Muhammad Marhan Mohd Jalil, the most senior player in the Malaysian team, has been tasked once again to lead the 18-member Speedy Tigers in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup that starts tomorrow in Ipoh.
Marhan, who turned 34 in March, and has 302 international caps, had also captained the national team from 2020 to January 2024. The Malaysian Hockey Confederation, however, disbanded the team on February 1 this year following its failure to qualify for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
The Speedy Tigers, who defeated New Zealand 3-2 in a friendly two days ago, went down 2-1 against the South Koreans in a friendly tie tonight. Syed Mohamed Syafiq Syed Cholan scored for Speedy Tigers.
The defeat did not ring alarm bells.
“We did not play most of the seniors and experienced players against the Koreans. In fact, we gave the youngsters the chance to showcase their ability against the Koreans,” said Marhan.
“Our challenge will begin in the SAS Cup in our first match against Pakistan on Saturday.
“We have played the Pakistanis many times over the years and the most recent was in the Olympic qualifiers in Oman in January. The score was 3-3. We are a new team and in the process of developing this team. It will take time and I’m confident the players will give their best in the tournament,” he added.
The national squad of 30 players was trimmed down to 18 for the SAS Cup after the friendly match against the Koreans tonight. However, the remaining 12 players will continue to train in preparation for the upcoming Nations Cup and Asian Champions Trophy.
The forward line comprise of Faizal Saari, Muhammad Azrai Aizad, Muhajir Abdul Rauf, Akhimullah Anuar Esook, and 18-year-old Azimuddin Syakir Kamaruddin.
Midfielders are Fitri Saari, Nik Muhamad Aiman Nik Rozemi, Shello Silverius, Norsyafiq Sumantri, and Alfarico Lance Liau Jr.
Marhan will spearhead the defence together with Syed Mohamed Syafiq Syed Cholan, Muhamad Amirul Hamizan Azhar, Muhamad Shafiq Hassan, Najib Abu Hassan and Syarman Mat Tee.
Sarjit also opted for regular No 1 goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman and debutant Che Shahrul Azmi Che Saufi (Nurinsafi Sportings), leaving out Muhamad Zaimi and Adrian Andy Albert for the next international engagements – Six Nations Cup in Poland and Asian Champions Trophy.
