last won a title in 2022, defeating Terengganu 3-2 in the TNB Cup final.
Tenaga and Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) will meet on February 7 for the Charity Shield at the National Hockey Stadium. Jong Hyun was the MHL’s highest scorer in 2020 with 23 goals for Terengganu, and scored 29 goals last year with the east coast state outfit.
Tenaga will also be parading 10 national players in Ramadan Rosli, Marhan Jalil, Firhan Ashari, Shello Silverius, Faiz Helmi Jali, Amirul Hamizan Azahar, Norsyafiq Sumantri, Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal, Nik Aiman Nik Rozemi and Shahril Saabah.
Tenaga coach Nor Saiful Zaini said at a pre-tournament press conference today that this is the first time since 1985 the club has signed a foreign player to strengthen the defence and also score in penalty corners.
“Penalty corners are very important in matches and Jang is regarded as the best in the world. We don’t have a good drag flicker in the team and our players, TNB Thunderbolts and the juniors can learn a lot from Jang. He is all eager to share his knowledge,” said Saiful.
“This is our way of assisting in the development of the game in the country. While we strengthening our team, we are also using Jang to impart his experience and knowledge to our local players.
“We are serious in our challenge to win all three titles in the MHL with the presence of Jang and 10 national players. We expect to face a strong challenge from last year’s double champions Terengganu, Maybank, UiTM and Liaoning Club of China who have several national players,” he added.
TNB captain Syed Syafiq Syed Chula, on the other hand said that his team management have decided to go local to expose them to the competition and see new talent bloom.
“We have had Jang previously and have learnt from his presence. It is about time for us to see the locals rise and shine. We believe we have experienced ans young talent for a good mix to make our mark. It may be difficult but not impossible,” said Syed Syafiq.
“We believe in our local talent and are confident they will prove their worth.”
